it 


55:'     ■':•:'/;  n-'y.i 


JOARY 


>y 


COLLECTIONS 


Virginia  Historical  Society. 


New  Series, 


VOL.  III. 


WM  ^ES, 

RICHMOND.  VA. 


•^  ^.  //r  //y^^^r^P  v?^^ 


THE 


OFFICIAL  RECORDS 

OK 

Robert  Dinwiddie, 

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR  OF  THE  COLONY 
OF  VIRGINL^.  1751-1758, 

Now  First  Printed  from  the  Manuscript 


IN    THE   COLLECTIONS   OF   THE 


Virginia  Historical  Society, 

WITH    AN    INTRODUCTION    AND    NOTES   BV 

R.  A.  BROCK, 

Corresponding  Secretary  and  Librarian  of  the  Society. 


VOL.  I. 


Richmond,  \'a. 

PUBLISHED  BY  THE  SOCIETY 

MDCCCLXXXIIl. 


^<e>9'9^ 


-^ 


ti^'^^g^^^MS^ 


,^-j^V-e-*^^^ 


^y^*-  ^.^.-t-<_^^^  ^  ^SC^^-*^-' 


J^ 


PREFATORY  NOTE. 


These  valuable  records,  though  never  before  published,  have 
been,  on  several  occasions,  consulted  by  historians.  They  were 
doubtless  accessible  to  Chalmers;  and  Sparks  (who  has  been 
followed  by  other  American  authors),  in  his  Writmgs  of  Wash- 
ingtoyi,  acknowledges  his  indebtedness  to  them.  But  his  exami- 
nation, it  is  apprehended,  was  only  superficial,  and  does  not  seem 
to  have  been  impartial. 

The  manuscripts,  as  at  present  constituted,  are  comprised  in 
five  folio  volumes;  the  first  four  containing  the  records  of  the 
administration  of  Governor  Dinwiddie — being  copies  of  his  offi- 
cial letters,  addresses,  reports,  etc. ;  and  the  fifth,  original  letters 
of  Washington,  complementary  thereto  These  last  had  been 
dispersed  in  England  as  autograph  memorials,  but  were  col- 
lected and  replaced  with  the  records  by  their  late  possessor, 
Henry  Stevens,  Esquire,  F.  S.  A.  At  the  auction  sale  of  the  first 
portion  of  his  library,  in  London,  July,  1881,  these  papers  were, 
with  the  enlightened  consideration  characteristic  of  William  W. 
Corcoran,  Esquire,  purchased  by  him,  and  presented  to  this  So- 
ciety, of  which  he  is  a  vice-president.  He  has  further  liberally 
contributed  towards  the  cost  of  their  publication.  In  memorial 
of  his  generosity  his  portrait  and  letter  of  presentation  accom- 
pany this  volume. 


INTRODUCTION. 

The  period  of  the  accession  of  Robert  Dinwiddie  as  the  ex- 
ecutive of  the  colony  of  Virginia  was  one  of  anxiety  and 
momentous  presage  in  its  history,  and  the  dignity  of  Lieu- 
tenant Governor,  at  this  critical  exigency,  was  conferred  upon 
him  in  royal  recognition  of  the  singular  ability,  zeal,  and 
fidelity  exhibited  by  him  in  previous  positions  of  governmental 
trust.  The  Dinwiddie"  is  an  ancient  Scotch  family  of  historic 
mention.  On  the  "Ragman's  Roll,""  A.  D.,  1296,  appears 
the  name  of  Alleyn  Dinwithie,  the  progenitor,  it  is  said,  of 
the  Dinwiddies  who  were  long  seated,  as  chief  proprietors,  on 
lands  called  after  them,  in  the  parish  of  Applegarth,  Annandale, 
Dumfries-shire."  Thomas,  the  chief  of  the  clan,  was  slain  in  Din- 
widdie Tower  in  1503,  by  the  Jardines,  and  to  the  same  agency 
was  ascribed  the  assassination  of  the  Laird  of  Dinwiddie  in  the 
streets  of  Edinburgh  in  1512.  Among  those  who  gave  allegiance 
to  England  in   1547  were  the  Laird  of  Dunwoody  and  forty-four 


a  The  family  arms,  as  borne  by  Governor  Dinwiddie,  were  :  Per  fesse, 
in  chief,  or,  a  landscape,  trees,  etc.,  thereon  an  archer  shooting  with  a 
bow  and  arrow  at  a  stag,  passant,  regardant,  all  ppr.  in  base,  or,  on  the 
dexter,  a  castle  and  flag,  and  on  the  sinister,  rocks,  between  them  the 
sea,  on  it  a  ship  sailing  with  one  mast,  all  ppr.  Crest — An  eagle  with 
wings  endorsed  and  inverted,  and  holding  in  the  dexter  claw  a  Guinea 
pig.  Motto :  Ubi  libertas  ibi  patria.  This  is  the  motto  also  of  the 
Baillie  and  Hugar  families,  and  was  that  inscribed  by  the  refugee  par- 
liamentarian Ludlow  upon  his  cottage  in  Switzerland. 

(^The  "Ragman's  Roll"  was  the  list  of  Barons  and  men  of  note,  who 
subscribed  submission  to  Edward  I,  in  1296,  when  that  sovereign  in- 
vaded Scotland  and  despoiled  it  of  historical  records  and  of  the  sacred 
coronation  stone,  which  last  is  still  preserved  in  London. — Sir  Walter 
Scott's  History  of  Scotland,  i,  pp.  66,  162. 

^Governor  Dinwiddie  received,  October  4,  175S,  a  "  Ikirge.ss  ticket," 
with  the  "  freedom  of  tlie  Burgh  of  Dumfries." 


INTRODUCTION. 

lollowcrs.*  The  immediate  ancestors  «>f  Governor  Dinwiddic 
were  dcnizenii  of  (.jiaiiifow,  and  had  l>ecn,  for  !»ome  (generations 
probably,  merchanUt  in  honorable  esteem,  as  was  his  father, 
Robert  Dinwiddie.'  His  mother  was  also  of  an  old  (ilasjjow 
family  of  the  same  callin);.  She  was  Sarah,  the  daughter  of 
Matthew  Cummin);,  who  was  Baillie  of  the  city  in  1691,  1696 
and  i<nt>t,  am!  thr  owmr  of  the  lands  of  Cardcrock  in  the  con- 
tijfuou.s  parish  of  Cadder.'  The  son.  Robert  Dinwiddie.  was 
bom  in  1693,  at  Gcrmiston.  a  seat  purchased  by  his  father  in 
ifK/L).  He  was  disciplined  in  the  couiitinj^-house,  and  was  pro- 
bably for  a  time  a  merchant  in  (ilasj^ow.  He  was  appointed, 
December  i,  1727,  a  collector  of  the  Customs  in  the  Island  of 
Hermuda.  which  position  he  held  under  successive  commissions, 
until  April  11,  1738,  when,  in  acknowledjjment  of  his  vi^^ilancc 
and  zeal  in  the  dischar^^e  of  otlicial  duty,  in  the  detecting  and 
exposinjj  a  lonjj  practiced  system  of  fraud  in  the  collection  of 
the  Customs  of  the  West  India  Islands,  he  received  the  appoint- 
ment of  "Sur\eyor-(ieneral  of  Customs  of  the  southern  ports  of 
the  Continent  of  America." 

He  was  named,  as  his  predecessors  had  been,  a  member  of  the 
respective  councils  of  the  American  Colonies.  This  mandate 
was  recognized  by  Governor  (iooch,  of  X'irginia,  (in  which 
colony  Dinwiddie  appears  to  have  fixed  his  chief  residence,)  but 
was  resisted  by  the  Councillors,  who,  jealous  of  interference  with 
their  prerogatives,  refused  to  allow  him  to  sit  with  them,  and 
transmitted  a  remonstrance  to  the  King  for  his  exclusion.* 

The  controversy  was  decided  by  the  Board  of  Trade,  in  May, 

d  Mc Daii-eirs  History  0/  Ditm/ries,  p.  247. 

''I'l  1737.  .Sarah  Gart.shorn,  relict  of  I-iiwrcncc.  brt>thcr  of  RoIktI  Din- 
widdic (the  father  of  the  Governor)  was  put  on  the  rolls  of  pensioners 
of  Mutcheson  Mcripital.  Both  he  and  his  son  .Matthew  are  amon^  the 
"merchants  in  Glasgow,  and  lorraiRn  traders  connected  with  shipping, 
an<l  who.  in  1778.  entered  in  an  ajjrcement  for  tlie  relief  of  |><K)r  derayed 
mariners."  {History  of  Merchants'  House  of  (i/asgon\\t  fxn).  They 
may  have  l>een  partners,  ruined  together  in  tlie  mercantile  tlepression 
c»f  CJIasgow  in  1735. — Memorandum  of  J.  O.  Mitchell,  Esq'r,  (ilasgoxc. 

/Several  pieces  of  silver  plate,  with  the  Dinwiddie  and  Cummin^ 
arms  impaled,  purchased  at  the  sale  of  the  personal  effects  of  the 
Governor  in  1757,  by  Colonel  Wilson  Cary.  of  "Ceelys."  are  now  in  the 
possession  of  a  descendant  of  the  last— Wilson  Miles  Cary.  Escj'r,  Balti- 
more, Md. 

g  Chalmers'  Introduetion,  ii.  pp.  199,  aoo. 


INTRODUCTION'.  IX 

1742,  advising  that  the  royal  purpose  should  be  enforced,  in  op- 
position to  claims  dangerous  because  they  were  new. 

Dinwiddie  was  specially  commissioned,  August  17,  1743,  with 
the  designation  of  "  Inspector-General,"  to  examine  into  the 
duties  of  the  Collector  of  Customs  of  the  Island  of  Barbadoes, 
and  in  the  discharge  of  this  trust,  exposed  to  the'  F^nglish 
government  an  enormous  defalcation  in  the  revenues  there.''  In 
1749  he  appears  to  have  resided  in  London  as  a  merchant,  en- 
gaged in  trade  with  the  colonies.' 

He  was  appointed  Lieutenant-Governor  of  Virginia,  July  20, 
1 75 1,  and  with  his  wife  and  two  daughters,  Elizabeth  and 
Rebecca,^  arrived  in  the  colony  November  20th,  following. 

He  was  warmly  welcomed,  as  the  records  evidence,  with  e.xpres- 
sions  of  respect  and  regard,  but  in  a  little  while  gave  oft'ence  by 
declaring  the  dissent  of  the  King  to  certain  acts  which  his  more 
insinuating  predecessor,  Gooch,"  had  approved.     Governor  Din- 

h  The  dates  of  the  several  appointments  of  Governor  Dinwiddie  have 
been  derived  from  an  inspection  of  the  original  commissions,  obligingly 
forwarded  with  other  documents  to  the  editor  from  London,  by  Mrs. 
M.  A.  Dinwiddie,  relict  of  the  late  General  Gilbert  Hamilton  Din- 
widdie, Commissary-General  of  the  British  Army,  whose  warm  in- 
terest in  the  present  publication,  and  continued  kind  offices  in  essen- 
tial information,  and  in  photographs  of  the  portraits  of  the  Governor, 
and  of  his  daughters  (in  her  possession),  are  gratefully  acknowledged. 
The  portrait  of  the  Governor  is  noble  in  its  expression  of  earnest 
purpose,  candor,  and  benignity,  whilst  that  of  the  daughters,  who  are 
depicted  at  the  ages  apparently  of  sixteen  and  twelve  years  respect- 
ively, evince  that  the  original,  by  "Allan  Ramsay,"  is  a  work  of  art,  of 
exquisite  execution  in  its  details  and  accessories. 

z  Among  the  documents  referred  to  in  the  preceding  note,  was  a  bill 
of  sale,  dated  April  3,  1749,  to  "  Robert  Dinwiddie,  Esq'r,  of  London, 
merchant,"  of  one-eighth  part  of  the  "Warren  Frigate,  300  tons  burthen, 
James  Nivin.  Master,"  from  Andrew  Pringle,  for  the  consideration  of 
/193  ^8s. 

y  Among  the  documents  submitted  by  Mrs  Dinwiddie,  is  a  certificate, 
dated  September  5,  1758,  admitting  Miss  Rebecca  Dinwiddie  "  to  the 
privileges  of  a  Burgess  of  the  town  of  Renfrew,  Scotland." 

k  It  may  be  of  interest  to  note  that  another  of  the  lineage  of  Gov- 
ernor Gooch,  and  bearing  the  same  Christian  name,  preceded  him  as  a 
resident  of  the  colony.     At   Temple  Farm,  the  country  residence  of 


X  INTROlJl  CTU>.N. 

witidic.  timiin){  that  the  rtxulations  ^uvcrnin^  the  patrntinK  uf 
laiul.s  were  but  hitle  rc){.irticil,  and  that  a  practicx*  had  lon^;  pre* 
vaileil  oi  securing  the  (MKUMnuiion  and  use  of  lands  by  warrants 
I.!  without  the  rntrrinjj  of  patents.'  by  which  more  than 

a  .  -I  acres  were  unp.»tentetl,  and  the  royal  revenue  from 

the  (Juil-rcnls  seriously  defrauded — with  the  advice  of  the 
Council,  in  an  endeavor  to  correct  the  abuse,  and  by  the  exac- 
tion of  a  fee  of  a  pistole  on  every  patent  issiitil.  incurred  yet 
)i;reater  animosity. 

The  House  of  Burgesses  unavaihn^ly  remonstrated  against 
this  exercise  of  the  royal  prerogative,  and,  in  1754,  sent  Peyton 
Randolph,  'then  Attorney -(ieneral  of  the  colony.)  to  En){land, 
as  its  agent,  with  a  salary  of  j(^2,$oo,  with  a  petition  to  the  King 
for  relief  from  the  fee.  The  decision  of  the  Hoard  of  Trade  was 
virtually  in  favor  of  Governor  Dinwiddie,  though  their  instruc- 
tions were  at  first  singularly  indefinite.  This  difference,  when 
harmony  in  council  and  concert  of  action  were  so  essential,  was 
unfortunate.  The  aggrandizing  policy  in  North  America,  of 
the  French — who  asserted  their  claim  to  the  whole  Mississippi 
valley,  in  virtue  of  primal  rights  of  discovery  and  occupation 
under  the  explorations  of  Marquette.  La  Salle  and  others — 
was  a  constant  menace  to  Knglish  colonization.  In  every  treaty 
between  the  two  competing  Powers,  the  territorial  limits  of 
France  had  been  left  undecided.  To  that  fatal  treaty  between 
Charles  I.  and  Louis  XIII.,  by  which  "was  restored  to  France, 
absolutely  and  without  demarcation  of  limits,  all  the  places 
J"  "   by  the   English,  in   New   France.  Lacadie  and    Can- 

a'  ularly   Pf»rt   Roval.  Quebec  and  Cape   Breton."  holds 

(»<»vfni<»r  .S|>oIsu«j«hI,  near  \'»»rkl«>wn.  \'.i..  within  tlie  structure  known 
n^  th<'  "'Temple."  is  the  tomb  «>f  Major    William  (fixH-h,   (who  died 
r    29,  1655.  avce*!    twenty-nine.)  bearin>j   the  arms  of  (iooch  of 
.k,  (of  which  family  was  the  Governor.)  as  follows: 

Palv  of  rijcht,  ar.  and  sa.  a  chev.  <»f  the  first,  hetw.  three  dojfs  of  the 
■»•  tied  of  the  field.     Crest— .\  Rreyhound  passant  ar.  spotted 

Ni  irrd  <»t'  the  last. 

/.Some  interestinji  illustrations  of  surh  tenure,  as  to  the  grants  to  the 
I^»yal.  and  to  the  (ireenbrier  Companies,  may  be  found  in  Caifs  {I'a.) 
ki-f*orti,  jv  .  pp.  ai-ja,  196-213.  The  memorable  case  of  Hite  et  at.  v. 
Fatr/ax  et  at.,  is  also  there  reportetl,  pp.  42-83. 


INTRODUCTION.  XI 

McPherson,  may  be  ascribed  the  subsequent  troubles  with 
France.'"  From  1690,  the  colonies,  from  New  Hampshire  to 
Georgia,  were  engaged  in  almost  unremitting  hostilities  with  the 
savages  on  their  borders,  instigated  by  the  French  in  the  North, 
and  the  Spaniards  in  the  South.  The  intent  of  the  F"rench  to 
link  their  possessions  in  Louisiana,  and  on  the  St.  Lawrence,  by 
a  chain  of  forts  on  the  Ohio,  was  manifest.  Governor  Dinwid- 
die,  viewing  with  alarm  their  encroachments,  at  the  close  of  Oc- 
tober, 1753,  dispatched  Major  George  Washington,  then  only 
twenty-one  years  of  age,  to  M  Le  Gardeur  de  St.  Pierre,  the  Com- 
mandant of  the  fort  on  the  Ohio,  to  demand  by  whose  authority 
an  armed  force  had  crossed  the  Lakes,  and  to  urge  a  speedy  and 
peaceable  departure.  The  mission,  accomplished  under  many 
hardships,  was  ineffectual,  and  Governor  Dinwiddle  immediately 
instituted  the  most  energetic  and  wide-spread  efforts  for  defence. 
His  vigilance,  zeal  and  activity  were  signal.  Though  suffering 
from  the  debilitating  effects  of  a  stroke  of  paralysis,  the  records 
herewith  presented,  evidence  a  personal  activity  for  the  public 
good  which  would  have  been  creditable  to  one  of  physical 
capacity  the  most  favored.  He  promptly  reported  the  impend- 
ing danger  to  the  English  government,  and  to  the  e.xecutives  of 
the  several  colonies,  urging  immediate  and  effectual  measures 
of  resistance,  and  praying  their  assistance.  He  had  but  meagre 
response  in  America,  but  in  the  course  of  the  year  1754  was 
aided  with  a  grant  of  ^^20,000.  arms,  and  ordnance  stores  from 
Great  Britain.  The  money  was  ordered  to  be  reimbursed  from  the 
revenue  of  the  colony  derived  from  the  export  duty  of  two  shil- 
lings per  hogshead  on  tobacco.  The  English  ministry  perceiving 
from  the  unfortunate  events  of  1754,  that  expedients  were  fruit- 
less, and  that  no  effective  conjoined  action  of  the  American 
colonies  could  be  hoped  for,  determined  on  an  offensive  policy 
by  sea  and  land,  and  early  in  1755,  Admirals  Boscawen  and 
Mostyn  were  sent  with  a  powerful  fleet  into  the  North  American 
seas,  to  intercept  the  reinforcements  of  France ;  and  Braddock, 
with  the  appointment  of  Commander-in-chief,  was  sent  to  Vir- 
ginia, with  two  regular  regiments.  This  last  was  a  succor 
which  had  been  persistently  solicited  by  Governor  Dinwiddie, 
but  which  now,  unfortunately,  availed  not.     However,  the  disas- 


m  Chalmers,  ii.,  p.  372. 


trou>  tlflcat  <>l  lir.uidock  iii^pinii  tiu-  colonists  u  iiii  suiii  alarm 
that  ihcir  reviving  martial  spirit  louiui  expression  in  the  orjjan- 
izatiun  of'  companies  for  defence.  Their  ardor  was  stimulated 
from  the  pulpit,  and  several  of  such  slirrinjj  appeals  from  the 
eloijuent  Sanuul  Davies.  "the  father  (if  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  N'irginia."  are  incorporated  in  his  published  sermons.  The 
Assembly  votetl  ^'4(^,000  for  the  service,  and  the  Virginia  rejji- 
ment  was  enlarj^ed  to  sixteen  companies,  and  the  command 
given  to  Washington.  He  had  scarcely  completed  a  tour  of  in- 
spection of  the  mountain  outposts  before  he  was  called  to  arrest 
the  horrors  of  a  savage  invasion  of  the  frontiers  of  Augusta 
county.  The  terror  inspired  by  the  atrocities  committed  in- 
fluenced the  Assembly,  in  1756,  to  direct  the  building  of  a  line 
of  forts  from  the  Potomac  river  through  the  Alleghany  Moun- 
tains to  the  borders  of  North  Carolina.  The  construction  of 
these,  with  the  constantly  demanded  service  of  the  X'irginia 
troops  in  the  protection  of  the  frontiers  from  the  Indians,  de- 
barred them  for  a  time  from  participation  in  the  campaigns  in  the 
North  against  the  French,  and  the  futile  expedition  under  Major 
Andrew  Lewis  against  the  Indian  towns  on  the  west  of  the  Ohio, 
known  as  the  Sandy  Creek  Flxpedition.  was  the  most  pretentious 
offensive  operation  of  the  colony  during  the  year."  The  Karl 
of  Loudon"  arrived  in  America  in  July,  with  the  appointment  of 
Governor  of  X'irginia,  and  a  commission  as  Commander-in  chief 
of  the  British  forces  in  America,  but  he  was  never  in  the  colony, 
and  Dinwiddie  continued  in  the  control  of  its  afiairs.  He  ap- 
pears to  have  so  met  the  varic-d  and  onerous  duties  of  his  trust  as 
to  have  commanded  repeatedly  the  thankful  commendation  of 
the  colonial  clergy  and  Assembly,  and  of  the  Hnglish  ministry. 


« Among  the  uttict-rs  in  the  expetlition  were  Captains  I'cter  Hog, 
Wni.  Preston,  John  Smith,  .Archibald  .Alexander,  <  )badiah  Woodson, 
James  Overton,  and  David  Stewart,  Coniniissary.  It  was  accompanied 
by  a  party  of  friendly  Chcrokecs,  commanded  by  Captain  Richard 
Pearis.  For  accounts  uf  tlie  expedition  see  I'irfrinia  Historical  Regis- 
trr,  iv,  pp.  143-7,  and  v,  pp.  20-24. 

pjohn  Campbell,  Ixjm  1705;  succeeded  his  father,  Hujjh,  as  Fourth 
Earl  of  Loudun.  November,  1731  ;  arrived  in  America,  July,  1756; 
returned  to  Kngland  in  1757  ;  I  j«iii.  ii.iiii-r.itiir:tl  in  i-cS;  (".fix-ral  in 
1770;  died  April  27,  1782. 


INTRODUCTION.  Xll! 

The  year  1757  was  as  uneventful  in  Virginia  as  its  predecessor 
had  been,  and  at  its  close,  Governor  Dinwiddle,  worn  out  with 
fatigue,  was,  at  his  own  request,  relieved  from  his  arduous  station. 
He  sailed  for  England  in  January,  1758,  after  receiving  voted 
testimonials  of  the  regard  of  the  Council  and  of  the  municipal  au- 
thorities of  Williamsburg,  the  seat  of  government.  By  the  Coun- 
cil, also,  he  was  charged  with  the  delivery  to  the  great  Pitt,  then 
at  the  head  of  the  English  ministry,  of  an  address  of  thanks  for 
his  generous  course  towards  the  colonies,  and  with  the  negotia- 
tion of  some  important  interests  of  Virginia.''  The  administra- 
tion of  Governor  Dinwiddle  had  been  a  peculiarly  trying  one. 
His  disputes  with  the  Assembly,  and  his  difficulties  with  Wash- 
ington, have,  through  the  prejudiced  representations  of  some 
writers,  left  an  unpleasant  impression  of  his  character  on  the 
American  mind,  which  has  been  allowed  to  veil  virtues  which 
would  otherwise  have  commanded  undivided  esteem  and  regard. 
An  attempt  has  been  made  to  blacken  his  memory  with  the  crime 
of  dishonesty,  in  the  charge  of  misappropriation,  to  his  own  use, 
of  funds  entrusted  to  him  for  the  public  service — a  calumny  which 
rests  alone  upon  the  unsupported  statements  of  his  enemies. 
In  all  public  expenditures  he  appears  to  have  acted  in  con- 
junction with,  and  by  authority  of  a  committee  appointed  by 
the  Council,  and  his  reports  of  the  disposition  of  the  funds 
received  from  England,  as  indicated  by  the  records,  must  have 
been  systematically  regular. 

It  should  not  be  "forgotten  that  the  government  of  Virginia 
was  bestowed  on  him  as  the  meed  of  singular  integrity  and 
vigilance  in  previous  stations ;  that  he  was  the  warm  friend  of  re- 
ligion, and,  withal,  entirely  tolerant  of  all  mere  differences  of  creed; 
that  he  sought  the  enforcement  of  morality,  and  was  the  patron  of 
knowledge  and  education.  The  library  of  the  ancient  seat  of 
learning,  William  and  Mary  College,  until  its  destruction  by  fire, 
during  our  late  internecine  war,  preserved  many  tokens  of  his 
generosity,  each  marked  with  his  book-plate.     Another  memo- 


P  Among  them,  as  stated  in  the  manuscript  Letter  Book  of  James 
Abercromby,  in  the  possession  of  the  editor  (and  more  particularly 
noted  on  a  succeeding  page)  were  the  re-imbursement  from  the  Quit- 
rents  of  the  depleted  fund,  from  the  duty  on  tobacco,  and  the  pro- 
vision by  Parliament,  of  measures  for  the  protection  of  the  colony  in 
the  manufacture  of  iron,  and  in  salt-making. 


XIV 


INTRODUCTION. 


rial  still  exists  in  \'ir>{iiua — the  silver 
mace  presented  by  him  to  the  cor- 
jioration  of  Norfolk.' 

q  It  is  now  in  the  custody  of  Hon.  John 

W.  NVIiiiflif.ul,  I'residrnt  of  the  Kxchange 
N.itioiial  iiank  of  Norfolk,  who  has  kindly 
prt-scntfd  a  pliotuKraph  of  it  to  the  Vir- 
ginia Historical  Society.  A  description 
and  rut  of  the  mace,  contributed  by  the 
late  Hon.  Thomas  H.  Wynne,  may  be 
found  in  the  American  Historical  h'ecord, 
vol.  iii.,  no.  36,  Dccenibcr,  1S74,  p.  538.  It 
is  of  silver,  in  si.x  sections,  which  screw  to- 
Rether,  making  a  length  of  43  inches.  The 
statV  is  28  inches  long,  2'j  inches  in  diam- 
eter and  elal)orately  ornamented.  The 
bowl,  7  inches  in  height  by  S4  in  diameter, 
l)ears  in  panels  the  arms  of  (ireat  Kritain. 
It  is  surmounted  with  a  crown  fornied  by 
four  bamls,  supporting  upon  their  top  in- 
tersectitju  a  glol)e  and  cross.  Around  the 
ba.se  of  the  howl,  in  curved  line,  is  the 
inscription  :  "  The  gift  of  Hon.  Roln-rt 
Dinwiddie,  Lieut. -Governor  of  Virginia, 
to  the  Corporation  of  Norfolk,  1753." 
This  interesting  relic  of  royalty  was  car- 
ried by  the  Mayor  of  Norfolk  in  the  pro- 
cessitju  which  paraded  its  streets  on  the 
occasion  of  the  centennial  anniversary  of 
its  incorpor.'itinii,  .Septenil>er  15,  1836,  when 
the  late  William  .Ma.xwell.  LL.I).,  deliv- 
ered a  suitable  address.  It  was  again 
borne  by  the  municipal  authorities  of 
Norfolk  at  the  ses(|ui-centennial  celebra- 
tion of  the  landing  at  Jamestown,  held  on 
the  Island.  May.  13.  1857.  Another  exam- 
ple c*f  the  mace— that  used  by  the  Speaker 
of  the  House  of  Burgesses  of  N'irginia 
imtil  the  opening  of  the  struggle  for  free- 
tlom,  is  on  deposit  in  the  Cibinet  of  the 
Virginia  Historical  .S»ciety.  At  the  close 
of  the  Revolution,  when  all  symbols  of 
royalty  were  peculiarly  obnoxious,  the 
Assembly,  by  resolution,  ordered  it  to  be 
sold,  and  the  proceeds  therefrom  to  l>e 
deposited  in  the   State   treasur>-.     It   was 


INTRODUCTION.  XV 

The  faithful  service  of  Governor  Dinwiddle  appears  to  have 
been  duly  recognized  in  Great  Britain ;  and  Chalmers,  the  author- 
itative colonial  annalist,  warmly  and  repeatedly  commends  his 
"vigilant"  and  "able"  administration  in  Virginia.  Abercromby. 
the  agent  of  the  colony,  writing  March  6,  1758,  from  London,  to 
Richard  Corbin,  Receiver-General  of  the  colony,  a  member  of 
the  Council,  and    the   friend  and  patron  of  Washington,''  says, 


purchased  by  Colonel  William  Heth,  an  officer  of  the  Revolution 
(and  the  great-uncle  of  the  present  owner,  Major-General  Harry 
Heth,  late  of  the  Confederate  States  Army)  who,  appreciating  its 
historic  significance,  to  insure  its  preservation,  adapted  its  form  to 
one  of  utility,  and  had  the  representative  portions  of  it  fashioned 
into  a  drinking  cup  of  hospitable  dimensions.  The  bowl  of  the  cup, 
which  is  symmetrical,  is  five  inches  in  diameter  by  four  in  height. 
It  bears  in  ornate  stamped  relief  the  following  armorial  insignia, 
in  succession  around  its  circumference :  The  well  known  arms  of 
the  London  Company  of  Virginia  (without  supporters),  with  the  motto 
En  dat  Virgmia  quartani ;  the  crest  of  the  same;  an  escutcheon 
bearing  a  female  figure,  standing,  holding  with  her  right  hand  a 
spear  near  its  pointed  head,  and  leaning  with  her  left  upon  a  shield 
bearing  the  human  countenance,  (^Ouare :  May  not  this  figure  have 
been  partially  suggestive  to  George  Wythe  in  his  design  for  the 
arms  of  Virginia,  submitted  in  1776?)  with  the  motto,  Virtute  et 
labore  florent  Respubliccs ;  a  crest  complementary  to  the  last — a 
falcon  passant.  The  stem  of  the  cup  is  one  and  a  fourth  inches 
in  diameter,  with  proportionate  moulded  ornamentation  at  its  junc- 
tures with  the  bowl  and  base,  the  last,  four  and  a  half  inches  in 
diameter,  with  ornamented  rim  nearly  an  inch  in  height,  bears  on  its 
top  surface  the  arms  of  Great  Britain.  The  entire  height  of  the  cup 
is  seven  and  a  half  inches.  The  base,  it  is  apparent,  formerly  sur- 
mounted the  bowl,  and  doubtless  bore,  originally,  a  banded  crown 
similar  to  that  of  the  Norfolk  mace.  The  material  is  silver,  with  gilded 
bowl  and  base.  The  length  of  the  mace  must  originally  have  ap- 
proximated four  feet. 

The  editor  held,  in  1881,  some  correspondence  with  Hon.  Charles 
Clarke,  Speaker  of  the  Canadian  Assembly,  as  to  the  use  of  the  mace 
by  the  several  Assemblies  of  the  American  Colonies,  as  it  still  obtains 
in  the  British  House  of  Commons,  and  it  was  developed  that  the  mace 
was  used,  at  least  in  the  colonies  of  New  York,  South  Carolina  and 
Virginia,  and  that  the  respective  symbols  in  question  were  still  in  ex- 
istence. 

rit  was  through  the  influence  of  Richard  Corbin,  as  a  member  of  the 


XVI  INTkOhl  CTION. 

"your  jjiKxl  upintun  ol  your  laic  j^ovcruor  is  lully  coniirincil  by 
the  kinil  rccfpliun  he  h;i5  met  wiih  Irom  the  Minisiry."  He 
makes  use  of  similar  expressions  also  to  John  Blair,  President  of 
the  (*«»uncil.  and  who  was  ihe  acting  K"^'*-*''"<>r  of  the  colony  un- 
til the  arrival,  on  the  7th  of  June,  175S,  of  Governor  Kau({uier. 
Abercroniby  also  makes  frecjucnt  later  acknowledgements  of  es- 
st  itial  aid  received  by  him,  from  (iovernor  Dinwiddie,  in  his 
>-<iHiialit»ns  of  the  I-.iiy;lish  ministry  in  behalf  of  the  colony.* 
These  services  and  many  others  for  his  |K-rsonal  friends  in  Vir- 
ginia, were  continuously  renderetl  by  the  amiable  and  b<ncvolent 
>>'.'\  man  when  his  infirmities  had  become  such  that  all  physical 
exertion  was  painful.' 

He  dictl  at  Clifton.  Hristol,  whither  he  had  ^one  for  the  benefit 
of  the  baths.  July  27,  1770.  and  was  interred  in  the  parish  church 
there,    with  much  "j)ompand  circumstance."      His  honorable 

Council,  that  Washinj^on  received  his  commi.ssion  as  lientt-nant-iujloin-l 
in  1754.     It  was  transmitted  with  the  following  Kiconic  noi< 

Dear  Geok(;i 

I  enclose  \i>ii  \i)ui  (  >'iiimi'''>ii'ii.     (io(l  prosper  you  with  it. 
Your  friend. 

KiCHAKI)   CoKIilN. 

— AV/V/'j  /'air/axes  in  Euf^laud  ami  America,  pp.  136-7. 

i  MS.  Letter-Ik)ok.  Governor  Dinwiddie  appears  to  have  aided  in 
the  collection  t)f  the  cpiota  of  the  colony,  of  the  jir.mts  by  paHiament  in 
1757  of  /"50.000.  and  in  1759  of  /jtw.ooo,  to  reimburse  the  .American 
colonies  for  advances  made  by  them  f(»r  the  public  ser\'ice.  Abercromby 
remitted  t(»  the  colony  from  these  grants,  respectively,  ^"32,268,  19s.  May 
8,  1760,  and  /"20.546  on  July  3.  following. 

/The  Min  of  President  J<jhn  Hiair— John  Blair,  the  first  (irand  Mas- 
ter of  the  (irand  Lmlge  of  Ancient  Free  and  .Accepted  Masons  of  Vir- 
ginia, and  Judge  of  the  United  States  .Supreme  Court,  was  the  guest, 
for  a  time,  and  proteg^  of  Ciovernor  Dinwiddie,  whilst  pursuing  his 
legal  studies  in  Kngland,  as  also  was  a  son  of  Colonel  Kichard  Corbin. 

//The  editor  is  indebted  to  Rev.  Ik-aver  H.  Blacker,  M.  A.,  Clifton, 
Bristol.  Kngland.  the  learned  and  accomplished  editor  of  the  iiloucei- 
lenhtre  Soles  and  Queries,  lin  which  valuable  serial,  in  response  to  a 
query  from  the  writer,  it  appeared  in  the  number  for  April,  1883.  I'art 
xxm..  No.  749).  for  the  epitaph  of  Governor  Dinwiddie.  It  is  inscribed 
on   a  large  mural  slab,  now  in  one  of  the  porches  of  the  parish  church 


INTRODUCTION.  XVll 

of  Clifton,  whither  it  was  transferred  from  the  old  churcii.     The  epitaph 
is  as  follows : 

"  In  this  church  are  deposited  the  remains  of 
Robert   Dinwiddle,  Escj'r.,  formerly  Governor  of  \Mrginia, 
who  deceased  July  27th,  1770,  in  the  78th  year  of  his  age. 

The  annals  of  that  country  will  testify 
with  what  judgment,  activity  and  zeal  he  exerted  himself 

in  the  publick  cause, 

when  the  whole  North  American  Continent  was  involved 

in  a  French  and  Indian  War. 

His  rectitude  of  conduct  in  his  Government, 

and  integrity  in  other  publick  employments, 

add  a  lustre  to  his  character,  which  was  revered  while  he  lived, 

and  will  be  held  in  estimation  while  his  name  survives. 

His  more  private  virtues,  and  the  amiable  social  qualities  he  possess'd, 

were  the  happiness  of  his  numerous  friends  and  relations, 

many  of  whom  shared  his  bounty ; 

all  lament  his  loss. 

As  his  happy  dispositions  for  domestic  life 

were  best  known  to  his  affectionate  wife  and  daughters, 

they  have  erected  this  monument 

to  the  memory  of  his  conjugal  and  paternal  love, 

which  they  will  ever  cherish  and  revere 

with  that  piety  and  tenderness  he  so  greatly  merited. 

Farewell,  blest  shade!  no  more  with  grief  opprest. 
Propitious  angels  guide  thee  to  thy  rest !  " 

t'As  a  curious  picture  of  ceremonials  of  the  period  the  bill  of  the 
attendant  funeral  expenses,  from  the  original,  in  the  possession  of  Mrs. 
M.  A.  Dinwiddie,  London,  it  is  believed,  will  be  deemed  to  merit  in- 
sertion here: 

"  Bristol,  Aug'st  i,  1770. 

"  The  Executors  of  Robert  Dinwiddie,  Esq'r.,  Dr. 

To  Joseph  Haythorne.  £.   S.  D. 

The  Inside  Coffin,  lined, 
To  a  Lead  Coffin, 
To  a  Superfine  Shroud,  whole  sheets.  Cap,  Pillow 

and  Face  Cloth, 
"  5^  yd's  rich  black  Sattin,  Oi,  12s. 
"  Sattin  Ribband, 

"  The  Rev.  Mr.  Taylor,  p'r  List  Gloves, 
"  Clark  and  Sexton's,  Do., 

"  Crape  Hatbands,  Do.,  (^  4s., 

"  2  Gentleman's  Black  Clokes,  %<  2s.  6d., 
"  2  Crape  Hatbands,        Do.,     (<£,  4s., 
"  2  p'r  Gloves,  @  3s.  6d., 
£ 


I. 

r. 

0. 

6. 

6. 

0. 

3- 

3- 

0. 

3- 

9- 

0. 

0. 

I. 

4- 

0. 

3- 

6. 

0. 

7- 

0. 

0. 

8. 

0. 

0. 

5- 

0. 

0. 

8. 

0. 

0. 

7- 

0. 

XVlll  INTRODl'CTION. 

and    stainless    rcc«jrd    and    |>cnional    virtues    were    publicly   at- 
l«Hc<l." 

To  6  l'iiiliilH.'arcrs"  CU»kcs.  (••   as.  6d.,  o.  15.  o. 

"  6  Cr.ijM-  llat-l>.iiuls,  (<•  4.S.,  I.    4.  o. 

"  6  p'r  Coriiiiuin  tiK)ves.  ^«   is.  6<l.,  o.   9.  o. 

"  4  Coachman's  Clokcs,  (<»  as.  (n.\.,  o.  10.  o. 

"  4  Cra|H:  liat-baiuls,  ^i   as.  6d.,  o.  10.  o. 

"  4  V'f  (iloves,  (•!    IS.  6d.,  o.   6.  o. 

■■  5  .Servant's  Clokcs,  Oi   as.  6d..  o.  la.  6. 

"  5  Crape  Hat-hands,  f"  4s.,  1.   o.  o. 

"  5  p'r  (j loves,  ('I    IS.  6<!.,  o.    7.  6. 

"  Dressing  4  Mules,  (<>  5s.  i.   o.  o. 

"  4  Clokcs,  ("   as.  6d.,  o.  10.  o. 

"  4  Crape  Hat-bands,  Oi  3s.  6d.,  o.  14.  o. 

"  4  p'r  (iloves,  ('I   IS.  6d.,  o.    6.  o. 

"  6  p'r  Wom's  niack  Kid  [Gloves],  <S<  2$.,                       ..  13    »> 

"  A  Conipleat  Set  of  I-'eatliers  for  the  Hearse  ami 

6  Horses,  3.    3.  o. 

"  \'elvel  Covering  for  ye  Hearse  and  6  Horses,              i.  16.  o. 

"  Black  Cloths  to  cover  8  Horses,  o.    8.  o. 

"   2  St<Mjls  and  .Stool  Cloth,  o.    a.  6, 

"  The  l)esl  X'elvet  I'all,  o.    5.  o. 

I'aid  f«>r  Brass  Plate  anil  Kn^jraving.  i.  11.  6. 

P'd  6  Men  for  bringing  down  the  Corps.  o.    6.  o. 

"    2     "      at  the  Custcjin  House,  o.    5.  o. 

"    for  Carriages,  3.  10.  o. 

"    Braun  [sic/],  o.    a.  o. 

"    the  Clarke  *>(  Clifton.  3.  15.  6. 


4  p'r  Shamey  Gloves,  ("  3s.  6d., 

P'd  the  Carpenter  for  the  use  of  the    Board,  and 

assistitii;  hi  !.iv  nut  ve  Corpse. 


/46. 

5- 

4- 

0. 

14. 

0. 

a. 

5- 

0. 

.K,.I1..,1  ' 

\Iy  Father's  Funeral. 

Rebecca  Hamilton 


jCA7     4    4 
"Ji>s.  Havtmokne." 


'  '  Suurday  last,  died  at  his  Lo<lgings  in  Clifton.  Bristol,  Robert 
Dinwiddie,  Estj'r.,  rather  submitting  to  the  weight  of  years  (being  up- 
war<ls  of  eighty)  than  to  the  many  infirmities  with  which  human  nature 
is  most  commonly  assailed.  In  early  life  he  was  appointed  Collector  of 
the  Customs  in  the  Islaiul  of  Bermuda,  and  at  the  time  when  the  .Situa- 
.tion  of  the  revenues  in  the  Carribee  Islands  were  in  great  disorder,  he 


INTRODUCTION.  XIX 

To  the  campaign  of  17 58,  under  Forbes,''  Virginia  contributed 
two  thousand  men,  divided  into  two  regiments,  with  Washington 
(still  in  chief  command),  as  Colonel  of  the  first,  and  William 
Byrd,  of  "  Westover,"-'  (the  third  of  the  name  in  lineal  succes- 
sion in  Virginia),  of  the  second.  These  troops  nobly  sustained 
the  reputation  which  they  had  so  valorously  earned  in  the  ill-fated 
expedition  of  Braddock,  and  it  was  largely  due  to  their  bravery, 
admits  Chalmers,^  that  the  French  were  driven  from  Fort  Du- 
quesne,  which  was  taken  possession  of  November  25,  repaired 
and  re-named  Fort  Pitt,  in  compliment  to  the  Prime  Minister. 

In  a  preliminary  engagement  with  the  French  of  a  recon- 
noitering  party  under  Major  Grant,  a  detachment  of  one  hundred 
and  sixty-two  Virginians,  in  command  of  Major  Andrew  Lewis, 
gallantly  participated.     Of  their  number  sixty-two  were  killed 

was  sent,  charged  with  the  Commission  of  Inspector  there;  his  up- 
rightness, integrity  and  abilities  in  the  execution  of  this  trust,  procured 
him  the  place  of  Surveyor  General  of  the  Customs  in  the  Southern 
district  of  North  America,  and  as  a  further  reward  of  his  faithful  ser- 
vices, he  was,  in  the  year  1750,  appointed  Lieutenant-Governor  and 
Commander-in-Chief  of  the  Colony  of  Virginia,  over  which  he  pre- 
sided with  great  reputation  many  years,  until  he  obtained  leave  to  retire 
from  the  weight  of  public  business ;  his  conduct  and  behaviour  in  the 
several  stations  of  his  public  and  private  life,  gained  him  universal  rep- 
utation and  esteem,  and  as  he  was  ever  ready  to  give  assistance  to  the 
distressed,  so  he  always  gave  it  with  a  Sincerity  and  Chearfulness  that 
became  an  honest,  good  heart ;  in  short,  he  was  a  good  man,  and  a 
good  Christian." — London  Chronicle,  "  from  Saturday,  July  28,  to  Thurs- 
day, July  31,  1770." 

^John  Forbes,  born  at  Petincrief,  Fifeshire,  Scotland,  1710;  exchang- 
ing the  medical  for  the  military  profession  he  was  advanced  to  the 
rank  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  of  the  Scotch  Greys  in  1745;  on  the  staff 
of  Lord  Stair,  and  Generals  Ligonier  and  Campbell,  in  the  German 
war;  appointed  Colonel  of  the  Seventy-first  Foot;  acted  as  Quarter- 
master-General of  the  army  under  the  Duke  of  Cumberland;  appointed 
Brigadier-General  December  28,  1758,  and  assigned  to  the  command  of 
the  forces  in  America.  After  the  investment  of  Fort  Pitt  he  concluded 
a  treaty  with  the  hidiau  tribes  on  the  Ohio.  He  died  at  Philadelphia, 
March  11,  1759. 

jV  Among  the  remaining  officers  of  the  regiment  were:  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  George  Mercer,  Major  William  Peachy,  and  Captains  Robert 
Munford,  Thomas  Cocke,  Hancock  Eustace,  John  Field,  John  Posey, 
Thomas  Fleming,  John  Rootes  and  Samuel  Meredith. 

2  Introdnctio)!,  ii.,  p.  355. 


XX  INTROUICTION. 

and  iwo  wuundcU,  and  ol  ihc  cij^ht  orticcrs  present,  five  were 
slain,  a  sixth  wounded  and  the  seventh  captured.  Captain 
Thomius  HuUiti.  the  remaining;  officer  *  Major  Grant,  the  com- 
niandini^  otticer,  havin);;  fallen  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy),  with 
fifty  N'irj'inians.  defen<lcd  the  baj^jja^je  with  great  valor  and  were 
instrumental  in  s;ivinj.;  the  remnant  of  the  force.  The  war  was 
prosecuted  at  the  north  with  vij^or,  and  in  the  succecdinj.j  sum- 
mer of  1759.  Niagara  and  Crown  Point  fell  into  the  possession  of 
the  British  Crown,  and  on  the  i  Sth  of  September,  (Juebec  sur- 
rendered to  the  ijallant  Wolfe.  The  treaty  of  Fontaineblcau,  in 
November.  1762,  put  an  end  to  the  war  which  it  is  estimated 
had  cost  the  British  empire  the  loss  of  the  lives  of  more  than 
twenty  thousand  adults  >.  and  the  ICnglish  were  supreme  in 
Ni  irth  .-XiiU'rica. 


DINWIDDIE, 

OF 

Germiston,  Near  Glasgow,  Scotland,' 

A  PARTIAL  GENEALOGY, 

COMPILED    FROM    THE   ARCHIVES    OF   THE   MERCHANTS*    HOUSE. 
GLASGOW,'^''    FAMILV   RECORDS,  ETC. 


Robert^  Dinwiddle,  merchant  in  Glasgow,'"'  Scotland,  and 
the  owner  of  the  contiguous  lands  of  Germiston  and 
Balornoc ;  d.  prior  to  October  6,  1712;  vi.  Elizabeth, 
daughter  of    Matthew    Camming,'''^    of  an   old  family  of 


aa  The  descendants  of  John  and  Susannah  (Cresswell)  Dunwoody,  of 
Chester  count\-,  Pa.,  in  that  State,  Maryland,  Delaware,  New  Jersey, 
and  Georgia,  according  to  Mrs  Edwin  L.  Bomeister,  Plainfield,  X.  J., 
by  tradition  in  the  family,  are  of  the  same  lineage  as  Robert  Dinwiddle, 
Governor  of  Virginia.  Robert  Dinwiddle,  Esq.,  of  New  York  city,  to 
whom  the  editor  is  indebted  for  kindly  aid,  is  also  of  the  same  race. 

^d Extracts  from  which  were  very  kindly  supplied  by  J.  O.  Mitchell, 
Esq.,  Glasgow. 

r^rThe  benefactions  of  members  of  the  Dinwiddie  family  to  the  Mer- 
chants' House  of  Glasgow  were  repeated.  Robert^  Dinwiddie,  in  1681, 
gave  ^56,  Scots,  and  his  son  Robert,  Governor  of  \'irginia,  "  following 
the  laudable  e.xample  "  of  his  brother  Lawrence,  of  Germiston,  who 
died  May  3,  1764,  aged  sixty-eight  years,  "bequeathed  ^50  to  the  ))oor 
of  the  Merchants'  House,  which  was  paid  in  1770."  (Letter  of  William 
H.  Hill,  Esq.,  Collector  of  Merchants'  House). 

fl'fl?  Another  account  states  that  she  was  the  daughter  of  Robert  Dun- 
lop,  of  Househill,  and  fifth  in  descent  from  Lady  Lilias  Graham,  sister 
to  the  famous  >Lirquis  of  Montrose. 


XXII  (iENKALOc;V. 

merchants,  of  Ghisj^ow.  of  which  he  was  Haiihe  in  1691, 
i6i/>,  and  i6t>9.  and  owner  of  iht*  !;inds  ol  Carderock,  in 
the  parish  of  Cadder.  near  there, 

of  Rol>ert'  and  Kli/j»lK-th  '  Ciunnjin);  1  Dinwiddie: 
.  M.i::licw,'  merchant  in  Cilasj^ow ;  succeeded  lo  the  Ger- 
miston  and  Balornoc  hinds,  but  meeting  with  financial 
reverses,  the  estates  were  adjiulicated  in  1726,  and  Ix'came 
the  pro|>erty  of  the  Mercliants'  House,  upon  tlie  roll  of 
which  he  was  placed  as  a  hospitaller  in  1738. 
ii.  RolKrrt.*  Lieutenant-(iovernor  of  \'ir)^inia,  I7.SI-I75'< :  ^- ^l 
(iermiston  1693;  d.  at  Clifton.  Hrisiol.  England,  July  27, 
1770,  in  the  seventy-eighth  year  of  his  age;  tn.  Rebecca 
Affleck,  and  had  issue — 

i.  Elizabeth,'  d.  unmarried  October  11,  1773,  aged 
thirty-five  years,  and  was  buried  in  the  chancel 
vault  of  Clifton  Parish  Church,  near  the  remains 
of  her  father." 


.  (  The  epitaph,  transcribed  from  a  contemporary  copy  in  the  auto- 
graph of  her  younger  sister,  Mrs  Rebecca  Hamihon,  kindly  submitted 
by  Mrs.  M.  A.  Dinwiddie,  was  as  follows : 

"KIMT.MMI  IN  CLIFTON   PARISH  CHLRCH. 

In  the  Chancel   \'aiilt 
"I  this  Lhiirch  are  deposited  the  Remains  of 

Kl.IZAUKTM    DlNWIDUIK, 

who  dyed  October  nth,  1773,  aged  35  Years. 

She  was  DauglUer  of  the  late 

Robert   Diinviddie.  T-sq'r, 

I  i.ni,-n,iiit-C»(>vernor  u\  Virginia,  by  Rebecca.  Iii^  uii'.- 

As  a  Dutiful  Daughter, 

.•\  most  affectionate  Sister, 

.-\  Sincere  and  fienennis  Friend, 

She  was  E.steemed  through  Lite  anti  deeply  l-amented 

by  all  who  knew  lier. 

The  Virtues  of  a  Christian  adorned  her  Character, 

and  shone  most  Conspicuous  at  the  hf)ur 

of  Death, 

which  she  met  with  a  Calmness  and  Fortitude 

worthy  of  her  Piety. 

This  Monument,  Sacred  to  her  Memory. 

was  erected  as  a  Tribute  of  the  most  Tender 

and  I^isting  Affection, 

by  her  Sister, 
ReRKCCA    HAMILTf)N." 


GENEALOGY.  XXUl 

ii.  Rebecca,^  in.  August  13,  1771,  Archibald  Hamil- 
ton, Eaq'T/*^  of  the  Isle  of  Man. 
John'^"'^'  emigrated  to  Virginia;  a  merchant  on  the  Rappa- 
hannock river;  ;;/.  Sempha""  Rosa  Enfield  Mason, '^ 
granddaughter  of  Colonel  George  Mason,  M.  P.  temp. 
Charles  I,  and  great-granddaughter  of  Colonel  Gerard 
Fovvke,^^  (sixth  son  of  Roger  and  Mary  Fovvke,  of  Guns- 
ston  Hall,  Staffordshire,  England,)  Gentleman  of  the  Bed- 
chamber to  Charles  I,  who,  with  his  cousin,  Colonel 
George  Mason,"''  (the  progenitor  of  George  Mason,  of 
"  Gunston  Hall,"  Va.,  and  author  of  the  Virginia  Bill  of 
Rights,)  both  Colonels  in  the  royalist  army,  came  to 
Virginia  about  1650,  the  first  becoming  a  merchant,  and 
acquiring  several  valuable  tracts  of  land,  particularly  one 
of  1,400  acres  at  Paspatany,  on  the  Potomac  river,  then 


ff\\.  would  be  a  satisfaction  to  identify  this  Archibald  Hamilton,, 
(whose  name  seems  to  warrant  the  suspicion  of  affinity)  with  the  ducal 
house  of  Hamilton,  a  representative  of  which,  George  Hamilton,  Earl 
of  Orkney,  was  for  some  forty  years  the  Governor-in-chief  of  the 
colony  of  Virginia,  and  whose  nephew,  the  celebrated  Sir  William 
Hamilton,  husband  of  the  famous  Lady  Emma  Hamilton,  and  son  of 
Lord  Archibald  Hamilton,  was  proposed  for  the  same  position  in  1772. — 
Letters  of  Governor  Spotsivood,  (Collections  of  Virginia  Historical  So- 
ciety, New  Series,)  vol.  i,  note,  p.  159. 

^^For  information  of  the  descendants  of  John"  Dinwiddle,  the  editor 
is  indebted  to  Dinwiddie  Brazier  Phillips,  M.  D.,  late  surgeon  of  the 
United  States  and  the  Confederate  States  navies — Woodville,  Rappa- 
hannock county,  Va. 

/z/i  George  Fitzhugh,  in  DeBoxv's  Review.,  New  Series,  vol.  v.  No.  i, 
January,  1861,  p.  S3,  gives  this  name  as  "Amphael." 

zYShe  married,  secondly,  Jeremiah  Bronaugh,  of  Prince  George 
county,  Va.,  and  had  issue  by  him  five  children— William,  John,  Mary,. 
Ann,  and  Elizabeth. 

7_)'His  son,  Chandler  Fowke,  settled  in  King  George  county,  Va.,  and 
had  issue  :  Chandler  in.  Miss  Harrison — issue :  William,  John,  Thomas  ; 
Gerard  in.  Miss  Dinwiddie ;  Richard  m.  INIiss  Bumbary ;  Elizabeth  in. 
Z.  Brazier,  (son  of  Robert  Brazier,  of  Isle  of  Thanet,  Kent  county, 
England) — issue :  Sarah  Harrison,  in.  John  Cannon,  (son  of  L.  Cannon, 
of  Ireland,)  and  had  issue  :  Grandison,  Elizabeth,  and  Edith  Harrison 
Ashmore  in.  William  Fowke  ^  Phillips. 

kkY^xs  son,  George  Mason,  married  his  cousin  Mary,  daughter  of 
Colonel  Gerard  Fowke. 


.\X»V  i.KNKAHH.Y. 

m  ihal  poriiuii  oi  Westmoreland  uhicii  is  now  I'nnce 
liforKf  county, 
iv.  Lawrcncf.' /^.  i'h^7  ;  </.  May  i,  1764;  merchant  in  Glasgow; 
liaillie  in  1734.  173X.  and  1741  :  Provost  1742-3:  one 
of  six  commissioners  chosen  to  treat  with  the  rebels  in 
1745";  bequeathed  200  marks,  Scots,  to  the  Merchants' 
House."*"  from  whom  he  repurchased  the  family  lands  of 
Germiston  and  Halornoc,  which  are  now  in  the  jK)ssession 
of  his  representative,  (but  not  his  descendant,)  General 
David  Hlair  Lockhart,  of  Germiston :  w.  Elizabeth  Ken- 
netly,  of  Autyfardle. 
V.  Janet,'  w.  Rev.  VV.  McCuUock. 

vi.  Mary,'  </.  April  30,  1772,  ajjcd  sixty-hve  years;  m.  Andrew 
Stuart,""  d.  1698;  </.  March  31,  1774,  and  both  lie  buried 
in  the  Paxtan>;  church -yard,  Harrisburg,  Pennsylvania. 

vii.  Christian,  tn.  Rev. Hamilton. 

viii.  Sarah,  mentioned  in  the  will  of  her  brother,  the  Governor. 
ix.  A  posthumous  child,  name  unknown. 

Issue  of  John'  and  .Senipha  Rosa  I'.nfield  (Mason)  Din- 
widdie"": 
i.  Elizabeth,'  w.  Colonel  Gerard  Fowke,  son  of  Chandler  and 
Mary  'Tassaker.i  Fowke,  grandson  of  Gerard  and  .Sarah 
(Burdett)  Fowke,  and  great-grandson  of  Colonel  Gerard 
Fowke,  the  emigrant, 
ii.  Jane,'  w.  William  Waite,  Staflfordshire,  England. 

Issue  of  Colonel  Gerard  and  Elizabeth  '  (  Dinwiddie)  Fowke  : 
i.  William,*  m.  Miss  Bronaugh. 
ii.  (ie<jrge.* 


//Mahland  Club's  Cochrane  Correspondence,  p.  132. 

mtti  //isloty  of  Afcrc/iants'  House,  p.  58. 

«n  Andrew  Stuart  was,  according  to  the  authcjrity  of  Dr.  William  H. 
Egle,  the  well-known  Pennsylvaiiian  historian,  and  present  editor  and 
prc)prict«>r  c>f  the  Historical  Rcf^ister,  HarrisburR,  I'a.,  (who  has  kindly 
supplied  the  data  fif  his  descendants,)  the  brother  of  Archibald  Stu- 
art, the  ancestor  of  the  veneral)li'  Hon.  Alexander  H.  H.  .Stuart,  Staun- 
ton, President  of  the  X'ir^iiiia  Historical  .Society.  A  partial  genealogy 
of  this  branch  of  the  family  is  given  in  the  History  of  Augusta  County, 
C<»lonel  John  Ix-wis  I'eyton,  pp.  30S-11. 

00  Burke's  Landed  Gentty  <  1.S491,  i,  p.  329,  gives  :  "  The  Rev.  George 
Wilkins,  Rector  of  St.  .Michael's,  Bristol,  h.  1743,  m.  ist  Mary,  dau.  of 
John  Dinwiddle,  Usq.,  by  whom  (apparently)  he  had  no  issue. 


GENEALOGY.  XXV 

iii.  Chandler/  vi.  Miss  Frazier,  of  South  Carohna. 
iv.  Robert,*  m.  Miss  Peachy. 

V.  Ehzabeth/  vi.  Colonel  William   Phillips''''  {h.  1746),  of  the 
Revolutionary  army,  and  at  the  time  of  his  death,  in  1797, 
High  Sheritif  of  Stafford  county.  Va. 
vi.  Sarah,*  in.  Wiley  Roy,  of  Virginia 
vii.  Roger.* 

viii.  Enfield,*  in.  Gabriel  Johnston,  of  Kentucky,  and  from  them 
is  descended  Captain  James  D.  Johnston,  late  of  the 
United  States  and  Confederate  States  navies,  Mobile,  Ala. 

ix.  Mary,*  vi. Slaughter. 

Issue  of  Colonel  William  and  Elizabeth*  (Fowke)  Phillips  : 
i.  Enfield,*  vi.  Lewis  Ficklen,  of  Fauquier  county,  Va. 

ii.  Burdett,*  ni. Jones,  and  from  them  is  descended  Hon. 

Jefferson  Jones,  Galveston,  Texas, 
iii.  Lucy,"  vi.  J.  L.  Fant.  of  Fauquier  county,  Va.     Issue:  Ed- 
ward,* m.  Mrs.  McOuinn. 
iv.  William  Fowke,*  for  thirty  or  more  years  clerk  of  the  Court 
of  Chancery  of  Fauquier  county  ;  commissioned  Auditor 
of  the  United  States  Treasury  for  the  Post-Oftice  Depart- 
ment by  President  Pierce;  on  the  seces.^ion  of  Virginia, 
in  April,  1861,  he  raised   two  companies  of  volunteers  in 
the  District  of  Columbia,  whose  services  he  proffered  to 
Governor   Letcher,  of  Virginia,  by  whom  he  was  offered 
the   commission  of  Colonel,  which    he   declined    on    the 
ground  of  incompetency  because  of  the  want  of  a  military 
education,  and  insisted  upon  serving  in  the  ranks  ;  m.  his 
cousin,  Edith   Harrison  Ashmore  Cannon,  a   descendant 
of  Chandler  and  Anne  (Harrison)  Fowke. 
Issue  of  Lewis  and  Enfield*  (Phillips)  Ficklen: 
i.  William  Phillips,®  w.  Miss  Martin.     Issue:  William  Lewis,' 

m.  Miss  Eastham. 
ii.  Gustavus.® 

Issue  of  Colonel  William  Fowke*  and  Edith  Harrison  Ash- 
more  (Cannon)  Phillips  : 

i.  Mary,*"  d. . 

ii.  William  Fowke,'''  d. . 


pp  Son  of  James  Phillips,  of  Wales ;  settled  in  Stafford  early  in  tlie 
eighteenth  century,  and  ni.  Miss  Griffin. 


XJIVI  r.ENEALOCiV. 

iii.  Laura,*  m.  William  H.  Carr,  Luuduun  county,  Va.     Issue: 

William  Phillips' 
iv.  DinwiiUlic   lira/icr.*  M.  I).,  entered  the  United  States  navy 
as  Assistant  Sur^jeon  in  1.S47,  and  the  Vir^jinia  and  Con- 
federate States  navies  in   1861  ;  Surjjeon  of  the  Merrimac 
ilurin^  her  entire  existence,  besides  acting  in  the  first  year 
of  the  war  as  Medical   Director  ol  the  Wise   Lcjjion,  and 
commandin}^  the  post  at  the  White  Sulphur  Sprin^js  as 
Major  in  that  Ley  ion  ;  m.  Nanrtie  F.,  daughter  of  William 
WaUk-n.   of   Rappahannock  county,  \'a  ,  and   has  issue  : 
i,  William  Ravi'inl    I'nukt'      ii    I'.iniin-  Mason'      iii    Sau- 
nie  Walden.' 
V.  Virj^'inia  Kdith.*  ///.  Di.  li.  J.  liclkii.  1).  C. 
vi.  Rol)erta.' 

Issue  of  Wiley  and  Sarah*  (Kowke;  /^oy : 
i.  Wiley,*  /«.  Miss  Camm. 
ii.   Richard,*  m.  Miss  Beverley. 

iii.  Lucy,*  wi.  Colonel  Enoch   Mason,  Stafford  county,  \'a..  and 
had  issue : 

i.  Jack,'  w.  Lliza  Roy. 
ii.  Enoch,'  m.  Eliza  Mason,  of  Maryland. 
iii.   Roy,*  w.  Susan  Smith,  of  Ale.xandria.  \'a. 
iv.  Mary,*  tfi.  William  Peyton,  Stafford  county,  Va. 
V.  Alexander,*  w.  Jane  Smith,  Alexandria,  Va. 
vi.  Sarah,*  m.  William  Barber,  Stafford  county,  \'a. 
vii.  Seddon,'  m.  Virginia  B.  Hooe. 

viii.  (ierard,*  ///.    ist  Isabella  Stephenson;  2d,  , 

sister  of  Ex-Governor   F.  W.  M.  Holliday,  of 
Virginia, 
ix.  Wcllford,*  ///.  Miss  Sydnor,  of  Delaware. 
X.  Charles,'  m.   ist  Anna  Braxton;  2d,  Maria   Ran- 
dolph, granddaughter  of  Thomas  Jefferson. 
!       •   of  Lawrence*  and  Elizabeth  '  Kennedy)  Dinwiddie : 
1:      crt,*  </.  Septeml>er  12,  ijMy. 
ii.  Lawrence,*  w.  Katherine  Campbell,  and  had   issue:  i,  Ro- 
bert,* </.  at  Rome,  1.S19;  ii,  Elizabeth,*  ///.  Dr.  Lockhart. 
iii.  r.ilbert,*  </.  May  ;i.  ly^M- 
iv.  James.' 

v.  William,'  m.    Anne,   d.uighler   of  Dr.  Gilbert   Hamilton,  of 
Cramond,  and  .NLirgaret  Cragie.  of  Hall  Hill,  his  wife. 


GENEALOGY.  XXVU 

vi.  Jean,'  d.  prior  to  1S12. 
vii.  Agnes,'  d.  March  8,  1828. 
viii.  Mary,'' 3.  1746;  d.  1771. 
ix.  Rebecca.^ 
X.  Elizabeth.^ 

Issue  of  William '  and  Anne  (Hamilton)  Dinwiddle  : 
i.  Margaret  Hamilton*  d.  unmarried, 
ii.  Elizabeth  *  d.  unmarried, 
iii.  Anne*  d.  unmarried, 
iv.  Mary*  d.  unmarried. 

V.  Gilbert  Hamilton,*  Commissary-General  of  the  British  army, 
in  which  he  had  served  in  early  life  under  General  Pack- 
ingham    at  the  battle   of  New  Orleans,    m.    Mary  Anne 
King, 
vi.  Jean*  m.  J.  P.  Fischer,  Esq. 

vii,  Agnes*  in.  General Hogg. 

Issue  of  General  Gilbert  Hamilton*  and  Mary  Anno  (King) 
Dinwiddle : 
i.  William''  d.  May  5,  i86g,  on  the  west  coast  of  Africa. 
ii.  Robert^  Captain  in  the  British  army, 
iii.  Lawrence.^ 
iv.  Gilbert  Cragie.^ 
V.  Mary.^ 
vi.  Anne  Hamilton.^ 

Issue  of  Andrew  and  Mary^  (Dinwiddle)  Stuart : 
i.  Rev.  John^  D.  D.,  b.  1740;  m.  Jane  O'Kill.  He  was  the 
last  Episcopal  missionary  to  the  Mohawks,  of  the  Society 
for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts;  pre- 
pared a  Mohawk  translation  of  the  Church  Catechism  and 
a  Compendious  History  of  the  Bible;  a  Royalist  during 
the  Revolution,  he  was  subjected  by  the  Whigs  to  much 
ill-treatment,  "  his  property  plundered,  and  every  indignity 
offered  his  person."  A  few  years  after  the  peace,  he 
visited  Pennsylvania,  and  was  invited  by  Bishop  Griffith 
to  settle  in  the  Diocese  of  Virginia,  but  declined.  In  1786 
he  opened  an  academy  at  Kingston,  Canada,  and  two 
years  later  he  went  round  his  "parish,"  which  was  then 
above  two  hundred  miles  long.  In  1799  the  degree  of 
D.  D.  was  conferred  on  him  by  his  alma-mater,  the  Uni- 
versity of  Pennsylvania ;  appointed  Chaplain  to  the  garri- 


XXVIII  CENEALOOY. 

son,  and  bvcuniin);  the  owner  of  nearly  4.000  acres  of 
land,  his  circunisianci-s  latterly  were  prosperous.  He  died 
at  Kinj;sioM  in  Auj^ust.  iSii.  He  was  oI  imposing  j>er- 
son,  being  "about  six  feel  lour  inches  in  height."  His 
five  sons  all  achieved  position.'" 
ii.  James',  fi.  1742.  removed  to  \'irginia. 

iii.  Mary',  d.  1744. 

iv.  Charles',  fi.  1746.  removed  t»)  \'ir),'inia. 
V.  Andrew*,  d,  1748. 

vi.  HIizabeth',  ^.  1750;  d.  May  i.  177s  ;  buried  beside  her  pa- 
rents in  the  old  Paxtang  church-yard. 

vii.  Eleanor',  S.  May  4,   1753;  d.  February  19,  1830;  m.  Rich- 
ard Dryartnofid,  f>.  September   i,  1743;  d.  November  17, 
1802;  both  buried  in  the  old  Hanover  township  church- 
yard. 
They  had  issue : 
i.  James*,  h.  1782;  d.  181 2. 

ii.  Mary*,  f>.  1784;  m.  James  McCreight,  and  left  issue. 

iii.  Elizabeth*,  b.  1786. 

iv.  Eleanor*,  b.  1788. 

V.  Andrew  Stuart*,  d.  1791  ;  d.   1839  at    Harrisburg,  Pa.;  tn. 
Eli/a  R.  Chambers,  d.  1799;  d.  iS.Soat  Harrisburg,  Pa. 

vi.  .Matilda  Dinwiddie*,  b.  1795. 


y^  .Sabmcb  Loyalists  of  the  Amciican  A'tio/iition,  c-d.    1S64,  ii,  pp. 
538-340. 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


1751.  Nov.  20.— Address  of  welcome  of  the  Corporate  Authori- 
ties of  Williamsburg  to  Governor  Dinuiddie,  on  his 

arrival  there i 

The  Governor's  response 3 

A  like  address  of  the  President  and  Masters  of  William 

and  Mary  College 3 

The  Governor's  response 4 

1751.  Dec.  12. — Williamsburg.  Letter  of  Governor  Dinwiddie 
to  Conrad  Weiser,  desiring  him  to  accompany  the 
Commissioners  from  Virginia,  appointed  to  treat  with 
the  Indians  at  Logstown,  in  May,  1752 6 

1751.  [Dec.  13]. — Letter  of  Nicholas  Walthoe,  Clerk  of  the 
Council,  by  command  of  the  Governor  and  Council, 
to  Joshua  Fry,  appointing  him  one  of  the  Commission- 
ers as  above 7 

1751.  Dec.  13.— Williamsburg.  The  same  to  Colonel  James  Pat- 
ton 9 

175 1.  [Dec.  13]. — Letter  of  Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Governor 
Samuel  Ogle,  of  Maryland,  proffering  his  services,  and 
informing  him  of  the  projected  conference  at  Logs- 
town " 

1751.     Dec.  13.— Williamsburg.     The  same  to  the  same,  announc-     ■ 
ing  appointment  as  Lieutenant-Governor,  and  arrival 
in  Virginia '2 

1751.  Dec.  13. — Williamsburg.  Letter  of  Governor  Dinwiddie 
to  the  Vestry  of  St.  Anne's  parish,  Albemarle  county, 
recommending  Rev.  John  Ramsay  to  succeed  Mr. 
Robertson  as   rector  of  the  parish 14 

1751.  Dec.  18.— Williamsburg.  Letter  of  Governor  Dinwiddie 
to  Governor  James  Hamilton,  of  Pennsylvania,  an- 
nouncing appointment  as  Governor  of  Virginia,  and 


XXX  TAHLE   OF   rONTENTS. 

notil'ying   him  of  the   projected   conference  at   I-ors- 
t(m-n> '5 

1752.  Jan.  aj.— \VilHani<.l>ur>c.  Letter  of  Governor  DinwicUIIc 
to  CoU)nel  Thonuis  Cre»i«p,  in  reference  to  the  hiMtili- 
lies  t)f  the  French;  ilesirinK  l>ini  to  secure  the  »ervices 
of  Antlrew  Montour  as  interpreter  for  the  I-og%to\vn 
Ct)mmissii»n;  and  in  reference  t«»  tlie  affairs  t>f  tin- 
Ohio  Company •? 

1752.  May  (y. — Wilhamsburg.  Letter  of  (iovernor  Uinwiddie  to 
Lord  Tliomas  Fairfax,  of  courtesy;  in  reference  to  the 
appointment  of  sur\eyors  hy  William  and  Mary  Col- 
lege, and  i)(  the  levying  of  tines  in  the  courts  in  the  Pro- 
prietary of  the  Northern  Neck ~ 19 

1752.     Feb.  10. — Letter  of  Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Captains  Cri- 
sap  and  Trent  in  reference  to  the  proposed  c(»nferen' 
at  LtijTstown  and  to  the  trespasses  a(  the  French 

[•75*]  [I'ndated.] — Address  of  Governor  Dinwiddie  tothe(»enr 
ral  Assembly  at  the  opening  of  their  session,  directiuK 
their  Councils,  recommending  the  cultivation  of  friend- 
ly relations  with  the  Indians,  and  communicating  his 
fears  .is  to  the  sinister  tlesi^ns  of  the  l-"rench 14 

[1752.]     [I'mlated.]— Cordial    and   complimentary   reply  of    the 

Council..- 37 

[•752]     [I'ndated.] — The  same  of  the  Burgesses 28 

['752]  [Undated.] — Address  c)f  the  Burgesses  to  Governor  I  )u>- 
widdie,  requesting  his  influence  with  the  king  in  l)ehalf 
of  a  "  Representation  maile  by  this  House  in  conjunc- 
tion with  the  Council,"  as  to  the  efl'ect  of  "  the  late 
Proclamation  fi>r  t!ie  Repeal  of  sundry  useful  and 
salutary   .Xcts  of  .Assembly,"  and  |)rayer  for  redress 29 

[•752]  [I'ndated.]  — Message  of  (iovernor  Dinwiddie  to  the 
General  Assembly,  promising  to  forward  the  addresses, 
as  desired,  recommending  the  adoption  of  measures  for 
military  defence,  the  suppression  of  "gaming,  swear- 
ing, and  immoderate  drinking,"  and  proroguing  the 
Assembly  to  OctolK-r  ensuing 30 

1752.     .April.— Governor  Dinwiddle's  charge  to  the  grand  jury Ji 

1752.  October. — Governor    Dinwidtlie's    second    charge   to   the 

grand  jury ii 

1753.  April  10. — Governor  Dinwiddle's  third  charge  to  the  gran<l 

jury 34 

'753-    October  16.— Governor  Dinwiddle's  fourth  charge  to  the 

grand  jury 35 

1753.  [Undated.] — Message  of  (iovernor  Dinwiddie  to  the  Gene- 
ral Assembly,  upim  its  meeting,  transmitting  letters 
from  James  Abercromby,  the  agent  of  the  colony  at 


TABLE   OF    CONTENTS.  XXXI 

London,  in  regard  to  recent  enactments ;  and  from  the 
Lords  of  Trade,  recommending  the  cultivation  of 
friendly  relations  with  the  Indians  and  the  encourage- 
ment of  foreign  Protestants  as  settlers ;  the  "  remon- 
strance "  to  the  king  of  the  Lords  of  Trade  against  the 
"  revised  laws  "  of  the  colony ;  a  report  of  the  Commis- 
sioners of  the  Customs  to  the  Treasury  in  regard  to  the 
tobacco  laws,  and  a  copy  of  instruction  from  the  king 
giving  the  Governor  power  to  ratify  two  laws  formerly 
repealed,  and  recommending  the  reduction  of  the  num- 
ber of  tobacco  warehouses  and  the  appointment  of  an 
inspector-general  for  each  river 37 

*753-  [Undated.] — Message  of  Governor  Dinwiddie  to  the  House 
of  Burgesses,  referring  to  the  hostilities  of  the  French 
and  of  their  building  a  fort  on  English  territory ;  re- 
commending an  appropriation  for  purposes  of  defence, 
and  communicating  information  of  the  order  by  the 
king  for  the  supply  of  ordnance  and  ammunition 40 

^753-  [Undated.] — Messcige  of  Governor  Dinwiddie  to  the  Bur- 
gesses, announcing  the  division  of  the  colony  into  <our 
military  districts 41 

1753.     Nov.  I. — Message  of  Governor  Dinwiddie  to  the  General 

Assembly 4' 

1753.     Nov.  3. — Cordial  response  of  the  Council  to  the  Message 

of  Governor  Dinwiddie 42 

1753.     [Nov.  3.] — Rejoinder  of  Governor  Dinwiddie 42 

1753.     Nov.  3. — Warm  response  of  the  Burgesses  to  the  Message 

of  Governor  Dinwiddie 43 

^753-     [Nov.  3.] — Rejoinder  of  Governor  Dinwiddie 44 

1753.  Nov.  27. — Address  of  the  Burgesses  to  Governor  Dinwid- 
die, desiring  to  know  if  the  exaction  of  a  fee  of  a  pis- 
tole upon  land  patents  was  by  his  authority 44 

•753-  Nov.  28. — Reply  of  Governor  Dinwiddie.  stating  that  the 
fee  was  by  his  authority,  with  the  advice  of  the  Coun- 
cil           45 

1753.     Nov.  28. — Rejoinder  of  the  Burgesses,  in  demurral  of  the 

action  of  Governor  and  Council 45 

1753.     Dec.  4. — Final  reply  of  the  Governor,  in  self-justification...        46 

*753-  [Dec.  4.] — Message  of  Governor  Dinwiddie  to  the  Gene- 
ral Assembly,  proroguing  them 47 

*753-     [Dec.  4.] — The  same  to  the  Burgesses 4^ 

[I754-]  [Ja'i'y-]^ — Letter  of  Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Lord  Fair- 
fa.\,  stating  the  defensive  measures  entered  u])on,  the 
ordering  of  200  men  to  the  Ohio,  and  the  a])|:)ointment 
of  Major  George  Washington  to  command  a  company 
of  100  men 49 


XXXII  I  \1  IK  OF   CONTENTS. 

1754.    Jan'y- -Letter  of  Governor  DinuiiUlie  to  Colonel  Jnn)> 

Paiion.  of  like  im|M>rt.  aiul  k'^'"K  insiructiuns 50 

1754.  [l'n»lau-ti.]  — Lcltfr«»l  (iuvcrnur  I )in\vi(l(lic  toColond  Wil- 
liam l-'airlaN.  nl'  like  itn|><>rt,  and  anniiiiiuiitK  the  a|>- 
|>oiiitnu-nt  111  Major  Julin  CarlyU-  as  commissary 5a 

1754.  Jan'y  J7. — Lcttrr  ni  tiovfrnor  hinwiddie  to  M.ijor  John 
Carlylr.  transmittint;  his  commission  and  Rivini;  him 
instructions 53 

•  ■^:     Jan"y  26.— Major   John  Carlyle's  commission   from  Gov- 

rnior  DinwiddiL- 54 

I  ■  '  n'y  27.)--Lcttcr  of  (iovt-rnor  Diiuvitldir  t(»  Captain  Wil- 
liam Trent,  transmitting  his  commission  and  giving  him 
instruct  ii»ns 55 

'"5:      lui'v  ^7. — Captain  William  Trent's  connnission  frtmi  Gov- 

■rnor  Dinwiddie 56 

i;  -;.  .  :nlated.] — Messjige  of  Ciovernor  Dinwiddie  to  the  In- 
dian chief  Monacatootha 57 

['754]     [I'ndated.] — Message  of  (iovernor  Dinwiddie  to  the  Six 

Nations  of  Indians 58 

[•754.]     [I'ndated.] — Letter  of  Ciovernor  Dinwiddie  to  Andrew 

Montour,  K'vinjj  instructi«»ns 58 

[•754]     [L'ntlated.] — Governor  Dinwiddle's  instructions  to  Major 

(ieorfje  Washington 59 

1 754.  Fel).  4. — Governor  I  )inwidtlie's  message  to  the  Catawba  In- 
dians, in  reference  to  the  proposed  conference  at  Logs - 
town <x> 

1754  [I  ntlated.] — Letter  of  Ciovernor  Dinwiddie  to  Ciovernor 
James  (ilen  of  South  Carolina,  giving  information  of 
the  hostilities  of  the  French,  the  imsuccessful  mission 
of  Major  Washington  to  them,  the  pro|>osed  conference 
at  Logstown,  the  measures  for  tiefence  taken  by  Vir- 
ginia, and  recpiesting  the  concurrent  action  of  South 
Carolina 61 

ir-t      i.in  y  29. — Ciovernor   Dinwiddie:  in    like    import,    to   the 

(iovernor  of  Pennsylvania 63 

'754.     [Jan'y  29.] — The  same  to  the  Ciovernor  of  North  Carolina,        64 

'754.     [Jan'y  29.] — The  same  to  the  Ciovernor  of  New  York 65 

•  754      [Jan'y  29.] — Ciovernor  Dinwiddie,  in  similar  import,  to  the 

Ciovernor  of  Maryland 67 

•754-     [jan'y  29.] — The  same  tfi  the  Ciovernor  of  New  Jersey 68 

'754-  [jan'y  29.]— The  same  to  the  Ciovernor  of  Massachusetts...  69 
1754.  Feb.  9. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  James  Al>erc»imby,  trans- 
mitting a  copy  of  the  reasons  given  by  the  Burgesses 
for  the  appointment  of  I'eyton  Randolph  to  lay  before 
the  King  their  .Addresses  demurring  to  the  exaction  of 
the  pistole  fee 71 


TABLE    OF    CONTENTS.  XXXlll 

1754.  Feb.  17. — Message  of  Governor  Dinwiddie  to  the  General 
Assembly  upon  meetinsj;,  detailin.t;  hostilities  of  the 
French  and  Indians,  and  prayin.tj  a  due  ai^propriation 
for  military  defence 75 

'754-  [Feb.  17.]— Message  of  Governor  Dinwiddie  to  the  Bur- 
gesses in  regard  to  the  military  regulations  of  the 
Colony 76 

1754-  [Feb.  17.] — Message  of  Governor  Dinwiddie  to  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly,  enjoining  harmony  in  deliberation  and 
prompt  action 7^ 

[•754-]  Feb.  17. — Reply  of  the  Council 77 

'754-     [Feb.  17.] — Rejoinder  of  Governor  Dinwiddie 77 

1754.     Feb.  15. — Reply  of  the  Burgesses 78 

•754-  [Undated.] — Message  of  Governor  Dinwiddie  prorogu- 
ing the  Assembly  to  April  ensuing 79 

1754.  Feb.  23. — Letter  of  Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Governor 
James  DeLancey,  of  New  York,  announcing  the  appro- 
priation of  the  Virginia  Assembly  of  _;^i 0,000  for  pur- 
poses of  defence,  with  the  measures  taken  thereon 79 

1754.     Feb.  23. — A   like   letter  to  Governor  Horatio  .Sharpe,  of 

Maryland 80 

1754.     Feb.  23. — A  like  letter  to  Governor  James  Hamilton,  of 

Pennsylvania 81 

1754.     Feb.  23. — A  like  letter  to  Governor  Jonathan   Belcher,  of 

of  New  Jersey 82 

1754.  Feb.  23. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Lord  Fairfax,  complain- 
ing of  the  conduct  of  the  militia  of  Frederick  county...         82 

1754.     Feb.  25. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Major  John  Carlyle,  in 

regard  to  the  duties  of  his  office 8^ 

1754.  March  i. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Governor  James  De 
Lancey,  of  New  York,  announcing  the  appropriation  of 
the  ^10,000,  and  transmitting  the  letter  of  the  Earl  of 
Holdernesse  directing  that  two  Independent  Compa- 
nies be  sent  from  New  York  to  Virginia 83 

1754.  March  i. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Governor  Sharpe,  an- 
nouncing the  order  of  Lord  Holdernesse;  the  inten- 
tion of  Governor  Dinwiddie  to  erect  a  fort  on  the 
Monongahela  river,  the  raising  of  six  companies  of 
soldiers,  to  be  commanded  by  Colonel  Joshua  Fry,  and 
transmitting  the  Journal  of  Major  Washington 86 

1754.  March  i. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Governor  Hamilton, giv- 
ing information  of  military  movements  and  transmit- 
ting Major  Washington's  journal 86 

1754.     March    i. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Governor  Belcher;  of 

like  tenor 87 

1754.     March  i. — A  similar  letter  to  Governor  William  Shirley,  of 


XXXIV  TABLE   OF    CONTENTS. 

Mavsachuscttit ^. 88 

1754-     M.iri:h.~(i<>\cmor     Dinwicldie's    Instructions  to    Colonel 

Joshua  Fry,  cuinniaiuliiiK  the  Virxiiiia  rcKinicnt 88 

•754-  [March].  -<i.»vcriu»r  Dinwidiiic  l«»  Major  John  Carlyle.  an- 
notin<  iii^  thf  shipment  of  ntihtary  Ntorcs,  and  K'^'iKK 
ins  trill  turns ^ 90 

1754.  M.irt  l>  5  Governor  Dinwiddicto  Governor  janurs  (ilcn, 
unnouncinK  the  reception  «»f  a  letter  fr«>ni  Lord  Hold- 
emesse,  ordering  an  Indeinrndent  Company  from  North 
Carolina  to  Virginia... 90 

*754  L March]. —(iovernor  Dinvviddie  to  .Matthew  Kovvan,  .Acting 
(iovernor  «»f  North  Carolina,  desiring  him  to  comnui- 
nicate  with  (iovernor  Cilen,  of  South  Carolina 91 

'754-  March  9.— .Mexaiidria.  Letter  from  Col.Miel  George 
Washington  to  ( iovernor  I^inwiddie.  in  regard  to  en- 
listing and  clothing  soldiers 93 

1754.  March  12.— Governor  iJinwiddie  to  Lord  H«)ldemessc,  an- 
nouncing the  appropriation  of  /'lo.ooo,  and  the  military 
measures  taken;  tliscussing  the  amhitious  views  of  the 
Krench  ;  enclosing  proclamation  granting  200,000  acres 
of  land  as  an  encouragement  to  enlistments,  and  refer- 
ring to  the  «)rtlering  of  tiie  Independent  Companies —         93 

1754      March  12. — Governor  Diinviildie  to  the  Lorils  of  Trade;  of 

similar  tenor 98 

1734.     March  12.— .\  similar  letter  l<^  Lord   ILilifax 100 

1754.     March  12.— A  similar  letter  to  John  Hanbury,  London;  also 

ordering  "  a  suit  of  regimentals  " 100 

1754.  .March  12.— (iovernor  Dinwiddie  to  John  Cleveland,  Secre- 
tar\  of  the  IJoard  of  .Admiralty,  in  regard  to  stationing 
ships  of  war  on  the  coasts  of  N'irgini.i  and  .Maryland, 
and  the  sending  of  passes 104 

1754  .March  J. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Governor  .Sharjie,  re- 
garding military  movements,  and  complaining  of  the 
hesitancy  of  the  .Maryland  .Assembly  in  granting  aid...       105 

1754.  March  15. — (iovernor  Dinwiddie  to  Colonel  Washington, 
acknowledging  receipt  of  letters  announcing  the  ship- 
ment of  supplies;  as  to  the  uniforms  and  pay  of  the 
soltliers;  transmitting  a  commission  as  Lieutenant- 
Colonel,  anti  aniiotmcing  the  ordering  of  three  Inde- 
pendent Companies  to  N'irginia 106 

17;  J  March  15.— Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Colonel  William  Kair- 
lax,  transmitting  /joo  for  the  use  of  Colonels  Fry  and 
WashingtcMi,  and  complaining  of  the  embarrassments 
conse<|uent  upon  a  want  of  the  necessary  means  for 
the  sup|M*rt  of  the  defensive  measures  of  the  Colony...       108 

i754.     March  i8. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Colonel  l-"ry,  in  refer- 


TABLE    OF    CONTENTS.  XXXV 

ence  to  disciplining  and  uniforming  his  command;  to 
supplies  of  rum,  ammunition,  etc.,  and  to  the  giving 
commi.ssions  to  Messrs.  Peyronie  and  De  Keyser 109 

1754.  Marcli  iS. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Major  Carlyle,  in  re- 
gard to  details  of  iiis  olhce 112 

['754-]     [Undated]. — Memorandum  list  of  officers  of  the  Virginia 

regiment,  with  their  pay  severally 112 

1754.  March  28. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Governor  .Sharpe,  in 
reference  to  aid  from  Maryland ;  announcing  his  instruc- 
tions from  the  king  to  build  two  forts  on  the  Ohio,  and 
stating  the  pay  allowed  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the 
Virginia  regiment u6 

1754.     March  21. — A  similar  letter  to  Governor  De  Lancey 116 

1754.  March  21. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Governor  Hamilton,  of 
Pennsylvania,  in  reference  to  the  action  of  the  \'ir- 
ginia  Assembly  in  regard  to  the  pistole  fee,  the  bound- 
ary line  between  Virginia  and  Pennsylvania,  and  mili- 
tary movements 118 

1754.     March  21. — The  same  to  the  sam^,  detailing  the  military 

measures  of  Virginia 119 

1754.  March  23. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Matthew  Rowan,  of 
North  Carolina;  of  like  tenor,  and  with  regard  to  the 
North  Carolina  regiment  under  Colonel  James  Innes...       122 

1754.  March  23. — The  same  to  the  same,  in  regard  to  supplies  of 
arms  on  hand,  to  bedding,  tents,  and  the  pay  of  the 
Virginia  soldiers 125 

1754.     March  23. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Colonel  James  Innes, 

with  assurances  of  regard 125 

1754.  March  25. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Governor  Sharpe,  an- 
nouncing the  appropriation  by  the  Assembly  of  North 
Carolina  of  /i2,coo 126 

1754.  April  15. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Governor  Glen  in  refer- 
ence to  the  military  posture  of  Virginia,  a  meeting  with 
the  Indians  at  Winchester  in  May  ensuing,  relations  with 
the  southern  Indians,  and  the  supply  of  military  stores 
on  hand 127 

1754.     April  15. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Matthew  Rowan,  briefly 

referring  him  to  a  conversation  with  Colonel  Innes 130 

1754.     April  19. — Message  of  Governor  Dinwiddie  to  the  King, 

Head  Men,  and  Warriors  of  the  Catawbas 131 

1754.     April  19. — The  same  to  the  Emperor,  King  of  Chote,  and 

Warriors  of  the  Cherokees 132 

1754.  April  19. — The  same  to  Wayhocke  Kehowe,  Telfowe  Ke- 
howe,  Corronah  Toxso,  Skyonnaco  Kehowe,  warriors 
of  the  Cherokees 133 

1754.     April  27. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Lord  Holdernesse,  as  to 


XXXVI  TAIiLE   OF   CONTENTS. 

hv  military  |x>siurc  of  the  several  c<»I»inics ^ 133 

!  ;>ril  J7.     (toveriutr  l>inwitUliv  to  Lord  Halifax ;  of  simi- 

ir  tciu>r 134 

'754  Xpril  27-  (iovfrn«)r  DinwitUlic  to  Lord  (>ranviilc,  traiis- 
inittin^  ilraft  for  /429  lis.,  and  Kivin^  inforination  of 
the  nuMsiirc  of  «lefeiue  taken  l>y  the  colonies ^ 136 

1754  April  j6.  Covernor  Hinwiddie  to  James  Abercromby,  as 
to  the  pistole  fee,  measures  for  defence,  Mr.  Le  Heup's 
diHiculty,  instructi»»ns  frt)m  Lonl  n<jldernesse.  Sir  Dan- 
vcrs  Osbom's  39th  instruction,  and  the  X'irginia  appro- 
priation of  /■|o,noo 1 37 

1754.  .April  27. — (iovernor  |)in\viddie  to  (iovernor  De  Lancey, 
expressing  anxiety  for  the  arrival  of  the  inde|K'ntlent 
(otnpany  from  New  York 141 

1754.  .April  27.-  ricjvernor  Diinvitlditr  tt>  (iovernor  Mamiltui], 
complaining  «)f  the  delay  by  the  jjovernment  of  Penn- 
sylvania in  aidin};  in  the  military  defences  of  the  colo- 
nies  ; 142 

1754.  May  I. — (iovernor  DinUiddie  to  (iovernor  De  lancey, 
complaininjj  of  the  New  York  .Assembly  and  Kivinjj 
account  «)f  the  niilitary  operations  on   foot,  etc 143 

1754.  May  I. — (jtivernor  Dinwiddie  to  (iovernor  .Sharpe,  com- 
plaining; of  the  apathy  of  the  Assemblies  of  both  \'ir- 
^inia  and  Maryland,  and  referrinj;  to  the  destructiori  of 
colonial  records  at  the  burninj;  of  the  capitol  at  Wil- 
liamsburg in  1746 146 

1754.     .May  4. --(iovernor  Dinwiddie  to  Colonel   J<ishua    Fry,  by 

Captain  McKay,  who  is  recommended  to  due  regard...       146 

•754      [M^y  4] — rhe  same  to  the  same,  complaining  of  the  delay 

in  the  march  of  the  latter,  and  giving  instructions.. 147 

1754.  May  4. — (iovernor  Dinwiddie  to  Colonel  Washington,  com- 
plaining of  the  ilelay  of  Colonel  l-'ry's  march,  and  giv- 
ing current  military  intelligence,  and  instructions 148 

1-1  May  4.— (iovernor  Dinwiddie  to  Captain  .McKay,  c<jmmand- 
ing  the  independent  company  from  .South  Carolina,  giv- 
ing instructions 149 

1754.     .May  4.— (i«}vernf»r  Dinwiddie  to  Major  Carlyle,  instructing 

him  to  duly  sup|)ly  Captain   McKay's  company 150 

1754.     May  4.— (iovernor  Dinwiddie  to  Colonel    Hunter,  giving 

instructions  for  supplying  Captain  .McKay's  company.       150 

1754,  May  9. — Little  Mea<lows.  Colonel  Washington  to  G«)v- 
ernor  Dinwiddie,  giving  account  of  the  progress  of  the 
expedition,  and  of  the  strength  and  depredations  of 
the  French 15' 

1754.  .May  10.— (iovernor  DinwitUlie  to  Capel  Hanbury,  in  refer- 
ence to  his  contest  with  the  Assembly  as  to  the  pistole 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS.  XXXVll 

fee,  their  appropriation  of  /■lo.ooo,  and  the  mihtary 
preparations  thereon,  with  complaints  of  the  inaction 
of  other  colonies 153 

1754.     INIay  10. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  James  Abercromby  ;  of 

similar  tenor 156 

1754.     May  10. — Governor   Dinwiddie  to   Lord    Holdernesse;   of 

similar  tenor 158 

1754.     May  10. — Governor  Dinwiddie   to  tlie  Lords  of  Trade  ;  of 

similar  tenor 160 

1754.     May  10. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Lord  Halifax;  of  similar 

tenor 162 

1754.  May  10. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  the  Lords  of  the  Treas- 
ury; of  similar  tenor 164 

1754.  May  10. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Horace  Walpole;  of  simi- 
lar tenor,  and  with  reference  to  a  shipment  of  "  pales" 
to  the  latter  from  Virginia 165 

1754.  May  10. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Lord  Granville,  as  to  cur- 
rent events  in  \'irginia 166 

1754.  May  10. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Governor  Glen,  enclosing 
a  letter  from  Governor  Sharpe,  and  giving  military  in- 
telligence         167 

1754.  May  18.— "Great  Crossing  of  Yaughyaughgane."  Colonel 
Washington  to  Governor  Dinwiddie,  reporting  progress 
of  the  expedition 169 

1754.  May  25. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Colonel  Fry,  giving  in- 
structions for  his  military  conduct,  and  recommending 
the  appointment  of  Surgeon  Craik  as  an  Ensign 170 

1754.  May  25. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Colonel  Washington,  in 
regard  to  the  complaints  made  by  the  Virginia  officers 
as  to  rank,  inadequate  pay,  etc 171 

1754.  May  27th. — Great  Meadows.  Colonel  Washington  to  Gov- 
ernor Dinwiddie,  in  regard  to  meeting  with  the  Indians 
at  Winchester,  transmitting  a  communication  from  the 
Half-Kin>j  and  John  Davison,  and  reporting  movements 
of  the  French 174 

1754.  May  29. — Great  Meadows.  Colonel  Washington  to  Gov- 
ernor Dinwiddie,  in  further  complaint  of  the  distinction 
in  rank  and  pay  made  between  the  King's  officers  and 
those  under  colonial  conmiission,  as  to  the  commission- 
ing of  Mr.  Willis,  and  giving  an  account  of  the  engage- 
ment with  the  French  at  the  Little  Meadows,  May  28...       176 

1754.     May  29. — Great  Meadows.    Colonel  Washington  to  Colonel 

Fry,  reporting  the  engagement  at  the  Little  IMeadows,       1S2 

1754.  May  29. — From  the  same  to  the  same,  requesting  that  if 
the  sickness  of  the  last  continued,  that  he  would  order 
Colonel  Muse  to  proceed  with  his  command 1S4 


XXXVill  lAIil-E  OF   CONTENTS. 

1754.  June  I.— Winchester.  {iovcrii«»r  Diiuvidilic  lo  CuloncI 
Thomas  Cresiip.  orilcrinR  him  lo  conduct  thither  the 
Kri-nili  prisoners  recently  taken..  185 

1754.  June  I. —Winchester,  (iovernor  DinwitlcUe  to  Colonel 
Washington,  ackni»\vletl>;inK  receipt  t»f  his  last  letter, 
anil  K'vin)j  military  intelligence 187 

1754.  June  I.— Winchester.  I-"rom  the  sante  to  the  same,  jfivinn 
information  ol'  the  enslavement  of  Governor  Croghan 
as  an  interpreter 187 

1754.    June  2.— Governor  Dinwiililie  to  .Major  Muse,  complaining 

of  his  slow  marching 187 

1754.     lune  2.— Ciovernor  Dinwidclie  to  Captain  McKay,  reciuest- 

inn  expedition  in  joining  the  comni.ind  of  Major  Muse,       188 

1754.  June  2.— Ciovernor  Dinwitldie  to  the  n.«lf-Kinj{,  acknowl- 
edKiu);  the  receipt  «»f  a  string  of  wanipum,  and  sentlinj; 
.mother  in  return 188 

1754.  June  2.— Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Colonel  Washington,  in 
reference  to  the  complaint  of  the  olhcers,  the  French 
prisoners,  provisions  for  the  army,  anti  wampum  and 
presents  for  the  imlians 189 

1754.  June  3.— Colonel  Wasliingl»»n  to  Ciovernor  Dinwiddie,  in 
regard  to  tlie  nu)vements  of  the  French  and  their  in- 
tUience  with  the  Indians 19' 

1754.  June  4.— (iovernor  Dinwiddie  to  Colonel  Washinjjton,  en- 
closing him  a  commission  as  colonel,  vice  Colonel  Fry, 
dec'd.  and  announcing  the  appointment  of  Colonel 
Janies  Innes  .is  Conunander-in-chief. 193 

1754.    June  4.— Grivernor    Dinwiddie's    ccimmission    appointing 

Colonel  James   Innes,  Commander  in-chief. 194 

1754.     June  4.— Winchester,  (iovernor  Dinwitldie's  instructions  to 

CoUmel   Innes «95 

1754.  June  10.— Colonel  Washington  to  Governor  Dinwiddie,  re- 
turning thanks  for  his  promotion,  expressing  satis- 
faction at  the  appointment  <jf  Colonel  Innes,  promis- 
ing circumspection  in  his  military  intercourse  with 
the  oflicers  of  the  independent  companies,  and  coni- 
pl.iining  of  the  refusal  of  the  conunand  of  Captain 
.McK.iy  to  work  upon  the  roads 197 

1754.  June  17.— [Williamsburg.]  Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Colo- 
nel Fairfax,  desiring  him  to  review  Captain  Clark's 
company 200 

1754.  June  17.— Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Major  Carlyle,  remitting 
£200  by  Mr.  Harrison,  and  t»rdering  supplies  to  Cap- 
tain Clark's  company 200 

•754-  June  18. — Ciovernor  Dinwiddie  to  Sir  Tlu»mas  Robinson, 
.Secretary  of  State,  giving  a  rt-snm>  of  the  military  op- 


TABLE    OF    CONTENTS.  XXXIX 

erations  to  date 201 

•754-  June  18. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  the  Lords  of  Trade,  re- 
porting the  engagement  at  the  Little  Meadows,  the 
general  posture  of  aflfairs,  and  the  result  of  the  meet- 
ing with  the  Indians  at  Winchester 205 

1754.    June    18. — Governor   Dinwiddle   to   Lord    Albemarle;    of 

similar  tenor 208 

1754.  June  18. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  James  Abercromby,  as 
to  the  pistole  fee,  the  failure  of  other  colonies  to  give 
assistance,  and  his  appointment  as  agent  for  Virginia,       210 

1754.  June  20. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  Governor  Sharpe,  en- 
closing a  copy  of  the  record  of  the  trial  of  Colonel 
George  Talbot  for  the  murder  of  Christopher  Rousley  ; 
communicating  the  confinement  at  Williamsburg  of 
certain  criminals  from  South  Carolina  amenable  to 
trial  in  ]Maryland,  the  movements  of  the  French,  and 
a  regulation  for  the  accommodation  of  the  dispute  as 
to  rank  between  the  provincial  officers  and  those  of 
the  Independent  companies 212 

1754.  June  18. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  Governor  Hamilton,  com- 
municating the  result  of  the  Indian  meeting,  the  en- 
gagement at  the  Little  Meadows,  and  as  to  the  general 
prospects  of  the  campaign 214 

1754.  June  20.— Governor  Dinwiddle  to  Governor  De  Lancey, 
requesting  the  result  of  the  treaty  at  Albany;  commu- 
nicating the  engagement  at  the  Little  Meadows,  and 
general  military  intelligence 216 

1754.    June  25. — Governor   Dinwiddle    to   Colonel    Washington, 

giving  instructions  for  settling  the  disputes  as  to  rank...       218 

1754.  June  25. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  Major  Carlyle,  notifying 
him  of  the  shipment  of  stores  and  of  the  progress  of 
the  regiment  of  Colonel  Innes 219 

1754.  June  27. — From  the  same  to  tlie  same,  promising  a  remit- 
tance of  money,  ordering  the  supplying  of  the  troops 
with  rum,  and  complaining  of  the  neglect  of  duty  by 
Carlyle's  deputies 219' 

1754-    June  27. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  Captain  Mackay,  as  to 

disputes  about  rank 221 

1754.  June  27. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  Colonel  Washington,  as 
to  the  complaints  of  the  last  for  the  want  of  flour,  and 
recommending  the  appointment  of  Peyronie  as  adju- 
tant        224 

1754-     [June  17.] — M.  Druillon  to  Governor  Dinwiddle,  claiming 

to  be  unjustly  detamed  as  a  prisoner 225 

1754.  June  17. — From  the  same  to  the  same,  complaining  of  his 
prison  quarters  and  asking  to  be  supplied  with  cloth- 


xl  TABLE   OF    CONTENTS. 

inj:  ....^ ~. 227 

1754-    June  iQ.  —  Govcrni>r  Dinwiddle's  reply,  in  rcfuution  of  the 

allcKatiuns  of  Druillon ^ 227 

1754.     [L'n'        '        :          iijor  I  >in\vi<l«lle  l«»  Colonel  Washin.*    :. 
lull)  «»i>    l>is    s|K-ech  to  the  Wy.i; 
1  wiiililwci  ^.  Lie;    •                      the    nUAftm-nts  ol    ilic 
French,  and  Kivin^  "                 i-«  Jor  the  anoinnjotlation 
«>f  the  friendly  Indians 230 

I";  J.  [L'ndatetl.]— Governor  Dinwiddle  to  Captain  Clark,  in- 
structing him  as  to  his  march 230 

i7.-,4  July  5.— "CapU'iin  Ctxrk's.  Winchester."  (iovernor  Dinwid- 
dle to  .Major  Cariyle.  ordering;  the  delivery  of  ammuni- 
tion and  medals  fur  the  Indians,  to  Abraham  Smith 231 

1754.  July  5. — (iovernor  Dinwiddle  to  Ahraham  Smith.  k'^Iuk 
instructions  as  to  the  distrilnitlon  of  the  amnuinitlon 
and  medals 231 

1754.  July  20. — (iovernor  Dinwiddle  to  Colonel  Innes,  complain- 
ing of  the  delayed  march  of  his  forces  and  those  from 
New  York,  and  imputing  to  the  fact  the  reverse  at  Fort 
Necessity ;  alluding  to  the  resignation  of  Colonel  Muse, 
and  ^living  instructions 232 

1754.    July  [24].— (iovernor  Dinwiddie  to  (iovernor  Sharpe.  as  to 

the  prls<»ners  mentioned  in  his  letter  of  June  20th 234 

1754.     July  24. — (iovernor  Dinwiddle  to  James  AlK-rcrombv 
municates  differences  with  tlie  Council  and  Hur;;' 
sends  laws  by  the  Rev.  .Mr.  Hotchkis;  complains  of  the 
title  and  terms  of  the  appropriation  of  the  /"  10,000  by 
the  .Assembly;  notifies  him  of  his  appointment  as  agent 
I'ict'  Le  Heup,  and  gives  general  military  intelligence —       235 

1754.  [July  24). — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  the  Lords  of  Trade  ; 
rrports  the  engagement  at  the  Little  .Meadows,  and  his 
inraNures  thereon;  asks  assistance  fr« mi  (jreat  Britain, 
and  sends  a  copper  plate — a  French  mark  of  posses- 
sion        239 

1754.    July  24.— (iovernor  Dinwiddle  to  .Sir  Thomas  Kobinson;  of 

.similar  tenor 243 

1754.    July  24.— (iovernor  Dinwiddle  to  Henry  Fox.  Secretary  of 

War;  of  similar  tenor 244 

1754.  July  24. — (iovernor  Dinwiddle  to  Lord  Albemarle;  of  simi- 
lar teni)r 247 

1754.  July  24.— (iovernor  Dinwiddle  to  Lord  Granville;  of  simi- 
lar tenor 249 

1754.  July  24. — Ciovernor  Dinwiddle  to  Lord  Halifax,  complain- 
ing c»f  the  inaction  of  the  other  colonies,  and  proposing 
that  means  for  military  defence  be  raised  by  levying  a 
general  poll-tax 250 


TABLE    OF    CONTENTS.  xH 

1754.  July  24. — Governor  Diinvicklie  to  J.  iS:  C.  Hanbury,  request- 
ing their  solicitation  with  the  English  State  and  War 
Departments  for  an  order  for  the  reinibusement  of  ad- 
vances for  the  expedition,  and  gives  general  military 
intelligence 252 

1754.  July  31. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  Peter  Wraxall,  request- 
ing a  copy  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Albany  Conven- 
tion        254 

1754.  July  31. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  Governor  Hamilton ; 
gives  military  intelligence,  and  the  number  of  the 
forces  in  the  field,  and  requests  a  supply  of  flour 255 

1754.  July  31. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  Governor  Sharpe;  gives 
military  intelligence,  and  requests  one  hundred  men 
from  Maryland 258 

1754.  July  31. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  Governor  De  Lancey  ; 
complains  of  the  tardy  march  of  the  New  York  com- 
panies ;  makes  an  appeal  for  assistance  from  the  New 
York  Assembly,  and  concurs  in  the  propriety  of  erect- 
ing a  fort  in  the  country  of  the  Senecas  259 

1754.  Aug.  I. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  Colonel  Innes;  gives  in- 
structions for  recruiting  three  Independent  Companies, 
and  the  regiment  of  Colonel  Washington  to  300  men ; 
orders  a  general  rendezvous  at  Wills's  Creek  and  the 
building  of  a  Fort  at  Red  Stone  Creek  ;  promises  due 
supplies;  complains  of  the  mutinous  behaviour  of  the 
Virginia  regiment,  and  gives  advice  of  the  shipment  of 
ammunition,  and  that  he  has  ordered  Andrew  Montour 
to  join  Innes  with  a  company  of  Indians 261 

1754.  Aug.  I. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  Colonel  Washington; 
gives  orders  for  him  to  march  beyond  tiie  Alleghany 
mountains  after  recruiting  his  regiment 262 

1754.  Aug.  I. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  Colonel  Stephen;  of  simi- 
lar import 263 

1754.  Aug.  I. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  Major  Carlyle ;  complains 
of  his  remissness  in  the  duties  of  his  office,  and  orders 
him  to  provide  supplies  for  1,200  men  immediately 264 

1754.     Aug.  I. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  Andrew  Montour;  orders 

him  to  Wills's  Creek 264 

1754.  Aug.  I. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Benjamin  Grymes;  com- 
mends his  patriotism,  and  promises  him  a  commission 
if  he  can  raise  a  company 265 

1754.  Aug.  2. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Richard  Pearis  ;  gives 
permission  for  him  to  take  up  an  island  in  Holston 
river,  and  to  trade  with  the  Indians,  under  license  ;  de- 
sires him  to  incite  the  Indians  to  opiiosition  to  the 
French 266 


Xlii  TABLE  OF   CONTKNTS. 

I754>  Aug.  J — Guvcrnur  hiiiwitUiic  tu  Colonel  \V;isliinKton ; 
irai  lulfuiiiplains  of  the  "rcfrnclory"cxjn* 
till  m .^ a68 

•754-  Auk-  '  '"•  tuC'ojiiiicI  Inncs ;  complains 
ol  i'>r  Mjpplifs ;  jjivcs  ^t-'itcal  in- 
sinictions;  complains  of  mutiny  in  the*  regiment  of 
Inncs,  and  of  the  injuilicious  cxpcniliturc  of  the  /'is.ooo 
appropriation  of  North  Ciirolina ~ 269 

1754  AuR.  5.— Ijovt-rnor  Dinwiddie  t«>  (it»vernor  Glen;  com- 
plains of  his  mis.ipprchensionof  a  previous  letter;  dis- 
cuvsi-s  the  assumptions  and  hostilities  of  the  French; 
intimates  a  tlispositiiin  on  tiie  part  of  (ilen  to  obstruct 
the  wishes  of  the  Kinjj  and  the  service,  and  jfives  gene- 
ral military  intelliKence 373 

I7S4.  Aug.  5.— (iovernor  Dinwiddie  t»>  President  Kowan,  of 
North  Carolina,  conununicatinR  progress  of  the  cani- 

paign 276 

1754.  Governor  Hinwiildif  to  tlie  Lt»rds  t)f  Trade  and  to  Sir 
Thomas  Kohinson  ;  reports  the  ordering  of  the  forces 
Inryond  the  Alleghany,  the  appropriation  of  /'6,ooo  by 
Maryland  and  asks  assistance  from  Britain 278 

1754.  Aug.  15.— Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Secretary  Fox;  of  sim- 
ilar tenor 280 

I75-I.     Aug.  15.— Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Lord  Halifax;  of  similar 

tenor 281 

1754.  Aug.  15.— (iovenior  Dinwiddie  to  Lord  Albemarle;  of  sim- 
ilar tenor 2S2 

1754.  Aug.  15.— Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Lord  Ciranville;  of  sim- 
ilar tenor 283 

i:;i  \nv'.  15— Governor  Dinwiddie  to  James  Abercromby,  as 
■  the  march  over  the  Alleghany,  the  Albany  Plan  for 
.111  I'nion,  and  the  need  of  assistance  from  Britain;  re- 
fers to  a  scheme  submitted  to  Lord  Halifax  a  year 
before,  and  gives  general  intt-lligenre 284 

1754.  Aug.  20.— Alexandria.  Colonel  W.ishington  to  Governor 
I  )inwiddie.  1  by  Peyronie,  who  attends  the  A.ssembly  to 
solicit  compensation  for  clothes  lost  at  the  surrender 
of  Fort  Necessity);  urges  the  necessity  of  properly  reg- 
ulating the  pay  of  the  soldiers,  (who  "are  naked  ")  and 
the  establishment  of  a  code  of  discipline;  reports  de- 
serticins.  and  asks  commissions  for  the  cjOicers  of  the 
Virginia  regiment 287 

1754-  Aug.  21.— Alexantlria.  The  same  to  the  same;  recom- 
mends Mr.  Wright  for  a  c«>mmission ;  reports  the  arrival 
of  ,Mr.  (.ampbcU  from  the  Musters  «if  Northern  Neck, 
and  complains  c»f  the  allowance  to  him,  as  deputy,  of 


TABLE    OK   CONTENTS.  xHu 

half  the  pay  allowed  him  (Wasiiington)  as  district  Ad- 
jutant; recommends  Mr.  Frazier  for  a  commission 289 

1754.  Aug.  22 — Address  of  Governor  Dinwiddie  to  the  General 
Assembly,  urging  an  adequate  appropriation  for  de- 
fence        291 

1754.     [Aug.  22]. — Favorable  and  eulogistic  reply  of  the  Council,       292 

1754.  Aug.  22. — Letter  of  Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Colonel  Innes, 
by  Captain  Alexander  Finnic,  in  charge  of  the  French 
prisoners,  who  are  ordered  to  be  conveyed  to  the 
French  Fort,  and  the  return  of  the  two  hostages  to 
be  demanded 293 

1754.  Aug.  26. — Reply  of  the  Burgesses  to  the  Address  of  Gov- 
ernor Dinwiddie,  of  the  22nd  current 294 

1754.     Aug.  26. — Rejoinder  of  Governor  Dinwiddie  to  the  reply 

of  the  Council 295 

1754.     Aug.  26. — Rejoinder  of  Governor  Didwiddie  to  the  reply 

of  the  Burgesses 295 

1754-     [Undated]. — Address  of  the  Burgesses  to  Governor  I^in- 

widdie;  of  thanks  and  commendation 296 

1754-     [Undated]. — Reply  of  Governor  Dinwiddie 296 

1754.  Aug.  30. — Letter  of  Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Colonel  Innes  ; 
objects  to  a  commission  for  purchasing;  of  10  per  cent, 
charged  by  Commissary  Carlyle;  reports  as  to  the  sale 
of  pork  furnished  by  North  Carolina;  gives  warning  as 
to  the  proper  charge  of  La  Force ;  reports  an  appro- 
priation by  Virginia  of  ^20,000,  and  asks  as  to  the  ad- 
visability of  a  march  over  the  Alleghany  mountains  in 
the  autumn  ensuing 296 

1754.  Sept.  I.— Governor  Dinwiddie  to  James  Abercromby;  com- 
municates the  appropriation  of  ^20,000  by  the  Assem- 
bly, but  with  a  proviso  for  the  payment  of  ^2,500  to 
Peyton  Randolph,  as  agent  to  England  in  behalf  of  the 
abolition  of  the  pistole  fee;  transmits  his  addresses  to 
the  Assembly,  with  their  replies,  and  complains  of  great 
fatigue  and  chagrin 298 

1754.     Sept.  I. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  ].  and  C.    Hanbury  ;  of 

similar  tenor 301 

1754.     Sept.  4. — Address  of  Governor  Dinwiddie,  proroguing  the 

Assembly 302 

1754.  Sept.  6. — Letter  of  Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Governor 
Sharpe ;  complains  of  the  Virginia  Assembly,  and  of  the 
President  of  North  Carolina  ;  discusses  the  military  out- 
look, and  complains  bitterly  of  the  opposition  to  his 
efforts  for  the  protection  of  the  interests  of  the  colo- 
nies and  the  Crown 303 

1754.     Sept.  6. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Governor   Hamilton;  of 


Xliv  TAIU.E  OF    CONTENTS. 

similar  Icnor 306 

1754.  [Uml.itctI  )  — liovemor  I  )inwiddie  l«>  tiovcrn«  »r  I  )e  Lanccy ; 
of  riiiiiilar  irnor,  and  tranMiiitlinK  •**"  order  under  the 
ureal  seal  "f  N'irjfinia  for  the  payment  to  Captain 
lull. Ill  I  <  j.;^.  ,  .if  /■4,65i.  19s.  4Sd.,  on  account  of  the 
i!'i'r..|.n  iti.in  l)\  New  York 309 

I                                   •.overnor  |)inwiddie   to   the    Sachems    and 
of    the   Six    Nations,   retiirnini,;   3    belts    of 
wampum }12 

I  •..  10.— (iovernor  Dinwiddie  to  I.cird  l-'airfax;  jj'vcs 
intelligence  «)f  recent  events,  and  reports  the  arrival  of 
one  William  Smith.  recommen<led  by  tlie  Secretary  of 
Stale,  and  ('laimin>;  l<i  be  a  Irienii  of  Lortl  Fairfax,  and 
ulu>  is  proposed  by  th.e  (iovernor  for  the  superintend- 
ence of  works  to  be  built,  and  to  have  care  of  the 
arms „      313 

i7f;.j.  Sept.  10. — Ciovernor  Dinwiddie  to  Ca|)tain  Julian  Legge; 
informs  him  that  an  order  had  been  sent  to  Governor 
I)e  l-;u)cey  for  the  payment  to  him  of  /■4.651, 19s.  4  '-id.,       314 

1754.  Sept.  n.— dovernor  Dinwidilie  to  Colonel  Innes,  as  to  the 
recent  action  of  the  Assembly ;  informing  him  of  the 
abandonment  of  the  expedition  over  the  Alleghany 
moimlains,  and  «>rderiiig  him  to  fall  back,  and  to  erect 
fortifications  and  a  niagazine  at  such  point  as  might  be 
tietennined  on  in  a  Council  of  War 314 

1754.  Sept.  1 1.— (iovernor  Dinwiddie  to  Colonel  Washington;  of 
similar  tenor;  ordering  him  to  detach  Captain  Lewis 
with  40  men  to  protect  the  frontiers  of  Augusta  county 
from  hulian  incursion;  aimouncing  the  appointment  of 
Peyronie  as  a  Captain,  and  informing  him  that  Camp- 
bell, deputy,  would  have  an  allowance  of  /"so  from  the 
salary  of  Washington  as  ailjutant 315 

1754  Sept.  II.— (iovernor  Dinwiililie  to  Captain  Andrew  Lewis, 
enjoining  circumspection  in  his  conduct  in  defence  of 
the  borders,  but  t>rilers  him  to  "repel  force  by  force"...       317 

1754.  Sept.  II.— (iovernor  Dinwiddie  to  .Major  Carlyle  ;  gives  in- 
structions as  to  the  comluct  of  his  ortice  ;  promises  the 
paynient  of  a  balance  of /■690,  due  Carlyle  "at  the 
cjiurt,"  and  (»rilers  that  Colonel  Innes  be  sent  40  pis- 
toles  - 318 

1754.  [Sept.]— .\  list  of  the  commissions  sent  Colonel  Washing- 
ton for  the  officers  of  his  regiment 319 

1754.  Sept.  18.— Ciovernor  Dinwiddie  t«i  Colonel  Innes,  as  to  the 
detention  of  the  French  prisoners,  and  the  authority  of 
George  Croghan  to  treat  with  the  Indians;  transmits 
order  on  Captain  Cocke  for  supplies;  refers  to  a  differ- 


TABLE    or    CONTENTS.  xlv 

ence  between  Carlyle  and  Croghan,  and  charges  the 
latter  with  bad  faith  in  faihng  to  deliver  flour ;  directs 
consultation  as  to  the  erection  of  a  fort,  and  reports  the 
sale  of  the  pork  on  a  credit  of  six  months 320 

1754.  Sept.  18.— Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Major  Carlyle,  stating 
the  complaint  of  Colonel  Innes  that  he  had  received 
no  tools 322 

1754.  Sept.  18. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Captain  Cocke,  instruct- 
ing him  to  furnish  Colonel  Innes  with  presents  for  the 
Indians 322 

1754.  Sept.  23. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Secretary  Robinson  ; 
complains  of  the  desertion  of  the  North  Carolina  forces, 
and  of  the  recent  conduct  of  the  \'irginia  Assembly  ; 
discusses  the  menacing  attitude  of  the  French  and 
their  faithlessness,  and  solicits  assistance  from  Britain..       322 

1754.     Sept.  23. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  the  Lords  of  Trade;  of 

similar  tenor 3^7 

1754.  Sept.  23. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Lord  Granville ;  of  simi- 
lar tenor 33' 

1754.     Sept.  23. — Governor    Dinwiddie   to   Lord    Albemarle;   of 

similar  tenor 333 

1754.     Sept.  23. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Lord  Halifax  ;  of  similar 

tenor 334 

1754-  [Undated.] — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Lord  Holdernesse; 
recapitulates  military  events  and  solicits  in  the  emer- 
gency of  affairs  assistance  from  Britain 335 

1754.  Sept.  23. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Secretary  Henry  Fox  ; 
complains  of  disproportionate  pay  given  its  soldiers  by 
North  Carolina ;  recapitulates  current  events,  and  en- 
closes accounts  of  his  personal  advances  for  the  inde- 
pendent companies, — requesting  reimbursement 387 

1754.  Sept.  23.— Governor  Dinwiddie  to  John  Pownal,  secretary 
of  the  Board  of  Trade,  announcing  the  transmission  in 
February  previous  of  the  treasurer's  account  of  the 
quit  rents ;  that  from  the  tax  of  2s.  per  hhd.  on  tobacco 
exported,  and  the  list  of  shipping  entered  and  cleared 
for  six  months 33^ 

1754.  Sept.  23. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  James  Abercromby ; 
complains  of  the  Virginia  Assembly,  of  the  President 
of  North  Carolina,  and  its  forces,  and  generally  of  the 
want  of  due  support  in  his  military  measures;  offers  to 
victual  such  forces  as  may  be  sent  over  by  Britain  at 
6d.  sterling  per  day;  alludes  to  the  faithless  conduct  of 
the  French  as  to  prisoners  taken  by  them;  mentions 
Wm.  Mason,  of  Lincoln's  Inn,  (formerly  a  resident  law- 
yer  at  Williamsburg),   a   Colonel    Heron,   and   a   Mr. 


, 


xlvi  TABLE  OF   CONTENTS. 

Palmer ;  ■ 

ikx  and  ( • 

nics.  a>  to  huw  ilu-  Albany  I'lan  lur  a  f;cncral  union  of 

ihf  colonics  Ls  rirccivcil  by  thi-  ministry,  and  the  ap- 

|Htintnu-m  of  Mr.  Pitt,  as  Governor  of  Stjuth  Carolina...      339 

1754.  Sept  aj.— Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Horace  Walpole;  reca- 
pitulates tlu-  |H)sture  of  affaini  in  the  colonies,  and 
pro|K>ses  a  general  poll-lax  under  an  act  of  Parlia- 
ment.^  - 343 

1754.  Oct.  5. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Colonel  .Adam  Stephen; 
mentions  a  profHJsetl  visit  of  inspection  ti>  the  camp  by 
Governor  Shar|>e ;  expresses  surprise  at  the  non-arrival 
of  the  French  prisoners  at  Alexandria,  and  commends 
a  recent  purcha.se  of  cattle 345 

1754.  Oct.  5.— liovemor  Dinwiddie  to  Colonel  Innes;  approves 
of  the  buiidinjj  of  a  fort;  enjoins  the  erection  of  bar- 
racks, and  the  due  care  of  the  s<»ldiery;  advises  the 
fixing  of  their  pay  at  I2d.  N'irginia  currency,  fHrr  day, 
and  provisions;  mentions  a  remittance  of  /'loo  is.  8d. 
by  Mr.  I -yon  ;  a  reward  of  ;^  100  for  the  apprehension  of 
Mons.  Joncure(?);  commends  the  scheme  propose<i  by 
the  Indians  of  attacking  the  French  near  Venango;  re- 
commends Mr.  Lyon  for  a  commission  in  the  artillery; 
complains  of  I-;*  Force  as  a  "  mean  spirited  fellow  " ;  says 
that  he  has  sent  "  Home  "  the  muster  rolls,  and  that 
the  "respites"  will  l)e  adjusted  at  the  next  muster; 
promi.ses  to  supply  him  with  money  as  far  as  it  may  be 
in  his  power;  commends  Captain  Rutherford  to  his 
confidence ;  ascrilies  the  conduct  of  the  N'irginia  Bur- 
gesses to  a  difference  between  them  and  the  Council ; 
commends  the  conduct  of  Colonel  Innes,  and  requests 
his  presence  at  Williamsburn  u|X)n  the  arrival  of  Gov- 
ernor Dobbs 346 

1754.     Oct  5  — ^'.ovemor  Dinwiddie  to  Captain  John  Rutherford; 
<jf  the  tardy  march  of  the  New  York  com- 
,  Mentions  the  disputes  anu»ng  the  ofhcers  as  to 

rank,  and  requests  his  influence  towards  a  pacification,       350 

1  •    20. — Governor    Dinwiddie    to    Captain    Clarke,    re- 

juesting  his  return  to  his  command „       350 

i                     >   .     .        -j-j^j^.  ^,]^^f^  ,j(  niilitary  <»|>erations  pro|>osed  by 
1  )inwiddie,  and  agreed  u|K»n   in  Council  by 
lutii  imrs  .Sharj>c  and  Dobbs 35I 

1754.     Oct.  24.—  r  Dinwiddie  to  Colonel  Innes  ;  instructs 

him  to  retain  La  Force,  and  not  to  parole  him;  an- 
nounces the  appointment  of  Governor  Sharpe  as  Com- 
mander-in-chief of  the  expedition ;  gives  instruction 


I 


TABLE    OF    CONTENTS.  xlvii 

as  to  the  disposition  of  the  Indian  presents,  and  states 
that  Governor  Dobbs,\viio  lias  gone  to  his  government, 
complained  that  the  "  coining"  of  money  there  was  a 
"Jobb" 352 

1754.  Oct.  25. — Governor  Dinvviddie  to  Sir  Thomas  Robinson; 
expresses  the  gratitude  of  the  colonies  to  the  King  for 
the  recent  assistance  of  ^20,000  and  2,000  stand  of 
arms;  solicits  that  the  grant  may  not  be  reimbursed 
from  the  revenue  of  2s.  per  hogshead  on  tobacco,  which 
is  necessary  for  current  expenses  and  e.xigencies  ;  sug- 
gests the  erection  of  a  fort  in  the  "western  parts  of  the 
country;"  complains  that  under  statute  he  cannot  order 
the  militia  beyond  the  limits  of  \'irginia,  and  proposes 
that  each  county  be  obliged  to  supply  a  certain  num- 
ber of  men  by  act  of  Assembly  ;  suggests  the  appoint- 
ment of  a  commission  to  run  the  boundary  line  be- 
tween Virginia  and  Pennsylvania ;  expresses  pleasure 
at  the  appointment  of  Governor  Sharpe;  commends 
Colonel  Innes  ;  recapitulates  his  measures  taken  for  de- 
fence ;  proposes  raising  10  companies  of  200  men  each, 
to  be  regimented,  and  blank  commissions  sent  to  him 
to  be  filled  up;  and  requests  the  command  of  the  Vir- 
ginia forces,  at  which  "they  would  be  greatly  pleased,"       352 

1754.     Oct.  26. — Charge  of  Governor   Dinvviddie   to  the    Grand 

Jury 35  5 

1754-  [Undated.] — Address  of  Governor  Dinwiddle  to  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly ;  announces  the  beneficence  of  the  King, 
and  warmly  appeals  to  their  patriotism  for  a  due  ap- 
propriation for  defence 356 

1754.     Oct.  21. — Reply  of  the  Council,  with  assurances  of  a  due 

interest 358 

1754-     [Undated.] — Rejoinder  of  Governor  Dinwiddle 358 

1754-  [Undated.] — Reply  of  the  Burgesses,  promising  "undeni- 
able testimony  "  of  their  regard  for  "  the  welfare  of  our 
country" 359 

1754.     [Undated.] — Rejoinder  of  Governor  Dinvviddie 360 

1754-  [Undated.] — Address  of  the  Commissary  and  Clergy  to 
Governor  Dinvviddie,  expressing  their  "  sense  of  his 
Majesty's  care"  in  the  appointment  of  his  "Honor," 
whom  they  render  thanks  for  the  "confirmation"  which 
his  "laudable  conduct  in  quality  of  our  Governour" 
had  given  of  his  accorded  "Abilities,  Resolution,  and 
Integrity  in  Other  Stations,"  and  panegyrizes  his  zeal, 
enlarged  views,  and  unselfish  measures  for  the  varied 
good  of  the  colony 360 

^754-     [Undated.] — Reply  of  Governor  Dinvviddie,  expressing  his 


Xlviu  T.Mll.E   OF   CONTENTS. 

apprcciatiiiii,  rf(|iH-stinK  tli<'  inculcatio::  Irotn  (lie  pul- 
pit or  the  daiiKer^i  incnaniiK  tlu*  coluny,  aiul  Ki^'inK 
.issuratH°i->  iif  his  sanKuiix-  HUp|M>rt  of  the  Kstahlishcd 
C  hurth 361 

1754.  Oct.  35.— Letter  of  Cmvernor  Dinwiiltlie  to  tlic  Ijurdi  of 
Trade;  expresses  pleasure  at  the  rejection  by  the  Coun- 
cil of  the  petition  from  the  HurKesscs  as  to  the  pistule 
fee,  and  re«|iiesls  explanation  of  their  instructions  as  to 
the  same  ;  vinditates  his  course  and  points  out  existing 
frauds  up<*n  the  >;«>vernment ;  jjives  assurances  of  his 
conciliatory  |Kilicy  with  Indians;  complains  of  (iovemor 
(ilen;  stales  that  the  Assembly  could  not  Ik:  prevailed 
on  to  send  commissioners  to  the  Albany  Convention; 
solicits  from  Itritain  two  regiment.s,  engineers,  good 
officers,  and  ordnance  stores  ;  expresses  his  satisfaction 
at  the  appointment  of  Clovernor  Sharpe,  and  re|H.*aLs 
his  hopes  as  to  the  ten  companies  and  his  desire  for 
blank  commissions  for  the  oflicers  of  the  same ^~      362 

1754.  C>ct.  25.— (iovernor  ninwiddie  to  Lord  Halifax  ;  complains 
of  the  inaction  of  the  several  colonial  assemblies ;  re- 
capitulates the  measures  for  defence;  expresses  grati- 
tude for  the  royal  grant;  renews  a  request  for  military 
a.ssistance;  states  the  militia  of  X'irginia  at  20,000;  pro- 
poses the  supply  of  one  man  in  ten  in  each  county, 
which  would  make  an  agjjregate  of  2,000;  mentions  the 
relations  with  the  Indians;  complains  of  (iovernor 
(ilen,  and  announces  the  death  of  the  Half  King 366 

1754.  Oct.  25.— (iovernor  Dinwiddie  to  Horace  Walpoiti;  of  sim- 
ilar tenor^ 37^ 

1754.  Oct.  25. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Earl  Granville;  desires 
his  influence  towards  the  furnishing  of  blank  commis- 
sions to  l)e  filletl  by  the  (iovemor  for  the  X'irginia 
officers  ~ 37  > 

1)54.  Oct.  23.— (Ifivcmor  I)inwiddie  to  James  Abercromby  ;  in 
refer«-nci-  to  the  pistole  fee  anti  frauds  practiced  on  the 
(|uit  rents ;  the  reimbursement  of  the  /^ 20,000  out  of  the 
tobacco  revenue;  the  conduct  of  (iovemor  (ilen,  and 
of  measures  for  defence 373 

1754.  Oct.  25.— (iovernor  Dinwiddie  to  (iovem(»r  (ilen  ;  querul- 
ously discusses  the  affairs  of  the  Colony,  and  alleges 
ttppositiim  to  the  service  by  (icivernor  (ilen 377 

1754.  Nov.  3.— Address  of  (it)vemor  Dinwiddie  to  the  (ieneral 
Assembly,  returning  thanks  for  the  appropriation  of 
/■  20,000 380 

^I7^•l  1  Report  by  Governor  Dinwiddie  on  the  present  state  of 
Virginia,    transmitted   the   Lords   Commissioners  for 


TABLE    OF    CONTENTS.  xlix 

Trade  and  Plantations,  January,  1755 3S0 

1754.  Nov.  4. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  the  Sachems  and  War- 
riors of  the  Cherokees  and  Catawbas 391 

1754.  Nov.  5. — Governor  Diinwiddie  to  Captain  Anchew  Lewis; 
instructs  him  to  be  in  readiness  to  marcii  to  Wills's 
Creek  upon  the  order  of  Governor  Sharpe 39J 

1754.  Nov.  8. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Governor  Belcher;  re- 
quests assistance  from  his  government 392 

1754.  Nov.  8. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Governor  De  Lancey; 
communicates  the  status  of  defence,  and  objects  to  the 
proposed  site  for  a  fort  at  Venango 394 

1754.  Nov.  8. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Governor  Morris;  gives 
like  intelligence;  complains  of  the  failure  of  Pennsyl- 
vania to  render  assistance,  and  regrets  the  death  of  the 
Half-King 394 

1754.  Nov.  12. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Governor  Sharpe ;  noti- 
fies him  of  the  shipment  of  supplies,  of  recruiting  in 
progress,  and  commends  Colonel  Innes  to  his  favor 39s 

1754.  Nov.  12. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Colonel  Innes;  com- 
plains of  the  indecorous  style  of  a  recent  letter,  but 
gives  assurances  of  his  continued  regard 396 

1754.     Nov.  12. — Governor    Dinwiddie   to   Captain    Rutherford; 

recommends  con.sultation  with  Governor  Sharpe 397 

1754.  Nov.  12. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Captain  Cocke;  ap- 
proves the  forwarding  of  goods  to  Colonel  Innes 397 

1754.  Nov.  13. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Governor  Sharpe;  re- 
commends the  employment  of  Thomas  Burney,  black- 
smith        398 

1754.     Nov.  15. — From  the  same  to  the  same;    recommends  to 

his  favor  Mr  Lewis,  appointed  Lieutenant  of  Artillery,      398 

1754.  Nov.  14. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Major  Carlyle ;  gives 
advice  of  the  shipment  of  clothing,  goods  and  troops, 
and  complains  of  the  waste  of  commissary  stores,  and 
of  the  want  of  salt  at  tiie  camp 399 

1754.  Nov.  16. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Governor  Glen;  states 
that  he  has  an  offer  of  warriors  from  the  Cherokees ; 
proposes  to  send  ammunition  to  them,  and  the  Ca- 
tawbas; desires  Glen's  influence  with  them,  and  ex- 
presses pleasure  in  the  visit  of  Messrs.  Wragg  and 
Cleland,  from  South  Carolina 400 

1754.  Nov.  16. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  the  Lords  of  Trade; 
encloses  accounts  of  the  Quit  Rents,  and  of  the  tobacco 
duties 400 

1754.  Nov.  16. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  the  Lords  of  the  Treas- 
ury ;  of  like  import 402 

1754.     Nov.  16. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  .Sir  Thomas  Robinson; 

D 


1  TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 

reI)ort^  thr   A  "no,  and 

his  mt•.l^urt•^  •  'P^;  llic 

rcHiKiiatioi)  dI  Lulom-I  \\  ;t.shini;ti'n,  niul  ri-({ii(rMs  com- 
..,.vv,....s  iVmn  the  Kin^.  in  hiauk,  t«»  Ik-  filled  for  the 

•  ifliicrs,  1(1  recuncili*  diNpiilcs  nlujut  rank~ 40J 

I  .  \  !'•  tiiivt-rnor  Pinuiddie  u>  Ijird  Halifax;  reports 
the  military  |n>sHire  of  il»e  colony;  complains  of  the 
failure  of  other  colonies  to  ^ive  assistance,  and  of  the 
Cierman  population  of  Pennsylvania 405 

1754.  Nov.  10.— (tovernor  Dinwiddie  to  Marl  (iranville;  encloses 
a  remittance  from  l-"rancis  Corl>in.  aj^mt,  and  gives 
military  intelliRence^. 407 

1754.  Nov.  16.— Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Jan>«-s  AlHrrcromby ;  re- 
cites the  condition  of  afTairs  in  the  colony;  encloses 
address  of  the  clergy  to  tlic  itishop  of  London,  and 
desires  that  J.  &  C.  Hanl)ury  may  l)e  seen  alx*ut  a  sup- 
ply of  clothing;  for  the  troojis 409 

1754.  Nov.  18.— (;<)vernor  Dinwiddie  to  Colonel  Adam  Stephen; 
complains  of  insubordination  in  Captain  William  Poi- 
son, and  enjoins  care  in  the  issue  tif  arms,  clothing, 
etc.,  and  due  returns 4>i 

1754.     .N<jv.    18.— (lovernor  Dinwiddie  to  Captain   Poison;   asks 

explanation  of  his  conduct 4'^ 

1754.  Nov.  22. — (iovernor  Dinwiildie  lo  Thomas  Walker,  noti- 
fying him  of  his  appointineiit  as  .\djut.int  of  the  fron- 
tier counties 412 

i-;i  Nov.  26.— Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Captain  Stewart ;  gives 
instructions  as  to  recruiting  men;  stales  that  he  has 
ordered  1,000  suits  of  clothes  and  other  necessaries 
from  Kngland  ;  directs  that  legal  proceedings  be  insti- 
tuted against  the  ringleaders  of  a  mob  which  had  in- 
sulted Mr.  .M(  Niell,  a  recruiting  oflicer,  and  desires 
some  nice  hams  to  be  sent  as  a  present  to  Kngland....       4<3 

1754.     Nov.— I-'rom  the  same  to  the  same,  by  Mr.  l-raiser.  .Atl 

jutanl  of  the  N'irginia  regiment,  as  to  recruiting 4'5 

1754.  IX'C.  2.— Ciovernor  Dinwiddie  to  Charles  Dick;  informs 
him  of  a  shipment  of  flour  by  Warner  Lewis,  and  in- 
structs as  to  its  disposition 4'^ 

■1754.     Dec.  2. — Govcrn<»r  Dinwiddie  t<»  Robert  Tucker,  Norfolk; 

asks  to  Ik.'  released  from  a  contract  for  flour 4i'> 

1754.  Dec.  2. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Captain  .Stewart,  in  re- 
gard to  recruiting ~       4'7 

'I754.     Dec.  4— (iovernor  Dinwiddie  to  Charles  Dick,  in  reference 

to  pr<M'uring  and  transporting  provisions 418 

4757.  Dec.  12. — (fovernor  Dinwiddie  to  Colonel  Stephen,  com- 
manding the  Virginia   forces;  giving  instructions 420 


TABLE   OF   CONTENTS.  11 

1754.  Dec.  12. — Governor  Diiiwiddie  to  Cliarles  Dick,  giving  in- 
structions, and  reconnnending  Captain  Cocke  as  As- 
sistant Commissary  at  Winciiester 420 

1754.  Dec.  12.— Governor  Dinvviddie  to  Colonel  Innes;  gives  as- 
surances of  friendship  and  instructions 422 

1754.  Dec.  12. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  Lieutenant  Jolni  Hamil- 
ton ;  informs  him  of  the  appointment  of  John  Blagg  as 
ensign,  to  assist  him  in  recruiting 423 

1754.     Dec.  12. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  Major  John  Carlyle,  in 

regard  to  commissary  sujiplies  for  the  troops 424 

1754.  Dec.  17. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Governor  Sharpe,  in  re- 
gard to  provisions  for  the  troops,  Commissary  Carlyle, 
Montour's  company  of  scouts,  arms,  ammunition,  the 
commissioning  of  Messrs.  Cocke  or  Cox,  and  Burney ; 
relations  with  the  Indian  allies,  and  the  forces  e.xpected 
from  Great  Britain 424- 

1754.  Dec.  17. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Governor  De  Lancey, 
requesting  him  to  send  a  belt  of  wampum  to  the  Si.\ 
Nations  of  Indians  for  X'irginia 43° 

1754.  Dec.  19. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Charles  Dick,  giving  in- 
structions        43^ 

1754.  Dec.  20. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Major  Carlyle,  in  regard 
to  his  accounts,  wagonage  of  provisions,  the  deficiency 
of  salt  at  the  camp,  the  clothing  of  the  French  prison- 
ers, and  the  appointment  of  Messrs.  Dick  and  Walker,      431' 

1754.  Dec.  20. — ^Governor  I3inwiddie  to  Colonel  Stephen,  in  re- 
gard to  recruits,  beef  for  the  camp,  the  appointment 
of  Captains  Stewart  and  Cocke,  and  the  conduct  of 
Captain  Poison 433 

1754.  Dec.  20. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Lieutenant  James 
Towers,  expressing  regret  at  his  wish  to  resign  his 
commission.. 435 

1754.  Dec.  20. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Captain  Poison  ;  cen- 
sures him  for  disrespect  towards  Colonel  .Stephen,  and 
enjoins  harmony  with  his  brother  officers 435 

1754.     Dec.  20. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Colonel  Washington,  in 

regard  to  his  pay  as  adjutant 435 

1754..  Dec.  28. — Commission  from  Governor  Dinwiddie  of  Com- 
missaries Dick  and  Walker 43^ 

1754.  Dec.  20. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  James  Abercromby ; 
complains  of  Governor  Glen,  of  South  Carolina,  and 
gives  information  as  to  military  measures  taken 437 

1754.  Dec.  21. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Governor  Dobbs,  giv- 
ing military  intelligence 43^ 

1754.  Dec.  28.— Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Messrs.  Dick  and  Walk- 
er, instructing  tliem 439 


lii  TABLE   OF   CONTENTS. 

1754.  Dec.  a8.— (it»vcrn«»r  I  )in\vitl(lir  to  Charles  Dick.  Irausmil- 
tinK  his  cumini*ision  as  CunimiH.s;ir>-  by  Dr.  Hiumas 
Walker -^ 440 

I  j8.— (;ovcrm>r  DinwicUlic  lo  Cohmcl   Inni*s,  recom- 

inctuliiiK  Dr.  Thomas  W'alktT  to  his  consideration 442 

I-  iKc.  39.  — (lovcmor  Dinwiddii-  to  Charles  Dick,  instrucl- 

inK  him ~ 44^ 

1754,     Dec.  i9. — (.i«)vern<»r  Din\vi<Klic-  to  ColonrI  John  S|>otsu«)<Hi, 

IpvinK  size  of  sh<jt  to  ho  cast ~ 44J 

1754.  Dec.    29.— Governor     Dinwitldic    to    Lieutenant    Joshua 

Lewis,  as  to  the  si/e  ol"  the  shot  to  he  cast  by  Colonel 

.S|>ots\viMNl ..M......«       443 

1734.     Dec.  29.— (iovemor  Dinwiddie  to  Colonel  .Stephen,  pving 

instructions 444 

1755.  Jan.  I. — C»«ivernor  Dinwiddie  to  Colonel  Fairfax  ;  encloses 

a  commission  as  Knsijjn  for  .Mr.  \V<i<hI 44s 

1755.  Jan.  «. — (»t)vernor  Dinwiddie  to  Captain  Waj^jjoner;  in- 
f«»mvs  him  or  the  appointment  of  his  brother  as  En- 
sign, and  ^vc*s  instructions  in  recruiting ~ 445 

1755.    Jan.  I. — (jovernor   Dinwidilie  to  Colonel  .Stephen ;  jfivinK 

instructions 44* 

1755.  Jan.  2. — (iovernor  Dinwiddie  to  (iovernor  .Shar|>e  ;  ;is  to 
the  forces  from  Great  Britain,  arms,  ammunition,  waj;- 
ona^c  of  military,  supplies,  blacksmiths,  etc 447 

1755.  Jan.  7. — The  same  to  the  same;  as  to  the  assi^ment  of 
Conmiissaries  Dick  an<l  Walker  and  the  instmctions  to 
them,  and  the  floatinjj  battery  «>f  John  .Marke,  recom- 
mended by  Lord  Halifax 44^ 

1755.  Jan.  II. — The  same  to  the  same;  jjives  notice  of  the  pay- 
ment of  a  draft  sent  by  Robert  Calender;  announces 
the  arrival  of  .Sir  J«)lin  .St.  Clair,  and  Lieutenant-Colo- 
nels Kllison  an<l   Mercer 453 

1755.    Jan.  14.— Cf«»veriior    Dinwiddie    to  (iovernor    .Morris,    by 
C«>lonel   Kllison  ;     retpiesls  the  purchase  of  riour  for 
the  army  and  reports  progress  of  the  military  prepa 
rations 4  34 

1755.  Jan.  14.— Governor  Dinwiddie  to  William  Allen,  in  refer- 
ence to  a  supply  (»f  Hour 455 

1755.  Jan.  14. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  (iovernor  De  I^ncey  ; 
complains  of  the  action  of  the  Commissioners  at  Al- 
bany in  concludmvj  •">  treaty  of  neutrality  with  the 
CavchuawaRa  Indians,  "the  chief  nation  in  Canada  in 
the  French  interest" 45'» 

•755-  Jan.  14. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  (iovernor  Helcher.  in  re- 
ference to  an  appropriatif)n  by  New  Jersey  of  /■6,ooo 
sterlinR 457 


TABLE    OF    CONTENTS.  Hii 

1755.  Jan.  14. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  Governor  Shirley;  re- 
quests the  purchase  of  dried  cod  fisli  to  supply  the 
army 45^ 

1755.  Jan.  15. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Colonel  Innes;  com- 
plains of  irregularities  in  the  commissary's  accounts ; 
refers  to  a  recent  convention  with  the  Indians  ;  prom- 
ises to  furnish  "  match  coats  "for  the  army,  and  gives 
general  military  intelligence 459 

•755-  J^"-  15.— Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Captains  Mercer,  Wag- 
goner and  Stewart,  on  recruiting  service,  giving  in- 
structions        461 

1755-  Jan.  15.— Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Captain  Mercer,  in  refer- 
ence to  the  date  of  his  commission 462 

1755.    Jan.  15. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Commissaries  Dick  and 

Walker,  in  reference  to  supplies 463 

1755-    Jan.  15. — ^Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Captain  Stewart,  giving 

instructions  in  recruiting 464 

^755-    Jan.  15. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Lord  Fairfax,  introducing 

Sir  John  St.  Clair 465 

1755-  Jan.  17. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Governor  Dobbs ;  refers 
to  an  appropriation  by  the  North  Carolina  Assembly  of 
^8,000;  gives  intelligence  of  the  embarking  from  Ports- 
mouth of  General  Braddock,  with  his  command;  re- 
commends the  levying  of  a  poll-tax  in  the  colonies,  for 
the  support  of  the  war — "the  poorer  sort"  could  easily 
pay  ■&  per  capita  of  2s.,  if  they  would  only  "deny  them- 
selves Punch  for  one  Day  at  the  Courts  " ;  refers  to  the 
paper  currency  of  North  Carolina ;  mentions  Messrs. 
Wragg  and  Cleland,  of  South  Carolina,  and  Governor 
Reynolds,  of  Georgia 466 

'755-  Jan.  18. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Colonel  Stephen;  re- 
mits funds  for  paying  the  troops  and  requests  "frugal- 
ity" and  "proper  muster  rolls,  with  the  Captain's  receipt 
on  the  back  of  each" 469 

1755.  Jan.  19. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Captain  Hogg,  in  refer- 
ence to  recruiting 47° 

1755.  Jan.  20. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Sir  Thomas  Robinson; 
reports  general  condition  of  affairs  in  the  colonies ; 
complains  of  the  barter  by  citizens  of  New  York  and 
Philadelphia  at  Louisburg,  of  provisions,  supplying  the 
French  army,  in  exchange  for  rum,  molasses  and 
sugar,  and  asks  that  such  trade  be  prohibited 472 

1755.    Jan.  20. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  the  Lords  of  Trade;  of 

similar  tenor 475 

1755.  Jan.  24. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Speaker  John  Robinson; 
informs     him    that     he     has    commissioned     Thomas 


liv  TABLE  OF   CONTENTS. 

Slcvftis  .Ts  lnH|KTtor  at  Mantnpikr;  (hat  the  remit- 
tniKX'  of  / 10,000  frum  (treat  Hritaiii  is  almcwl  ex- 
haustcii.  and  that  he  uuuld  be  runipclled  tu  draw 
on  tlic  liirther  credit  «if  /'lo.ooo;  ret|uests  funds  for 
the  paynient  of  the  triMt|)s 477 

1755.     Jan.  i4.— (iovchior    |)in\vi(ldie   to    Daniel   Wostenhohnc ; 

stMuls  l)ill>  of  cxchanne  fi»r  /"^.ooo  for  ne);i>liation 478 

1755.  Jan.  as— t'overnor  Dinwiddit*  to  I'harlcs  I)ick,  in  refer- 
ence to  supplies  of  provisions 479 

•7JS-  J«n-  ^9- — "ic  Siunc  to  the  same;  transmits  funds,  and  atl- 
vises  him  uf  the  shipment  of  arms  and  recruits  under 
Lieutenant  William  Starke 4&> 

1755.  Jan.  31. — (jovernor  Dinvviddie  toCohmel  Stephen,  in  refer- 
ence to  recruitinn.  and  the  paynu-nt  anil  provisioning 
of  the  troops 481 

•  755.  Feb.  I. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  Captain  Hogg ;  gives  in- 
structions for  Mr.  Savage,  recruiting  oflicer,  and  directs 
application  to  Colonel  Lyttleton  Kyre  for  advances*, 
upon  the  order  of  Governor  Shar|)e 48J 

1755.  Feb.  I.— (iovemor  Dinwiddie  to  Lyttlelon  Eyre,  thanking 
him  for  assistance  rendered  Captain  Hogg  and  .Mr. 
.Savage,  and  for  "  weathers  and  fowles"  sent  to  Hamp- 
ton in  anticipation  of  the  arrival  of  General  Mraddock,      482 

1755.  Feb.  I. — (iovernor  Dinwiddie  to  G(»vernor  Dobbs,  in  refer- 
ence to  the  provisioning  of  a  company  prtmused  from 
North  Carolina,  and  to  the  pay  of  the  President  of  the 
Council  while  acting  as  Governor  t.v  officio 483 

1755.  Feb.  8.— Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Governor  Glen,  complain- 
ing of  his  demand  for  /'7,ooo(out  of  the  credit  fimtl  of 
/lo.coo)  to  builil  a  fort  in  .South  Carolina 484 

1755.  Feb.  S. — Governf>r  Dinwiddie  t«»  Governor  I  )ol>l)s  ;  recom- 
mentls  the  location  of  Captain  \Va«itl«-Il  with  a  com- 
pany of  rangers  on  the  frtmtiers  of  North  Carolina; 
gives  the  price  tif  pork,  and  complains  «>f  the  demand 
of  Govemor  (ilen,  and  of  the  Assembly  of  Pennsyl- 
vania       487 

1755.  Feb.  10.— Governor  Dinwidtlie  to  Thomas  Walker,  in  refer- 
ence to  the  purrhas*-  of  Hour  and  h<»rses -       489 

1755.  Feb,  10.— Governor  Dinwiddie  to  (!<»lonel  .Stephen;  refers 
to  the  French  |)risoners,  recruits,  deserters  and  tres- 
pasKes  of  the  .soldiers ^ i.,^... 49^ 

1755.  Feb.  i2.^Goveruor  l^inwiddie  to  the  I^irdxiof  Tratle.  in 
reference  to  legal  appeals  t«»  the  (ienenU  Court,  and 
transmitting  acts  of  the  .-Vssembly -      49i 

I--;  I  rb.  12.— (iovemor  Dinwiddie  to  Sir  Thomas  Robinson ; 
recommends  the  levying  by  Parliament  of  n  generaJ 


I 


TABLE    OF    CONTENTS.  Iv 

poll-tax  in  the  colonies;  refers  to  a  letter  of  Sir  John 
St.  Clair,  recommending;  the  enlisment  of  Croats  for 
service  in  America,  and  complains  of  the  demand  of 
Governor  Glen 493 

1755.     Feb.  12.— Governor  Dinwiddle  to  the  Karl  of  Halifax  ;  of 

similar  tenor 495 

1755.     Feb.  12. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  Lord  Albemarle;  gives 

acccount  of  the  snrrender  of  Fort  Necessity 497 

1755.  Feb.  12. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  Secretary  Fox,  in  refer- 
ence to  the  allowance  of  disbursements  for  the  supply 
of  the  Independent  companies 498 

1755.  Feb.  12. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  Captain  Lewis,  in  refer- 
ence to  the  payment  of  the  troops,  and  directing;  Fort 
Cumberland  at  Wills's  Creek  to  be  invested 499 

1755.     Feb.  12. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  Ensign  William  VVrigiit, 

in  command  of  Fort  Cumberland,  instructing  him 500 

1755.  Feb.  14. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  Governor  Sharpe,  ad- 
vising him  that  Sir  John  St.  Clair  had  requested  the 
Governor  of  Pennsylvania  to  have  a  road  opened  from 
Philadelphia  to  the  Alleghany  mountains 500 

1755.  Feb.  15. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  Governor  Morris  ;  trans- 
mits the  letter  of  Sir  John  St.  Clair 501 

1755.  Feb.  15. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  William  Allen,  in  refer- 
ence to  the  purchase  of  provisions  for  the  army 502 

1755.  Feb.  15. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Thomas  Walker,  de- 
siring him  to  consult  with  William  Allen  in  Philadel- 
phia in  the  purchase  of  flour 503 

1755.  Feb.  iS. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Colonel  Innes,  in  refer- 
ence to  his  accounts  with  North  Carolina 504 

1755.  Feb.  1 8. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Colonel  Stephen,  direct- 
ing the  return  of  regular  muster  rolls  of  the  troops 504 

1755.  Feb.  18. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Charles  Dick,  instruct- 
ing  him 505 

1755.  Feb.  18. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  James  Abercromby,  in 
regard  to  the  reimbursement  from  the  tobacco  revenue 
of  the  colony,  of  the  advance  of  ^,"20,000  by  the  Crown  ; 
the  confirmation  by  the  Privy  Council  of  the  sale  on 
entailed  lands  by  John  Armistead  to  Lyttleton  Eyre  ; 
to  the  appropriation  by  North  Carolina  and  the  de- 
mand of  Governor  Glen 505 

1755.  Feb.  18. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Governor  Dobbs  ;  refers 
to  a  company  from  North  Carolina  under  command  of 
Captain  Dobbs,  the  North  Carolina  currency,  and  the 
relations  with  the  Indians 50S 

1755.  Feb.  19— Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Colonel  Fairfax,  in  refer- 
ence  to  the  accounts  of  Major  Carlyle,   which   "must 


Ivi  TABLE  OF   CONTENTS. 

Ik*  laid   iK-ftifc  ihc  Commillctr ;"   and  slntiii);  that  he 

has  alrc.iily  advaiuntl  /la.ooo 509 

1755.  Feb.  la.— Ciovcmor  Diimiddic  lo  Major  Carl> it-,  in  refer- 
ence to  the  acx-«tunt>  dl  Mr.  Oisl,  and  inforniinK  iiini 
that  receipt*  for  delivery  of  provisioiw  at  the  fort,  as 
well  as  for  their  purchase,  and  returns  uf  issues,  will  be 
re(|uisite  as  vouchers;  and  complaining  of  an  extrava- 
gant consun«pti»»n  of  In-ef 510 

1:-^  Kel>.  34. — (iovernor  Dinvvidtlie  to  JauK'S  .^bercromby ;  re- 
fers to  till-  iiitUu-nce  of  the  pistole  fee,  and  reports  the 
arrixai  of  (ienerai  Itraddock S*^ 

1755.  Feb.  24. — (iovernor  Dinwitldie  t»)  LortI  Halifax,  coniplain- 
inR  of  the  failure  of  the  c«)lonies  to  K've  tlue  assistance 
in  defence  against  the  French,  and  testifying  his  appre- 
ciation of  Lord  Halifax's  approval  of  his  administration,       512 

1755.  Feb.  27. — (iovernor  Dinwiddie  to  (iovernor  I  )ol)bs.  in- 
forminvc  him  of  the  arrival  of  (ieneral  Hraddock,  and 
c>f  his  plan  of  operations 5'5 

1755.     Feb.  27. — Governor  I )in\vii!die  t<»  (iovernor  (ilen  ;  of  like 

tenor 5>5 

1755.  Feb.  28. — (iovernor  Dinwiddie  to  Governor  Morris,  in  re- 
gard to  supplies  of  flour 5'6 

1755.  Feb.  27. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  (ieneral  BraddcKk,  de- 
siring him  to  appoint  an  oflicer  to  form  the  Virginia 
forces  into  companies  agreeable  to  his  plan 517 

1755.     Feb.  28. — (iovernor  Dinwitldie  to  William  Allen,  in  regard 

to  supplies  of  flour 5'7 

1755.  Feb.  28.— (iovernor  Dinwiddie  to  (iovernor  De  l-;incey ; 
complains  of  the  treaty  of  neutrality  with  the  "  Cogna- 
waga"  Indians,  and  recpiests  De  Lancey  to  direct  Cor- 
nelius Ceculer,  merchant  at  Albany,  to  furnish  necessa- 
ries to  the  amount  of  /50  to  .Stobo  and  \'an  Hraam, 
hostages  held  by  the  I-Vench  at  Ouebec 518 

1755.  March  1. — (iovernor  Dinwidtlie  to  (iovernor  .Sharpe ;  ap- 
prizes him  that  (ieneral  Hraddock  has  appointetl  a  con- 
ference with  Governor  .Shirley,  at  .Annapolis,  to  agree 
upon  a  plan  of  operations,  and  that  .Sir  John  .St.  Clair 
has  gone  to  Wills's  Creek  to  review  the  forces  there....       518 

1755.  .March  7.— (iovernor  Dinwiddie  to  Lord  Halifax;  regrets 
that  the  inhabitants  of  Frederick  and  Hampshire  coun- 
ties are  not  properly  armetl,  that  he  cannot  supply 
them,  and  that  the  clerks  and  lawyers  serving  the  coun- 
ties do  not  reside  in  them 5'9 

1755.  M.irch  7. — (iovernor  Dinwiddie  to  CfiUmel  Innes;  informs 
him  that  his  money  is  exhausted,  and  as  to  hcjrses  to 
be  delivered  by  Calender,  and  of  flour  from  Philadel- 


I 


TABLE    OF    CONTENTS.  IvU 

pliia 519 

1755.  March  7. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  Colonel  Stephen;  writes 
that  Sir  John  St.  Clair  lias  gone  to  review  the  forces; 
that  clothing  is  daily  expected  from  England ;  tiiat  the 
men  will  be  paid  in  April;  and  that  Painter  must  be 
prosecuted  for  harbouring  deserters  from  \'al.  Sevier's 
company , 520 

1755.  March  7. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  Dr.  Alexander  Colhoun, 
in  reference  to  two  chests  of  medicine  sent  by  the  Sec- 
retary of  War 520 

1755-  March  10. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  Governor  Sharpe :  in- 
forms him  he  and  General  Braddock  will  go  to 
Alexandria  the  following  week,  and  desires  his  pres- 
ence there;  congratulates  him  upon  an  appropriation 
of  ^10,000  by  the  Maryland  Assembly;  informs  him  of 
the  arrival  at  Hampton  of  three  transports  with 
troops  from  Great  Britain;  that  he  has  confirmed  Mr. 
Dick's  purchase  of  beeves  and  given  him  money  to 
pay  for  them  ;  that  Pennsylvania  has  ordered  the  pur- 
chase of  14,000  bushels  of  wheat  for  flour,  and  that  he 
has  sent  pork  and  beef  to  supply  the  forces  from 
Great  Britain 521 

1755.  March  10. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  Governor  Morris  ;  con- 
gratulates him  upon  the  action  of  his  committee  as  to 
the  wheat  for  flour ;  hopes  that  he  will  call  the  Assem- 
bly together  to  provide  assistance  to  General  Brad- 
dock,  as  he  has  done  with  that  of  Virginia,  who  are  to 
meet  in  May  ensuing 522 

1755.  March  10. — Governor  Dinwiddle  to  William  Allen,  in  refer- 
ence to  flour  and  other  supplies,  and  their  transporta- 
tion ;  complains  of  the  disaffection  of  the  Quakers  and 
Germans  of  Pennsylvania,  and  desires  a  description  of 
the  "Wensh  Ferry  Carriage" 523 

1755.  March  17. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Sir  Thomas  Robinson  ; 
informs  him  of  the  arrival  of  General  Braddock;  the 
appointment  for  Annapolis,  and  of  military  measures 
in  progress 525 

1755.     March  17. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  the  Lords  of  Trade; 

of  similar  tenor 526 

1755.  March  17. — Governor  Dinwiddie  to  Lord  Halifax;  of  similar 
tenor;  communicates  a  plan  of  military  operations, 
(which  he  had  submitted  to  General  Braddock,)  and 
promises  compliance  with  the  order  to  refund  from  the 
tobacco  revenue,  the  ^20,000,  advanced  by  the  Crown, 
when  the  Receiver-General  settles  his  account  the 
following  month 527 

E 


ERRATA  AND  CORRIGENDA. 


In  notes  no  and  in,  pp.  148  and  151,  for  Fort  Necessity,  read 
Fort  Priyice  George. 

In  note  241,   p.  443,    for   Colonel  Alexayider  Spotswood,  etc., 
read  Colonel  John,  son  of  Alexander  Spotswood,  etc. 


Dinwiddle    Papers. 


ADDRESS    OF    THE    CORPORATE    AITHORITIES    OF    WIL- 
LI AMSBURCi  TO  GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE.' 

[20  Nov.   1751.] 
Sir: 

We,  His  Majesty's  most  DutyfuU  and  Loyal  Subjects,  The 
Mayor,  Recorder,  Alderman  and  Common  Council  ol  the  City  of 
Williamsburgh,  humbly  beg  leave  to  congratulate  your  Honour 
upon  your  safe  Arrival  into  this  Collony  with  your  Family,  and 

*  In  a  MS.  diary  kept  by  John  lilair,  President  of  the  Council  during 
the  years  1751,  1752,  in  an  interleaved  ahnanac  for  1751,  in  the  Cabinet 
of  the  Virginia  Historical  Society,  the  arrival  of  Governor  Dinwiddie  is 
thus  recorded :  "  Nov.  20th — This  day  ab't  Noon  we  had  ye  News  of 
Gov'r  Dinwiddie's  safe  arrival  at  York  with  iiis  Lady  and  two  Daugh- 
ters." "21st — Mr.  Comiss'y  [James  Hlair.  D.  D.],  Colo.  Ludwell  and 
myself  went  out  t(3  meet  the  Governor  and  with  Colo.  Fairfax,  Mr.  Nel- 
son [William]  and  the  Secretary  [Thomas  Nelson]  (who  came  u|>  with 
him  from  York)  attended  him  to  his  house.  At  the  entrance  of  tiie 
Town  he  was  complimented  by  the  Mayor  and  Aldermen,  who  ( w'th 
the  Gent'n)  were  got  together  to  welccjme  him,  and  in\  ited  him  and  the 
Council  to  a  Dinner  they  had  prepared  at  Wetherburn's,  where  we  all 
dined.  At  the  Gov'r's  House  he  produced  his  Commission  with  a 
handsome  speech,  declaring  his  purpose  of  studdying  the  welfare  of 
the  Country,  relying  on  the  assistance  of  the  Council,  as  his  Majesty 
had  vouchsafed  to  appoint  him  to  this  care.     Colo.  Fairfax,  Mr.  Nelson, 


-  DINWIDDIK    PAPERS. 

very  heartily  to  welcome  you  t«»  this  City,  the  Seat  of  your  Gov- 
ernmeiU.  Mis  Majesty,  always  ijocul  and  vjracioiis  to  his  People, 
could  not  more  agreeably  have  repaired  the  Loss  VVc  sustained 
in  Our  late  Governor  S'r  Will'm  (iooch.'  than  by  appointin);  you, 
wh«>  are  so  well  acqnainteti  with  Is.  our  I-aws  and  Constitutions, 
to  be  his  Worthy  Succcss«>r :  Antl  We  ln)pe  that  your  Adminis- 
tration may  be  longer,  and  if  possil)le,  more  happy  than  his. 
Kver  since  this  City  has  had  the  Honour  of  bein^  the  Residence 
of  His  .Majesty's  (iovernors.  It  has  Ix-en  fortunate  in  the  Knjoy- 
ment  of  their  Kinti  Protection.  .\iul  W<  (latter  Ourselves  that 
untler  you  Sir,  We  shall  still  he  prt-servetl  in  Our  Rights  an(| 
Privilc^^es.  anti  that  you  will  on  all  ( )cc.isions,  consistent  with  the 
Honour  of  his  Majesty,  and  the  jjood  of  this  Collony.  contmue 

to  be  Our  jjrt'at    Protector  and   Hencfactor.     We,  on  Our  Parts 

* 

and  Myself  .ulniinistfrfd  ihe  Oath  t<>  \\\v  (iov'r;  alUT  wVh  pursuant  ti> 
his  lnstrurtion,  the  Council  prt-si-ul  tciok  the  Oaths  anew  and  Mr.  Wal- 
thoe  the  Oalh  of  OfHce.  A  I'riHiainalion  to  continue  all  Oflicers  was 
order'd,  hut  the  CtHisideration  of  the  .Assembly  was  referr'd  ti»  a  fuller 
Board  at  the  Oyer  and  Ter[ininer]." 

"22.  The  (io\'r  went  back  to  York  yesterday  and  rel'd  this  Kven'»; 
w'th  I-ady  and  daughters  to  ye  Attorney's"  [Peyton  Randolph]. 

*Sir  William  (iooch  was  1  jeutenant-tiovernor  of  Virginia  from  1727 
to  some  time  in  1749.  the  last  patent  of  record  in  tiie  Virsinia  l-juid 
Oflice  signed  by  him  be.iring  date  June  20th.  In  the  interim  between 
his  departure  for  Kngland  and  the  .irrival  i>f  Ciovernor  Dinwitldic,  John 
Robinson.  'I'homas  !.ee  and  Lewis  Murwell,  as  Presidents  of  the  Ci»un- 
cil,  were  successively  the  acting  (iovernor.  William  {i«KK-h  was  born 
at  Yarmouth.  Kngland,  October  21,  1681.  and  tlied  December  17th,  1751 
He  w.ns  an  officer  «jf  superior  military  talents;  served  under  Marlbo- 
rough an<l  in  the  Rebellion  of  1715;  in  1740  commanded  in  the  unsuc- 
cessful attack  «>n  Cartiiagena,  wlu-re  his  wounds  received,  and  the  climate 
gre.itly  impaired  his  health.  He  was  appointed  a  Hrigadier-Cieneral  in 
1746  in  the  army  r.iisecl  for  the  invasion  of  Can;ul.i,  but  declined  the 
ofljce.  He  w.is  in  the  same  year  created  a  lt;ironet.  made  a  ■M.ijor- 
General  in  1747.  and  returne<l  to  luigland  in  .August,  1749.  His  admin- 
istration in  Virginia  was  concili.itory  and  beneficent.  He  was  greatly 
beloved  by  the  colonists,  and  is  said  to  liave  been  the  only  Colonial 
Governor  in  America  against  whom  neither  inhabitant  nor  merchant 
ever  complained.  The  press  in  1878  chronicletl  the  unhappy  estrange 
ment  of  his  descendant.  Sir  Thomas  (nMKrh.  the  eighth  Ilironet.  from 
his  childless  wife,  Uuly  .Anne  (Sutherland),  because  of  an  attempt  to 
deceive  him  with  a  spurions  heir.  IJroken  in  spirit  and  health,  the  sor- 
rowful wife,  in  her  de.ith  the  following  year,  expi.ited  her  offence. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 


shall  Study  to  let  no  Opportunity  escape  of  demonstrating  to  the 
World  Our  Gratitude  and  obedience  to  Our  Royal  Master,  and 
to  you,  his  Vice-gerent  here,  and  shall  contribute  as  far  as  it  is  in 
Our  Power  to  make  the  Arduous  Task  you  have  imdertaken, 
easy  and  agreeable. 


GOVERNOR    DINWIDDIE'S    REPLY  TO   THE  PRECEDING 
ADDRESS. 

Gentlemen: 

I  heartily  thank  you  for  your  kind  congratulatory 
Address  on  mine  and  Families  safe  Arrival  in  this  Collony  and  to 
the  City  of  Williamsburg,  the  Seat  of  my  Government. 

I  am  much  obliged  for  the  good  Opinion  you  conceive  of  me 
on  my  Appointment  to  be  your  Governor  in  the  room  of  S'r 
Will'm  Gooch,  Bart.  I  am  very  sensible  of  the  many  disadvan- 
tages I  labour  under  in  succeeding  a  Gentleman  of  his  Merit  and 
Capacity,  but  as  my  inclinations  are  very  sincere  to  do  all  in  my 
Power  for  the  good  and  Prosperity  of  the  Collony,  I  hope  by 
Assiduity  and  diligence,  and  the  Assistance  provided  me  by  the 
Crown,  to  make  the  People  happy  and  myself  easy. 

You  may  Gentlemen  depend  on  my  real  regard  for  the  Sup- 
porting  the  Rights  and  Privileges  of  the  City  of  Williamsburg, 
and  therefore  on  all  Occasions  you  may  be  assured  of  every 
thing  in  my  Power  for  the  continuance  and  enlargement  of  them. 


THE    HUMBLE   ADDRESS   OF    THE    PRESIDENT   AND    MAS- 
TERS OF  THE    COLLEGE  OF  WILLIAM   AND  MARY.'' 

To  the  Hon'ble  Robert  Dhiwiddie,  Esq  r..  His  Majesty's  Lieu- 
teiiant  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  Colony  and 
Domi?iio7i  of   Virginia: 

Sir: 

We,  His  Majesty's  most  Dutiful!  and  loyal  Subjects,  the  Presi- 


'The  succession  of  the  Masters  or  Professors  at  this  early  seat  of 
learning,  would  be  a  highly  interesting  addition  to  the  annals  of  Ameri- 
can education.  Through  the  repeated  destruction  of  the  college  build- 
ings and  records  by  fire,  no  such  complete  list  is  known  to  be  extant. 

The  President  at  the  period  of  the  te.xt,  was  Rev.  WilHam  Stitii,  the 


4  l>IN\VII>t)IK    I'APKKS. 

dent  ami  Mastt-rs  o|  the  Collfvjc  ol'  William  and  Mary,  humbly 
\yc)'  leave  to  ci>n){ratulati-  VDur  Honour  u|Kjn  your  safe  Arrival, 
with  your  I-'ainilv  in  this  Dontinion. 

\Vt*  most  thankiullv  acknowledge  Mis  Majesty's  paternal  Atten- 
tion to  the  I'lihlick  \\\-llare.  wlm,  in  order  t«»  continue  and  jK-r- 
|)eluatf  the  many  HlesNin^>  we  enioyed  under  S'r  William 
(io«Jchs  mild  ami  aus|>icious  ( iovernment,  has  been  graciously 
pleasctl  to  appoint  a  Successor  ol  approved  Integrity;  (|uali- 
tied  to  repair  the  ^reai  loss  we  have  lately  sustained;  and  to 
set  such  a  Pattern  to  iuturc  (iovernors.  as  may  make  them  prove 
Blessings  to  succeilinvj  (irmTations. 

Animatetl  with  so  delij^htlul  a  Prospect  <»!  Happiness  to  Is 
and  Our  Posterity.  We  cannot  but  entertain  the  pleasinjj  hopes 
ot  en^aKinj»  your  l-'avour  and  Protection  to  the  Collej»e.  Church 
ami  Clerj^y;  who.  in  return  lor  such  considerable  Benefits, 
oblij^ed  by  Interest  as  well  as  1  )uiy.  will  to  their  constant  Endeav- 
ours, add  their  I'erveni  Prayers,  that  NDur  Administration  may  l>e 
lon^  and  Prosperous,  that  Irreli^ion  and  Immorality  may  Ik*  dis- 
couraged and  Supprcssetl;  ami  that  this  C'olony  may  forever 
flourish  under  a  Succession  ol  abW*  .uid  uprij^ht  Rulers. 


<.<)\  IKNOK    DINW  IhhII.S    Kl.l'l.\     H>    U II :   l'KI.(  i;i)!N( ; 
ADDKKSS. 
(iENTI.KMEN: 

\'our  kind  Con^jraiulations  lor  my  sale  Arrival  with 
my  Family  int<j  this  Dominion.  I  receive  with  sincere  thankful- 
ness. 

I    am   very  sensible  ol    the   >{reat    Honour   His    Majesty    has 
(graciously  been  pleased  to  confer  on  me  in  my  ,A|>poinlment  to 

historian.  The  fullowinx  list  ol  the  faculty,  to  1752,  inclusive,  has  lK*en 
preserved:  Rev.  Krancis  l-«intaine  (burn  1697.  died  1749),  I*n>feys«ir  of 
Oriental  LaiiKuaKes,  1729:  Kev.  Hartholomew  N'.ites,  Professor  of 
Uivinily,  1729;  Joshua  Fry,  1729.  .Master  ol  the  (iratninar  Sch<K)ls,  (after- 
w.ir(l>  atlvanred  to  the  Chair  ol  Matluinatics);  Kev.  Willi.im  .Stith,  1731  ; 
KdwartI  Ford.  173.H;  John  (iraenie.  1741;  Kev.  Thom.is  Dawsun,  1738; 
William  Preston.  1752;  Kev.  John  Canun,  1752,— I'njl'essors,  whose 
departments  of  instruction  are  not  known— Kev.  William  Kubinson, 
Master  of  the  (Ir.unmar  School.  1742;  .M.i.sters  of  the  Indian  .School, 
John  Fi>x.  1729;  Kev.  Robert  Harrett.  1737. 


niNWlDDIE    PAPERS  5 

be  GovV  of  this    Frovince,  in  tlie  room  of  S'r  William   (jooch. 

It's  true,  I  must  appear  with  ^reat  disadvantages  in  succeeding 
that  worthy  Gentleman,  but  his  Exact  principle  may  have  its 
proper  l'se,and  my  Emulation  may  be  animated,  and  you  probably 
may  see  during  my  Administration,  that  a  good  man's  Influence 
never  dies. 

I  have  always  looked  on  Seminaries  of  Learning  with  an  awful 
respect  and  true  Regard.  The  College  of  William  and  Mary  is 
undoubtedly  a  very  great  Blessing  to  Virginia. 

The  Education  of  the  Young  Gentlemen  in  the  different 
Sciences,  The  examination  into  their  several  Geniuses,  The 
cultivating  their  Minds  with  Morality,  Virtue,  Religion  and 
Honour,  So  far  as  to  qualify  them  for  the  Services  of  their 
Country,  is  a  very  great  and  Important  Charge  which  is  reposed 
in  you. 

I  congratulate  this  Country  in  having  Gentlemen  of  your 
Knowledge,  Capacity  and  Exemplary  Life,  at  the  head  of,  and  in 
the  sole  Management  and  direction  of  this  great  and  necessary 
Trust.  Proceed  Gendemen  in  your  Usual  Endeavours,  and  I 
doubt  not  of  a  Blessing  and  Success  to  attend  your  Care  in  their 
Education,  and  I  shall  watch  every  Opportunity  wherein  I  can  be 
of  Use  or  Service  to  the  College. 

I  am  with  Pleasure  engaged  and  oblig'd  to  support  the  Church, 
as  by  law  established,  And  the  Clergy  may  always  depend  on 
my  Countenance  and  Protection,  as  long  as  their  Lives  and  Con- 
versation is  Consistent  with  the  Doctrines  they  profess  and  are 
engaged  to  maintain. 

I  shall  think  my  discharge  of  the  Duties  of  my  Appointment 
more  likely  to  be  happy,  as  I  have  your  Assurances  of  your  Con- 
stant endeavours,  and  fervent  Prayers  for  me,  for  which  I  heartily 
thank  you. 


ltlS\Min>IK    I'AI'KKS. 


i;ovi:rni)K  kinuiiuhk  to  conkad  ukiskk.* 

\Vn.l.lAMSHlR«.H.  ViKCINIA,  I  )cc'r   I2lh.   175I, 

Sir  : 

By  ihf  Advice  ot"  His  Majesty's  Council  of  this  Colony  (of 
which  I  have  the  Honour  to  be  (i<»vrrnor  1  wh(»have  had  re|)caie<I 
Prcxil's  ol  your  Abihties  and  Intej»rity.  and  reatly  Disposition  on 
all  Occasions  to  serve  this  Government.  1  ani  to  inform  you  that 
We  shall  st-nd  Commissioners  iri  May  next  to  Loj^j^s  Town,*  to 
meet  and  treat  with  the  Ohio  Indians,  anti  tleliver  to  them  a  Pre- 
sent from  His  Majesty,  and  to  desire  that  you  will  please  to  join 
and  ;issist  them.*     1  hope  nothinj^  will  impede  your  Complyance 

*  Conrad  Wciscr  was  an  early  and  respcctal»le  inleri>reter,  in  which 
ca|x»city  he  ofticialed  in  nearly  every  Irt-aty  effected  with  the  Indians  in 
his  tiay.  He,  with  his  hither,  wen-  amont;  the  first  srttlers  of  Schoharie, 
New  York;  who  einij:ratfd  thithrr  from  (icrntany  in  1712.  uncirr  a  pro- 
clamation of  OiK-rn  Anne  ol  i7tK>.  ,-illiiwinK  SfttltTs  to  take  up  land  free, 
antI  to  Ik-  exempted  from  taxi-s.  Wlu-n  N.  Bayard,  the  (Jueen's  ajjent, 
canif  altt-rwards  to  enroll  tlu-ir  metes  and  bounds,  they  l>ecame  alanned 
and  offered  resistance.  Strife  ensued,  when,  upon  the  invitation  of  Sir 
William  Keith,  (iovernor  of  FVnnsylvania,  thirty-three  families  emi- 
grated to  that  .State,  and  settletl  at  Mnilh.ick  or  Millbrook.  Conrad 
VVeiser  was  fonunissioned  Colonel  in  1756.  He  lived  and  tlietl  at 
\V«»melstlorf,  a  town  situati-d  between  Heading  and  Harrisburj^.  //'<?/- 
son's  Anmils  of  /'etinshiania,  ed.  1.S57,  vol.  ii.  pp.  207,  25K.  The  Indian 
name  of  Weiser  was  Tarachawajjon. 

*The  exact  ItHation  of  I.oKstown  has  been  involvetl  in  doubt.  Craig's 
History  0/  Pittsburfr,  p.  215,  assiunes  it  to  have  been  on  the  north  side 
of  the  Ohio  river,  "  immediately  alnive  the  rim.  Ik-Iow  which,  it  is  well 
known.  I.ej;if>nville  stood."  Croj^han,  in  his  journal,  places  it  on  the 
southside  of  the  river,  or  left  hand  in  desrendiuK.  The  Indian  name  of 
Loj^stown  was  ChiniuKUe. 

*  The  object  of  this  mission  was  to  induce  the  Indians  to  confirm  the 
treaty  efTected  by  Conunissioners  from  the  « olonies  of  Virginia,  .Mary- 
land and  Pennsylvania,  with  the  .Six  Nati«)ns,  at  Lancaster,  I'a.,  in  July, 
1744,  by  which  were  redetl  t<)  the  Knglish  the  lamis  west  of  the  Alle- 
Khany  Mountains  to  the  Ohio,  for  a  consideration  of  £\s*t.  An  interest- 
ing journal  of  the  Secretar>- of  this  Conunission,  \Vm.  Black,  with  notes  by 
the  present  editor,  has  In-en  published  by  the  Pennsylvania  Historical 
.So<iety.  I'cnnsyhania  Muf^aziuc  0/  History  and  liiofrraphy.  vol.  i,  Nos. 
2,3,4,  1.H77,  vol.  ii.  No.  I,  1878.  The  nu-etingat  Logstown  was  at  first  inef- 
fective, but  at  length  on  the  13th.  |une,  1752,  the  Indians  con.sented  to 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  7 

with  our  Request,  and  you  may   rely  on   being  gratefully    and 
generously  rewarded  for  your  Service  and  Trouble. 

I  am,  &c. 

P.  S. — We  intreat  you'l  not  refuse  going,  We  depending  on 
you  as  an  Interpreter. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  JOSHUA  ERY.' 

Sir  : 

In  Obedience  to  the  Commands  of  the  Governor  and  Coun- 
cil, I  hereby  acquaint  you  that  His  Majesty's  Present  to  the  Ohio 


confirm  the  Lancaster  deed  in  as  "  full  and  ample  a  manner  as  if  the 
same  was  here  recited."  They  bound  themselves  not  to  molest  any 
settlement  on  the  southwest  side  of  tiie  Ohio,  and  to  be  firm  allies. 
The  Commissioners  were  Joshua  Fry,  Lunsford  Lomax  and  James 
Patten. 

'The  name  Fry  is  of  early  record  in  tlie  annals  of  Virs^inia.  In  tlie 
census  of  1623,  among  the  dead,  appear  John  Fry  at  James  City,  and 
Henry  Fry  at  Fleur  de  Hundred,  and  in  1686,  John  F'ry,  of  St.  John's 
Parish,  New  Kent  county,  possessed  extensive  lands  in  old  Ra])|)ahan- 
nock  county.  These  facts  have  led  the  Rev.  Philip  Slaughter,  D.  I).,  to 
question  the  generally  accepted  nativity  of  Joshua  Fry.  {iMenioir  of  Col. 
Joshua  Fry,  pp.  15,  16).  He  was  born  at  Somersetshire,  England,  edu- 
cated at  Oxford,  and  is  first  mentioned  in  Virginia  in  1710  as  Parish 
Vestryman  and  Magistrate  of  Essex  county.     Here  he  married  Mary, 

the  widow  of  Colonel  Hill  (an  extensive  landed  proprietor)  and 

daughter  of  Paul  Micoii,  a  physician,  and  Huguenot  exile.  In  1729  Fry 
was  appointed  Master  of  the  Grammar  School  of  William  and  Mary  Col- 
lege, in  which  institution  he  was  subsequently  Professor  of  Mathe- 
matics. In  1737  he  proposed  to  the  Virginia  Assembly,  in  conjunction 
with  Major  Robert  Brooke  and  Major  William  Mayo,  "to  make  an 
exact  survey  of  the  Colony,  and  print  and  publish  a  map  thereof,  in 
which  shall  be  laid  down  the  bays,  navigable  rivers,  with  the  soundings, 
counties,  parishes,  towns  and  gentlemen's  seats,  with  whatever  is  useful 
or  remarkable,  if  the  House  should  see  fit  to  encourage  the  same."  As 
the  proposition  is  not  alluded  to  in  Hening's  Statutes,  the  presumption 
is  that  it  was  not  fostered.  .Somewhat  later,  Yry  is  said  to  have  been  a 
member  of  the  House  of  Burgesses  and  of  the  Council  ;  Presiding 
Justice  of  Albemarle  county  from  its  formation  from  Goochland  in 
September,  1744,  to  1748,  and  perhaps  longer;  appointed  County  Lieu- 


I 


>  DINWIDDIK    PAPKRS. 

Indians  will  be  ddivcrctl  n>  thrm  in  May  nexi  at  Lo(f{^  Town. 
am!  that  two  Commissionrrs  will  Ik*  a|>|Kiinted  for  that  Service, 
and  to  treat  with  the  said  Indians  in  order  to  confirm  what  was 
agreetl  u|)<>n  at  the  Treaty  at  Lancaster,  and  to  secure  that  Na- 
tion to  th«-  Interest  «»f  His  Majesty  an<l  this  Colony;  Their  Hon- 
ours li.iM-  lirrii  i)l<-.is<(l   to  iioiiiiii.it<    Villi  .till!  Coll    lamrs  I'iitlou* 

t<'ii.i!ii    .'I. Ill  II    •""'.    1,   ^^,  .iiHi   III   ill'     "-.nil'     \''.ii    IK'  -xixiii  «iiii    i  "i"  I    i<ii<"f- 

si»n  as  Cuiiirnissi<incrs  of  tlu*  Cr«»\\ii  for  marking  'he  line  from  thi*  hrad- 
^  of  tJK'  I'otoniat'  river,  (Icfiiiin^  tlu-  wt-stt-rn  limit  of  tht-  Krant  of 
-  •fllurn  Neck,  and  also  witli  JcIKtm):)  « xmplvtetl  th<-  map  of  Vir- 
Kint.i  known  as  '"  Kr\-  \-  Jefferson's."  A  fine  copy  of  this  map,  puh- 
lislu'd  by  Thomas  Jeffcreys,  London,  1775.  is  in  the  Cal»inft  of  the 
Virginia  Historical  S<M:iety.  In  1749,  Fry  an<l  U-fferson  were  Commis- 
sioners on  the  part  of  Virginia  to  continue  the  houndary-line  be- 
tween Virginia  and  North  (."arolina.  wliich  in  1728  had  l>een  nm  from 
the  Atlantic  to  Peter's  Creek  by  Colonel  William  Byrd  and  others. 
This  line  was  completed  to  the  Tennessee  river  in  1778,  Dr.  Thomas 
Walker  ,n»(l  I)avid  Sn>ith  bein^  the  Conunissioners  on  the  part  of  Vir- 
ginia at  tl)e  last  date.  In  1752,  as  previously  staled,  Fry  was  a  Commis- 
sioner at  the  Treaty  of  Lonstiiwn.  Conunissiuned  as  Colonel  and  en- 
trusted with  the  command  of  the  Vir^^inia  forces  in  the  expedition 
aKainst  the  French  in  1754.  he  died  May  31st  whilst  conducting  it  to  the 
Ohio,  and  was  buried  near  Wills's  Creek,  now  Cundwrland  Creek.  In 
a  contemporary  notice  of  him.  it  is  said:  "  He  was  a  man  of  so  clear 
a  head,  so  mild  a  ten)|HT.  ami  so  jjood  a  heart,  that  he  never  faile<l  to 
en^ane  the  love  and  esteem  of  all  who  knew,  or  were  ronrerned  with 
him,  and  he  died  universiilly  lamented."  His  estimable  and  highly- 
res|K-cted  tiescendants  in  \'irginia  and  other  .States  include  many 
individuals  of  pr<»minenr«- 

"Colonel  James  i'atton.  born  in  the  town  of  Ne\\t«»:;,  l.imaddy,  Ire- 
land, in  1692;  marrietl  a  Miss  Osborn,  of  Whitehaven.  Cumberland. 
He  was  bred  t«i  the  sea.  ami  in  the  wars  of  Kngland  with  the  Low 
Countries.  serve<I  as  an  officer  in  the  Koyal  Navy.  After  the  Treaty  «»f 
Ctrerht  he  pnnureil  "a  passenger  ship,"  and  tra<led  to  HoblK.-s's  Hole, 
Virginia,  on  the  Kappahanmnk  river.  He  is  s;ii<|  to  have  crossed  the 
Atlantic  <|uite  twenty-five  times,  bringing  Irish  enngrants.  ("  Kedemp- 
tioners."  who  servetl  a  given  time  to  pay  the  cost  of  their  transrK»rta- 
tion.)  and  returning  with  carg«>es  of  peltries  and  tobacco.  Augusta 
c»)unty,  in  which  he  receivetl  a  grant  of  120,000  acres  of  land,  was 
largely  settled  through  his  agency.  He  was  in  1745  its  first  High 
Sheriff,  serving  snbsetjuently  as  County  Lieutenant;  hence  his  title  of 
Colonel  He  was  «ine  of  the  Colonial  Commissioners  at  Logstown  in 
1752.  and  kept  a  journal  (since  lost  (  of  the  mission,  in  which  the 
speeches  of  Ocanost<ito.  the    Mingu  Chief,  were   recorded.     He    was 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  9 

as  Gentlemen  the  best  qualify'd  to  conduct  and  execute  a  Busi- 
ness of  so  great  Importance.  You  are  desired  by  the  return  of 
the  Messenger  to  signify  your  Pleasure,  whether  such  an  under- 
taking will  be  acceptable  to  you.         I  am,  Sec, 

N.  Walt  HOE." 


INSTRUCTION.S  TO  COLL.  JAMES  PATTOX. 

WiLLi.\MSBUKG,  Dcc'r  13th,  I 75 I. 
Sir: 

You  are  to  proceed  immediately  to  Fredericksburg,  and 
there  receive  from  Mr.  Strother'"  the  Goods  sent  as  a  Present  by 
His  Majesty  to  the  Indians,  and  provide  everything  necessary  for 
the  Gentlemen  appointed  Commissioners  on  behalf  of  this  Gov- 
ernment, to  meet  and  treat  with  the  Indians;  and  to  order  all  to 
be  laid  down  at  Mr.  George   Parish's,  near   Frederick  Town,^' 


murdered  by  the  Indians  in  1755.  His  sister  Elizabetli  married  in 
Ireland  John  Preston,  a  ship-carpenter.  They  settled  in  Autjiista 
county  in  1740,  and  their  descendants,  the  "famous  Preston  family." 
have  been  among  the  most  prominent  in  America  in  the  names  of 
Brown,  Baldwin,  Benton,  Breckinridge,  Blair,  Campbell,  Crittenden, 
Floyd,  Gibson,  Johnston,  Hughes,  Hart,  Hampton,  Lewis,  Lee,  Mar- 
shall, McDowell,  Porter,  Parker,  Packer,  Peyton,  Payne,  Peters,  Robin- 
son, Sheffey,  .Stuart,  VVoolley,  and  others. 

*  Nicholas  W'althoe,  Clerk  of  the  Council,  an  eccentric  bachelor,  and 
a  warm  personal  friend  of  the  second  William  Byrd  of  "  Westover,"  to 
whom  he  presented  a  fine  portrait  of  himself,  wearing  his  hat,  stipu- 
lating that  it  should  be  hung  amongst  others  of  distinguished  person- 
ages possessed  by  Colonel  Byrd.  His  wish  was  gratified,  but  an  en- 
deavor at  compromising  the  graceless  intrusion,  was  made  by  placing 
Walthoe's  portrait  over  the  doorway  of  the  apartment  in  which  the 
several  portraits  were  hung.  It  is  still  in  the  possession  of  the  Har- 
rison family  at  "Lower  Brandon,"  James  river. 

'"This  is  presumed  to  have  been  William  Strother,  whose  daughter 
Jane  became  the  wife  of  Col.  Thomas  Lewis,  surveyor  of  Augusta 
county,  etc.  There  was  a  Benjamin  Strother,  "  Major  of  Foot,"  in 
Stafford  county,  Aug.  19,  1752. —  Calendar  of  State  Papers  of  I 'a.,  i, 
p.  274. 

"  Frederick  Town  was  an  earlv  name  for  Winchester,  \'a. 


10  DINWIDDIE    I'AI'KRS. 

where  Mr.  Cresap"  is  directed  to  receive  them ;  and  you  arc  also 
to  provide  a  sufficient  quantity  of  Wampum'*  for  the  Treaty. 
By  Order  n!  thr  <i()vernor, 

N.  Wai.thof. 


"ColtincI  Thomas  Crcsap  emigrated  froni  Yorkshire,  l-jiKland,  at  the 
age  «>f  tilleen,  and  marrii-tl  at  the  a^e  of  thirty,  near  Havre  de  (irace, 
.Maryland.  So  p»K>r.  that  he  was  driven  to  fly  from  imprisonment  a.H  the 
penahy  •)f  his  inabihty  to  pay  a  delit  of  /9.  he  rt-ntrd  a  farm  in  Virginia 
from  a  mt-mhcr  t>f  thr  Washington  family  Ki-tiirning  for  his  wife,  she, 
leaving  bfcomt.-  a  nn)tht.'r.  declined  to  remove  from  Maryland.  He  suc- 
ceetletl  in  Siitisfying  his  creditor,  and  removed  to  a  locality  higher  upon 
the  Sustpiehanna  river,  <»pposite  C'olinnhia.  where  he  obtained  a  title 
for  500  acres  of  land.  It  was  imfortnnately  in  tlispiitetl  territory  and 
claime<l  under  a  Pennsylvania  grant,  .^fter  some  strife  between  the 
colonists  of  the  two  provinces,  in  which  Cresap  espouseil  the  rights  of 
Lord  Kaltimore,  he  was  fmally  forced  to  abandon  his  land  and  removed 
to  a  farm  at  .*\ntietam  of  i,4«x)  acres,  which  he  hati  also  t«>  relin(|uish  to 
repay  a  debt  of  /"soo,  which  had  been  furnished  him  by  Daniel  Dulaney 
and  lost  in  trading  ventures  with  the  Indians  for  peltries.  He  rem<»ved 
again  about  1742  to  a  farm  near  OKI  Town,  which  he  called  "Shipton," 
after  the  place  <if  his  nativity  in  luigland.  It  was  on  the  north  fork,  a 
few  miles  above  the  north  and  south  branches  of  the  INitomac.  Here 
he  acipiired  a  large  landed  estate.  He  renewed  his  intimacy  with 
Washington,  who  always  reposed  confidence  in  him;  employed  in  1748 
by  the  Ohio  Conipany,  he  marked,  with  the  aid  of  an  Indian  named 
Nemacolin,  the  road  to  their  territory,  which  was  the  s,une  route 
pursued  by  liraddiK-k  in  his  ill-fated  exjiedition.  F^e  was  a  man  of 
vigorous  mind  and  body,  atul  a  skilful  surveyor;  visited  Kngl.md  .>t  the 
age  of  7«>,  and  whilst  in  Lontlon  w.is  conunissioned  by  Lord  Baltimore 
to  run  the  Western  line  of  Maryland,  in  order  to  ascertain  which  «if  the 
two  branches  of  the  I'ot<»mac  was  in  reality  the  fountain  hea<l  of  the 
stream.  His  map  and  report  of  this  survey  was  used  in  the  Mar)land 
Legislature  recently  in  the  boundary  dispute  with  N'irginia.  He  mar- 
ried a  second  wife  at  the  age  of  .So,  visited  the  British  possessions  near 
Nova  Scotia  at  i<k»,  and  died  ageil  106  years.  He  was  the  father  of 
Captain  .Michael  Cresap,  wlu)se  memory  was  most  unjustly  maligned 
by  Jefferson  in  his  Xotrs  on  I'iifrinia,  in  the  charge  of  having  insti- 
gated or  aided  in  the  alleged  nuirder  of  the  family  of  the  Indian  Logan 
in  1774.— ./1/av^r'j  Tah-gah-jute,  or  Logan  and  Cresap,  ed.  1867. 

"Wampum  was  the  current  money  among  the  Indians,  and  served  as 
llie  material  for  necklaces,  bracelets  and  other  ornaments.  It  was  of 
two  sorts,  white  and  purple;  the  former  was  wrought  from  the  inner 
coating  of  the  conch,  and  the  latter  of  the  mus.sel  shell.      They  were 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  11 

GOVERNOR    DINWIDDII-:    TO   OOVRRNOR    OGLK   OF    MARV- 
IN AND.'* 
Sir: 

I  take  the  liberty  of  sionifying  to  Your  Exc'y  my  Arrival  to 
this  Government,  and  to  assure  you  of  my  sincerest  Respects. 
Permit  me  at  the  same  time  to  express  my  most  hearty  Wishes 
for  a  frequent  and  Amicable  Correspondence  between  Us,  in 
Order  to  promote  and  forward  any  Incident  that  may  probably 
tend  to  the  Advancement  of  His  Majesty's  service,  or  the  Well- 
fare  of  the  Province,  which  has  the  Happiness  of  being  governed 
by  your  Exc'y,  and  Virginia,  whenever  any  particular  of  that 
kind  shall  occur,  in  which  I  can  contribute  the  least  Assistance, 
be  persuaded  Sir,  you  may  freely  command  me,  and  that  I  shall 
esteem  a  Favour,  every  Opportunity  you  shall  give  me  ol  proving 
my  Sincerity.  By  the  Advice  of  the  Council  here,  I  shall  send 
Commissioners  from  hence  to  meet  the  Six  Nations  at  Loggs 
Town  the  15th  of  May  next,  and  deliver  to  them  a  Present  from 
His  Majesty.  I  give  Your  Exc'y  this  Intelligence,  that  if  you 
have  any  Business  to  transact  with,  or  propose,  relating  to  those 
Nations,  you  might  have  Leisure  to  consider  of  it,  and  if  you'll 
be  pleas'd  to  communicate  anything  to  me,  You  may  securely 
depend  on  an  exact  Complyance  with  your  Instructions. 

I  am,  ^c. 


woven  with  the  sinews  of  the  deer  and  strips  of  deerskin  into  strings, 
called  belts,  often  as  wide  as  the  palm  of  the  hand,  and  about  two  feet 
in  length.  These  were  given  and  received  at  treaties  as  seals  of  friend- 
ship, each  belt  being  connected  with  a  message,  speecli,  or  part  of 
speech,  and  delivered  by  the  speaker  or  messenger.  The  belts  also 
served  as  records,  being  wrought  with  figures  composed  of  beads  of 
different  colors  to  assist  the  memory ;  each  bead  had  a  known  value, 
and  a  belt  of  a  lesser  number  was  made  equal  to  one  of  a  greater  by 
the  addition- to  it  of  the  deficient  beads  upon  a  string. 

'* Samuel  Ogle,  who  had  previously  held  a  command  in  the  Irisli 
Establishment,  was  Governor  of  Maryland  in  1732,  1735-42,  and  from 
1747  to  his  death.  May  3,  1752.  He  married  Anne,  daughter  of  Colonel 
Benjamin  Tasker,  who  succeeded  liim  as  Governor.  His  mansion  built 
by  him  on  his  estate  "  Helair "  in  Prince  George  county,  Maryland, 
remains,  says  Colonel  Scharf,  "  a  model  of  liberality,  ease  and  conve- 
nience; it  has  hardly  been  surpassed  in  its  proportions  by  any  house  of 
more  recent  structure  in  this  State."     History  of  Maryland,  ii,  p.  76. 


12  UINWIDDIK    I'AI'KKS. 

(.0\  I.RNOK  IHNWIDDIK  TO  (lOVKRNOR  OGLE. 

WiLLiAMSBikti  IN   \'iK(;iNiA.  i.^th  Dcc'r.  1751. 
Sam' I  OfiU,  listfr  : 

Sir: 

I  take  ihf  libcrly  of  siKniryinn  to  Vour  Kxc'y  that  His 
Majisty  has  been  ^jraciously  pleased  lo  appoint  me  Lieut.  Ciov'r 
of  this  Province,  and  of  my  Arrival  here  the  20th  I'lt.  Permit 
me  at  the  .same  lime  to  IC.xprcss  the  Sincere  Pleasure  I  have  the 
View  of'  in  keeping  up  a  Correspondant  with  a  (ientleman  I 
always  retain'd  a  very  great  Regard  and  Kespect  for.  and  there- 
fore if  any  thing  should  occur  here  for  His  Maj'ty's  Service  and 
the  good  of  the  Colonies,  I  shall  with  Pleasure  Communicate  the 
same  to  you,  not  doubling  of  the  same  Information  on  occasion 
from  you.  and  If  I  can  contribute  llie  least  Assistance,  you  may 
freely  command  me  and  shall  be  glad  (»f  any  Opportunity  of 
shewing  my  Sincerity. 

There  has  been  a  present  in  this  Colony  for  the  Six  Nations  of 
Indians,'*  which  by  the  advice  of  the  Councell,  I  shall  appoint 
Comm'rs  fr<jm  this  [Colony]  lo  meet  them  at  Loggs  Town  the 
15th  of  May  next  to  deliver  the  said  Present  sent  by  His  Ma'fy. 
I  give  your  F-xcy  this  Intelligence  that  if  you  have  any  Business 
to  transact  with,  or  propose  to  these  Nations  of  Indians,  you 
may  have  time  to  consider  thereof.  Vou  may  depend  on  an 
exact  complyance  with  your  desire.     I  tender  my  best  Respects 


■"  I  In-  MX  .S.itums  Wire  r.ille*!  /rm/iton  h\  llu-  Jrtiicli,  J/ai/nti  hy  the 
I)utrh.  Mingoes  l)y  the  KuKli^h.  and  Mt-nf'ivc  by  other  Indian  nations. 
I  •  were  oriyjinally  //:r,  vi/.  :  ■ri)e  Moliawks,  the  Oneidas,  the  Onon- 
"i.  "s.  tlu*  CayUKas.  and  the  Senccas ;  sul)se(|uently,  however,  the 
Tiiscaror<Hs  ii|nin  iK-in^  tiriven  fr<»m  N<>rtli  C'ar«»lina,  united  with  the 
Five  Naliiins  in  1712.  fr<»iu  which  time  the  union  was  styled  the  .Six  Na- 
tions. Their  home  wiLs  in  New  York,  hut  they  were  a  warlike  people, 
and  their  concjuests  e.xtended  from  New  York  to  Carolina  and  from 
New  iui^land  to  the  Mississippi.  They  rejinlated  their  alfairs  in  com- 
mf)n  by  a  C'<»un«il  rom|»ose<l  of  .Sarhenis  of  different  nations,  who  met 
annually,  at  (JnoiuLi^o.— (>/<//■«  Time,  i,  p.  4. 


niNWIDDIE    PAPERS.  13 

to  your  Lady,  Coll.  Tasker '^  and  family,  and  believe  me  to  he  in 
great  Truth, 

^  our  E.xcy's 

Most  Obd't  hum:  .Serv't. 


'*The  Tasker  family  of  Maryland  is  an  old  and  honorable  one,  and  by 
frequent  intermarriage  is  connected  witii  many  distinj^uislied  families 
of  America  and  Kngland.  Captain  Thos.  Tasker,  the  father  of  Colonel 
Benjamin  Tasker  of  the  text,  located  a  warrant  for  land  in  Calvert 
county,  Maryland,  in  1682.  He  was  Treasurer  of  the  Province  and  a 
man  of  wealth  and  influence.  There  is  a  family  tradition  that  he  mar- 
ried a  near  relative  of  Lord  Baltimore.  He  died  in  1699,  leaving  issue 
three  children  :  i.  John,  ii.  Elizabeth,  and  iii.  Benjami-i.  i.  John,  married 
Eleanor,  daughter  of  the  Hon.  Col.  Thomas  Brooke  of  de  la  Brooke 
Manor,  grandson  of  Robert  Brooke,  and  ^hlry,  his  wife,  daughter  of 
Roger  Mainwaring,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  .St.  Davids.  Had  issue,  Thomas 
Tasker,  who  married  Clara,  riaughter  of  Major  Nicholas  Sewall — a 
grandson  of  Jane,  Lady  Baltimore;  ii.  Elizabeth,  married  the  Hon. 
Thomas  Addison,  son  of  Hon.  John  Addison,  an  Admiral  in  the  British 
Navy— and  had  issue  two  daughters:    i.  Rebecca,  who  married  twice, 

first, Bowles,  brother  of  General  Bowles  of  the    British  Army, 

secondly,  Sir  Robert  Henley  of  the  Grange,  Lord  Chancellor  of  Eng- 
land, afterwards  Earl  of  Northington;  and  ii.  Eleanor,  who  married 
Lowe  of  the  Lowes  of  Derby  Park  in  Derbyshire,  iii.  Benjamin  Tas- 
ker, was  President  of  the  Council  of  Maryland  for  thirty-two  years, 
and  as  such  was  acting  Governor  of  the  Province  from  the  death 
of  Governor  Ogle,  May  3,  1752,  until  the  arrival  of  (iovernor  Horatio 
Sharpe,  August  loth,  1753.  He  and  Charles  Carroll  (signer  of  the 
Declaration  of  Independence)  were  the  delegates  from  the  Province  to 
the  famous  Albany  Convention  of  1754,  of  which  Bancroft  writes,  that 
"America  had  never  before  seen  such  an  Assembly."  The  Committee 
appointed  to  draw  up  a  Constitution  for  a  perpetual  Confederacy,  con- 
sisted of  Thomas  Hutchinson  of  Mass.,  .Stephen  Hopkins  of  Rhode 
Island,  William  Pitkin  of  Conn.,  Benj.  Tasker  of  Md.,  W.  .Smith  of  New 
York,  and  Benj.  Franklin  of  Pa.  Benjamin  Tasker  married  Anne, 
daughter  of  the  Hon.Wm.  Bladen,  Conmiissary-General  of  the  Province, 
son  of  Nathaniel  Bladen,  Esquire,  of  Hemesworth,  York,  and  Isabella, 
daughter  of  Sir  William  Eairfa.x,  Kn't,  of  Streton.  They  had  issue  five 
children,  one  son  and  four  daughters;  the  son,  Benjamin  Tasker,  Ir.,  a 
young  man  of  much  promise,  died  Oct.  17,  1760,  in  the  30th  year  of  his 
age.  He  was  at  the  time  of  his  death  Secretary  of  the  Province  and 
one  of  the  Commissioners  appointed  to  settle  the  boundary  dispute 
between  Maryland  and  Pennsylvania.  He  was  the  owner  of  "  Tasker's 
Selima,"  by  the  Godolphin  Arabian,  tiie  most  famous  mare  of  her  day 


14  PINWIDDIK    I'APEKS. 


GovKRNDk  i>iN\vii>i»ii:  H)  mi.  vksikv  dv  st.  annk's 

I'AKISII.  AI.HKMAKI.i:  COINTV. 

Gentlemen: 

I  have  crujuirfti  into  llu*  Vacancies  of  Church  Liv- 
ings. Sincf  Miy  Arrival,  ami  bfinj^  inlornu'd  that  your  Parish  b 
Vacant  by  the    Rcv'd   Mr.   Robertson's    Removal   to  St    John's 

ami  siiul  l<»  Ij.ivc  bt-rn  an  own  sister  t<>  Hral>.ili.ini.  Selinia  wjis  pur- 
chasetl  fmm  the  Mari|uis  of  (iranhy,  aiul  won  llie  first  great  race 
recordetl  in  \"irginia.  in  (iloucester,  in  1751.  I»ealin);  Colonel  William 
Byrd's  ithr  third  of  the  nainei  Trvall.  and  Colonel  John  Tayloe's 
ini|x»rle<l   |»-nny  Cameron,  four  miles  f»>r  5o«»  pistoles. 

Of  the  daiijjhters  of  (iovernor  Benjamin  Titsker,  Rel>ecca  married 
Daniel  Dulaney.  C«>unscIlor  of  Maryland  in  1776.  His  portrait  was  a 
few  years  since  placed  in  the  hall  of  ihe  .Sii|K*rior  CtMirt  of  Baltimore 
city  by  a  descendant,  Mattlu-w  Dnianey  Ball,  Ks(|.  The  portrait  of  \It>. 
Hulaney  was  carried  rdV  from  the  family  seat  in  X'irjjinia  by  the  Federal 
soldiery  during  the  late  imhappy  war  bt-tween  the  States.  Their  son, 
Danifl  Hulaney,  Ivstj.,  was  li\in>j  in  Downing  street,  London,  in  181H, 
Anne  T.xsker  married  (iovernor  .Sannicl  <  )Kle  of  Maryland.  Klizal>eth 
Tasker  married  Christopher  Lowndes.  Ks<|.,  of  Bladensbur};.  and 
Frances  Tasker,  the  remaining:  daujjhter,  married  Robert  Carter,  the 
"Coun.selltjr."  son  of  Robert  Carter  of  "N<»mini."  and  grandson  of 
Robert  Carter  of  ''Corotoman."  known  as  "  King  Carter."  who  married 
I'riscilla  Bla«len.  The  tomb  of  (iovernor  Bt-njamin  Tasker  is  at  An- 
napolis. Md.  It  bears  the  Taskt-r  an<l  Blatlen  arms  impaled.  The 
families  of  Tayloe.  Forrest,  Hill.  Kidont.  Marbiiry,  (iault.  .Sto«ldert, 
I'inckney.  Lloyd.  Kwell  (Lieutenant-tieneral  R.  S.  Kwell  and  Ik-njamin 
S.  Kwell.  I'ri*sident  «)f  William  and  Mary  C«illeKe.  Virginia).  Buchanan 
(Admiral  Buchanan.  I'nited  States  Navy>,  are  all  ccmnected  with  the 
Tasker  family  by  marriage.  From  the  Dulaney  intennarriage  are 
sprung  Lady  Hunter  of  Brighton,  the  Dulani-ys  of  Wt-llmurne  Hall. 
Fauc|ui«r,  Fairfax,  and  I'rince  William  counlii-s.  \'a.,  the  Herl>erts, 
Clagetts,  1  >iggses,  Forrests  of  CMaremont  and  Baltimore,  Wecmses,  Car- 
ters of  (ilen  Welby,  etc.  I'he  descendants  of  .Mrs.  Danit-I  Diilaney 
have  intermarried  with  the  the  Carters  of  "  .Shirley  "  and  "  Sabine  Hall," 
Va. ;  with  the  Armisteads,  DeButtses,  Forrests.  Carrolls.  Kllises,  Dan- 
gerfields.  Roziers.  Frenches.  Chichesters,  Balls,  (iaults,  Tingeys.  Scotts. 
(iregorys.  Turners.  Powells.  Simmses,  and  Wrights.  The  late  Admiral 
French  Forrest  of  the  Virginia  Navy  was  a  descendant  of  Ik-njamin 
T.isker  through  Daniel  Dulaney.  whose  son,  Colonel  Benjamin  T.isker 
Dulaney.  of  "Shuter's  Hall."  Fairfax  county.  Va.,  married  Klizabeth 
French  of  "Claremont."  a  great  heiress,  of  whom  Witshington  wrote: 


DINWIDDIE    PATERS.  15 

Parish  in  King  William,''  I  have  the  Pleasure  and  Satisfaction  of 
recomniend"g  the  Bearer,  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Ramsay/*  to  sue 
ceed  Mr.  Robertson,  a  (ientleman  who  has  brought  from  England 
so  full  Testimonials  of  his  Capacity  and  Worth,  that  I  the  more 
sincerely  recommend  him  to  you,  not  doubting  but  he  will  answer 
and  give  you  full  Satisfaction,  and  that  he  will  do  everything  in 
his  Power  for  the  Peace  and  Happiness  of  the  Parish,  I  therefore 
desire  you  will  receive  and  Entertain  him  as  your  Pastor,  which 
will  be  very  agreeable  to 
Gent. 

Your  most  humble  Serv't. 
Williamsbzirg, 

13th  Dec'r,  1 75 1. 


GO\'ERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  GOVERNOR  HAMILTON. 
7c?  the  Hotible  Jams  Hamilloti,^^  Gov'r  of  Pennsylvania : 

Sir: 

His  Majesty   having  appointed   me  Gov'r  of  this  Province, 

"Our  celebrated  fortune,  Miss  French,  whom  half  the  world  was  in  pur- 
suit of,"  etc.  A  large  family  of  children  was  the  issue  of  this  marriage, 
one  of  whom,  Elizabeth  French  Dulaney,  married  Joseph  Forrest. 
They  were  the  parents  of  Admiral  Forrest,  to  the  kind  courtesy  of 
whose  grandson,  Rev.  Douglas  French  Forrest,  D.  D.,  Washington, 
D.  C,  not  less  accomplished  as  a  genealogist  than  distinguished  as  a 
theologian,  is  the  editor  chiefly  indebted  for  the  interesting  facts  em- 
bodied in  this  note. 

"The  Rev.  John  Robertson  in  1752  signed  a  petition  to  the  House  of 
Burgesses  for  the  suppression  of  the  labors  of  the  Presbyterian  "  Apos- 
tle "  Samuel  Davies  and  others  of  his  sect.  He  was  present  at  tiie 
Episcopal  Convention  held  at  William  and  Mary  College,  Oct.  30,  1754, 
and  subscribed  £\  is.  6d.  towards  the  fund  for  the  relief  of  "poor  Cler- 
gymen's Widows  and  Orphans."  Feb.  25,  1756,  he  signed  an  address 
to  the  Bishop  of  Lond<jn  on  the  passage  of  the  act  by  the  Assembly 
making  it  optional  with  parishes  to  pay  their  ministers  either  in  tobacco 
or  a  commutation  of  value  at  two-pence  per  pound. — Perry's  Virginia 
Church  Papers,  pp.  383,  414,  427,  446. 

**He  was  still  the  incumbent  June  10,  1755. — Ibid,  p.  429. 

''James  Hamilton,  Governor  of  Pennsylvania,  1748 — Oct.  1754,  1759- 


U'  HIN\Vll»l)|K    I'APKRS. 

this  is  tu  ac(]iiaint  you  of  my  Arrival  here  the   20th   ult..  and   to 
asiiiire  you  o\  my  sincere  respects. 

Permit  me  to  express  my  real  Wishes  !or  a  trecjuent  Corres- 
pondence Ixrtween  L's.  to  promote  and  forward  any  incident  that 
pr«)hahly  may  lend  to  the  Advancement  of  His  Majesty's  Inte- 
rest, or  the  welfare  of  these  Provinces.  Whenever  anything  may 
occur  wherein  1  can  Ik.'  oI  .service,  be  persuaded  Sir,  you  may 
freely  conmiand  me. 

Hy  the  advice  of  the  Councell,  I  shall  send  Comm'rs  to  I.O{(^ 
Town  in  May  ne.xt.  to  deliver  the  Six  Nations  a  Present  from  His 
Maji-sty.  I  ^^ive  you  this  Intelligence,  that  if  you  have  any  Busi- 
ness to  tr.insact,  or  propose  to  these  Nations  you  mij^ht  have  time 
to  Consider  of  it,  and  be  assured,  I  am  at  all  times, 
I  lon'rd  .Sir, 

N'our  most  (jbed't  humble  scrv't. 

Pray  tender  my  sincere  respects  to  .Mr.  Allen''  and  his  hamily. 
J r/7//a ;//>/""!'    iX'li  I  ><•<■>,  1751. 


1768;  1'residi.nt  <>l  the  CoiiiK  il.  1771.  an<l  acliuK  (iovernor,  liolding 
besides  other  oflices  of  distinction:  I'resident  of  the  American  Philo- 
sophical .Society  and  a  lilK-ral  patron  of  tlie  arts  and  sciences.  A  loyal- 
ist, he  removed  to  New  York,  where  he  died  August  14,  1783.  He  was 
the  sf>n  of  .Xndrew  Mauiilton,  an  eminent  lawyer,  a  native  of  JMrotland, 
born  1676.  inunigrated  lirsl  to  I'astern  shore  of  Virginia  and  lived  after- 
wards in  Kent  Coiiniy,  .Mil.;  married  Mrs.  Annie  (Itrown)  widow  of  Jo- 
seph I'reeson,  a  lady  of  fortune  and  family;  Deputy  (iovernor  of  Pa.. 
1701-3;  member  of  I'rovincial  C«»uncil;  Attorney-General  1717;  acipiired 
distinction  at  /.enger's  Trial  in  New  York  in  1736;  died  at  Bush  Hill, 
which  formed  a  part  of  Philadelphia,  Aug.  4.  1741.  Mis  only  daughter 
married  William  Allen,  Provincial  Chief  Justice.  His  son  Andrew  mar- 
ried a  daughter  of  William  Pell.  Their  son  William  was  one  of  the 
earliest  colle«  tors  of  pictures  in  .\nuri<a.  and  <  ultivated  the  art  of 
ornamental  gardening. 

"William  .Mien,  of  the  preceding  note.  Chief  Justice  of  Pennsylvania. 
•  7.V>74.  ''nd  a  distinguished  friend  of  literature  and  the  arts.  A  loyal- 
ist, he  withdrew  in  1774  to  England,  where  he  died  .September,  1780; 
a  patron  «>f  Ik-njamin  West,  the  painter,  and  co-operated  with  Pranklin 
in  establishing  the  College  of  Philadelphia;  publishe<l  in  London,  1774, 
"The  .Xnierican  Crisis,"  suggesting  a  plan  for  restoring  the  dependence 
of  America. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  17 

GOVERNOR  DlNWinniK  TO  COL.  THOMAS  CRESAP. 

Sir: 

You  herewith  will  receive  the  Opinion  of  the  Council  in 
Answer  to  your  Letters.  As  to  making  Reprisals  for  the  Rob- 
beries done  by  the  French  on  the  Ohio,  it  is  ijiconsistent  with  the 
Laws  of  Nations,  while  We  are  in  Peace  with  France,  and  your 
Letter  is  too  general :  if  you  can  give  a  particular  Account  of  the 
different  Robberies,  we  must  apply  to  the  Governor  of  Canada" 
for  Redress;  Upon  his  Refusal,  we  may  proceed  in  another 
manner. 

I  shall  be  glad  [if]  Mr.  Montour ''^  will  determine  to  live  in  Vir- 
ginia that  we  may  hereafter  have  an  Interpreter  in  our  own 
Province  on  any  Occasion  we  may  have  to  do  with  the  Indians; 
and  therefore  I  desire  you  will  prevail  with  him  to  be  at  your 
House  when  the  Commissioners  come  to  go  with  the  Goods  to 
Loggs  Town. 

I   have  the  Success  and   Prosperity  of  the  Ohio   Company''^ 

^^The  Marquis  de  la  Jonqui^re,  who  succeeded  the  Maniuis  ck-  la 
Gallisonidre  a.s  Governor  in  August,  1749.  He  was  born  in  Languedoc, 
France,  in  1686,  and  died  in  May,  1752.  He  was  an  experienced  soldier, 
but  deficient  in  judgment.  Upon  his  death,  the  Baron  de  Longueil 
acted  as  Governor  until  the  arrival  of  tlie  Marquis  Duquesne  de 
Menneville,  who  had  been  recommended  to  the  government  by  De 
GalHsdniere. 

^-  Andrew  Montour,  who  served  as  a  Captain  of  a  company  of  hi- 
dians — a  man  of  intelligence  and  education,  and,  as  Gov.  Hamilton 
testifies,  "a  good  man";  was  a  half-blood,  the  oldest  son  of  Madame 
Montour,  a  French-Canadian  woman,  and  Robert  Hunter  (so  named 
after  the  Governor  of  New  York  and  the  Jersies),  an  Oneida  chief, 
whose  hidian  name  was  Sattelihu.  John  Montour,  a  son  of  Andrew  by 
his  first  wife,  a  granddaughter  of  Allummaiiees,  cliief  of  the  Delawares, 
commanded  a  company  of  Delaware  Indians  in  tiie  service  of  the 
Americans  in  1782. 

'"The  Ohio  Company  was  formed  in  1748  by  Thomas  Lee  and  twelve 
others,  including  Lawrence  and  Augustine,  brothers  of  Geo.  Washington 
in  Virginia,  and  John  Hanbury,  a  Quaker  merchant  of  London  ;  with  a 
grant  of  500,000  acres  of  land  on  the  Ohio,  between  the  Monongahela 
and  Kanawha  rivers;  chiefly  on  the  north,  but  with  the  privilege  of 
lands  on  the  south  side  of  the  river.  Two  hundred  thousand  acres  of 
land  were  to  be  settled  immediately,  to  be  free  from  quit-rent  or  other 


18  DINWIDIilK    PAI'EKS. 

much  at  Heart.  lh«i'  I  have  not  a  Line  from  any  conccrn'd  since 
my  Arrival.  l>ui  this  rr«»m  you.  There  is  a  Car).;<)  for  the  con- 
ccrn'd come  in  the  .Ship  with  me,  it  now  hes  at  C<»lo.  Hunter's,** 
the  Severity  of  the  Weather  prevented  his  sernhn^  the  Goods  to 
Colo  Mason.*  1  am  surpriz'd  at  what  you  write,  that  Patlon.  or 
anv  other  Person  should  obstruct  that  Conipany's  making  a  set- 
tlement on  the  Ohio,  hut  shall  take  Care  that  it  shall  be  strongly 
urf»etl  to  the  In«lians,  and  doubt  not  of  .Success.  I  shall  be  aUid 
if  you  could  furnish  me  with  an  Acc<»unt  o|  the  several  Nations 
of  Indians,  their  names  and  numbers  of  each  separate,  viz:  their 
flighting  Men,  Women,  and   Children,  and   your   Advice  how  to 


ta.x  to  the  KiuK.  on  conditinn  that  the  Contpany  should  at  their  own  ex- 
|H-nse  scat  loo  families  on  the  lands  within  seven  years,  build  a  fort  and 
maintain  a  ^.irrisitn  siifVuifnt  t<»  protcrt  the  sfttlement.  The  tr<»ul>les 
with  tin-  !-'r<-n(h  and  Indians  suspended  the  opt-ratiuns  of  the  Company 
until  tht*  close  of  the  war.  I,ee  dyinj;,  l-iwrence  Washin^on  suc- 
ceeded to  the  chief  manaKenunt  of  the  Conjpany,  and  by  purchase 
Governor  Dinwitldie  and  (ieiir^e  Mason  became  owners  of  shares  in  it. 

In  1760,  John  Mercer  (compiler  of  the  edition  of  the  I^ws  of  Vir- 
jfinio  known  as  .Mercer's  Abridjjinent)  drew  up  a  memorial  to  the  Kinjj 
for  such  further  orders  and  instrutlions  to  the  ^ovenunenl  in  X'ir^inia 
as  nnvjht  enable  the  Company  to  carry  their  urant  into  execution,  and 
Colonel  (ieor^e  Mercer  (son  i>f  John)  was  sent  to  l-'n^land  as  its  aKent. 
Owing  to  counternctiuK  interests  of  private  individuals  in  X'irjjinia.  the 
claims  of  oHicers  and  soUliers  under  Dinwiddie's  proclamation,  and  the 
schemes  and  application  of  the  proprietors  of  a  ^rant  to  Thomas  Wal- 
polc.  a  I.cMidon  banker,  and  others,  known  as  Walpolc's  ( jrant,  Mercer's 
efforts,  though  he  remained  in  London  six  years,  were  futile.  He  at 
last  a^ree*!  to  mer^e  the  interests  of  the  ()hi«>  Comp.iny  in  those  (*( 
WaljMile's.  or  the  <  irand  Conjpany,  as  it  was  railed,  on  condition  <»f 
securing  to  the  former  two  shares  in  the  l.itter,  or  one  thirty-sixth  of  the 
whole.  This  action  of  Mercer  without  authority  was  not  appr«»ved  by 
the  Ohio  Company,  and  while  the  subject  was  still  in  aKitation,  the 
Revolutionary  War  came  on  and  i>ut  an  end  to  the  existeiv  >  ■><  ''<>th 
companies. 

"At  Hampton.  John  Hunter  was  Colonel  of  the  militia  of  l-^li/.ibclh 
City  county. 

•Geor);e  Mason,  County-IJeutenant  of  Stafford  county,  son  of  Geo. 
Mason  of  StaflV)rd.  the  progenitor  of  the  <!istinKuished  Viryjinia  family  of 
the  name  (whose  will  Inrars  date  39th  June,  I7i,s):  and  father  of  the 
author  of  the  Virginia  Bill  of  Rights,  who  was  the  third  of  the  name  and 
family  in  Virginia. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  19 

engage  them  to  the  British  Interest.**  The  Assembly  sits  down 
the  27th  of  next  Month,  the  General  Court  immediately  after, 
which  makes  it  impossible  for  me  to  come  at  this  Time  to  a 
Treaty  with  the  Indians,  at  the  same  Time,  I,  confessing  Igno- 
rance in  these  Affairs;  but  if  hereafter,  I  shail  find  it  for  his 
Majesty's  service,  I  shall  not  think  much  of  the  Trouble  to  give 
them  a  Meeting,  if  not  at  too  great  a  Distance,  but  am  in  Hopes 
the  Meeting  now  proposed  will  end  with  the  desired  Success, 
And  as  you  are  a  Member  of  the  Ohio  Company,  I  think  your 
good  offices  will  be  very  necessary,  and  will  be  acknowledged  by 
the  Company.    I  shall  be  very  glad  to  hear  frequently  from  You, 

and  am 

Sir, 

Your  humble  Servant. 
IV'jnsS'g;  Jan'ry 

23d,  1752. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  LORD  FAIRFAX." 

My  Lord: 

I  intended  myself  the  Honour  of  paying  my  due 
respects  to  your  Lordship  before  this,  but  have  been  prevented 
by  the  hurry  of  Business  on  my  first  Arrival,  but  I  now  desire 


'^*The  number  of  warriors  of  the  Iroquois  was  estimated  in  1660  Ijy 
the  French  as  2,200;  Bancroft  assumed  tiieir  "just  numbers,"  inciudins; 
their  alHes  and  Southern  kindred,  as  about  17,000.  Olden  Time,  i,  ]>. 
386-396. 

'''Thomas  Fairfax,  6th  Lord,  and  Baron  of  Cameron,  the  friend  and 
patron  of  Washington  in  early  life;  born  1691 ;  died  at  his  seat,  "Green- 
way  Court,"  Frederick  County,  \'a.,  Dec.  12,  1781.  He  was  the  son  of 
Thomas,  Lord  Fairfax,  and  Catharine,  daughter  of  Lord  Culpeper. 
He  was  educated  at  Oxford,  and  afterwards  held  a  commission  in  the 
Blues;  was  a  man  of  literary  tastes,  and  contributed  to  the  Spectator 
of  Addison.  Succeeding  to  the  title  and  estates  in  Virginia,  (inherited 
from  his  mother,)  between  the  Rappahannock  and  Potomac  rivers,  and 
a  great  portion  of  the  Shenandoah  Valley,  known  as  the  Northern 
Neck,  and  comprising  5,282,000  acres,  he  settled  in  Virginia  in    1745, 


UlN\Vn)l>IK    PAPERS. 

to  assure  you  of  ihe  Sincerity  ol  my  Heart  .iiul  Kn<leavour  on 
all  Occasions  to  testify  the  Vencranon  1  have  for  you. 

Kndos'd  you  have  a  Litter  from  our  Commissary  in  rejjard  t*> 
the  Surveyors  of  l-aml.  The  CoUtlj^e  of  WiUiam  and  Mary 
have  a  Patent  of  an  «»ld  hate,  lor  the  ap|>ointinj(  the^e  ( )t^icers, 
and  they  Conceive  Irom  that  Date  thev  have  a  Ri^ht  to  appoint 
those  in  your  Lortlships  Proprietary."  The  Perquisites  from 
these  Dt^ictrs  to  the  Coletlge  is  't  of  their  receipts.  We  know 
your  kind  and  iViendlv  Disposition,  I  doubt  not  you  will  cciun- 
tcnance  them  in  this  their  Ri^ht.  which  is  to  \)c  appli'd  towards 
the  supjK)rt  of  the  t)nly  Seminary  of  Learninjj  amongst  us,  and 
more  as  many  of  their  Other  Funds  proves  deficient,  or  at 
least  much  reduced.  And  when  y'r  Lordship  shall  think  pro|xrr 
to  apoint  a  private  Survey 'r  that  you  will  please  lay  your  Com- 
mands on  them  to  Ace  t  with  the  Cole'.lv;e  for  one  si.xth  of  their 
receipts,  which  [I]  shall  be  glad  if  this  proves  agreeable  to  y'r 
own  (Opinion.  The  Commissary'*  says  he  will  always  have  a 
due  regard  lo  any  person  recomended  lo  the  Colefit;*'  for  their 
Comission. 

CoUo.  Fairfax*  was  talking   with    me  in  regaro   i<»  n;'    l-"incs 

fixing  his  residence  a  few  miles  from  Winchester.  Here  he  lived  in  a 
style  of  liberal  hospitality,  with  iIk-  indiilKence  of  thv  diversions  of  tlie 
cha.se.  In  174s,  impressed  with  the  aliility  ami  tnt*rj;y  of  the  youth 
George  Washington,  he  employetl  liim  ;is  a  surveyor  of  liis  lands  uer>t 
of  the  Blue  Kitl^e  niountains.  He  avowed  himself  a  loyalist  during 
the  Revolution,  but  w.xs  never  molested  by  the  colonists  on  account  of 
his  sentiments.  His  estates,  however,  were  c«^nfiscated  at  the  close  of 
the  struggle.  He  was  succeeded  fiy  his  brother  Kol)ert,  7th  Baron. 
whi>  clied  at  I-eeds  Castle,  Kngland,  in  1791. 

"•'rhe  right  w.xs  conferred  by  the  original  charter  of  Feb.  19,  1693, 
u|Xin  the  tnistees  of  the  College,  of  a|)|>«>iiitment  «>f  a  ".Surveyor  (iene- 
ral "  of  the  colony,  with  the  fees  and  profits  of  the  office,  towards  the 
endounu-nt  of  the  College. 

■The  Cotniiii--  ir\  .it  this  time  was  Kev.  William  Slilh,  the  historian 
of  Virgini.i 

•William   i  .......v.  ^■...  ..1  Henry  Fairfax,  of  Yorkshire,  England,  and 

grandMin  of  Thomas,  the  fourth  I>»rd  Fairfax,  was  educaletl  un<ler  the 
care  of  his  uncle.  I^>rd  Lonsdale;  entere<l  the  army  at  the  age  of  21, 
serving  successively  in  .Spain,  the  K.ist  hulies,  and  in  the  expedition 
against  Providence  Island,  of  which  he  w.ts  ap|>ointed  (iovemor  after 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  21 

laid  on  different  Affaires  that  may  come  before  the  Courts. 
This  is  too  nice  a  Point  for  me  to  give  my  Thoughts  on,  as  your 
Lordship  is  so  nearly  concern'd  in  it.  Give  me  leave  to  give  my 
Opinion  as  an  indifferent  Person  (but  not  as  Governor)  what 
Fines  may  be  laid  in  the  County  Courts  in  your  Proprietary, 
I  cannot  determine  on,  but  those  at  the  General  Court  are 
receiv'd  by  the  Sherifs  and  by  them  paid  to  the  Receiver  Gene- 
ral and  aplicable  towards  the  Sujiport  and  paying  the  Emergen- 
cies of  Government,  and  are  included  in  his  Acc'ts,  swore  to, 
and  transmitted  home,  on  which  C^ircumstances,  I  think  y'r 
Lordship  has  no  right,  unless  you  obtain  an  Order  from  home 
to  him  to  be  accountable  for  the  same  to  you,  I  mean  those 
Fines  that  are  raised  from  Apeals  from  the  Countv  Courts  in 
your  Proprietary.  1  hope  you  will  excuse  mv  writing  so  freely 
on  this  Subject,  which  I  should  not  do,  but  from  the  Opinion  I 
have  of  y'r  Friendship  for  me. 

I  shall  be  glad  of  the  Hon'r  of  a  Line  from  you,  and  proud  of 
the  Opportunity,  when  in  Person  I  cou'd  have  the  Pleasure  of 
assuring  you  that  I  am  in  great  Truth, 

Your  Lordship's 

most  Obed't  and  Humble  Serv't. 
Williamsburg, 

6th  May,  1752. 


its  reduction;  married,  in  1724,  the  daughter  of  Thomas  Walker,  a 
Major  in  the  Army.  The  climate  not  agreeing  with  Mr.  Fairfax,  he 
removed  to  New  England,  and  subsequently  to  \'irginia,  as  the  agent 
of  his  kinsman,  Lord  Fairfax,  for  managing  liis  large  landed  interests. 
He  first  resided  in  Westmoreland  county,  but  receiving  through  his 
kinsman,  Bryan  Fairfax,  Commissioner  of  British  Customs  ( 1 723-1 728), 
the  appointment  of  collector  of  customs  for  the  South  Potomac,  he 
removed  to  his  seat  "Belvoir,"  on  that  river.  He  was  County-Lieu- 
tenant of  Fairfax,  a  Meml)er  of  tlie  King's  Council  for  many  years, 
and  for  some  time  its  President.  He  died  .September  3d,  1757.  From 
him  have  descended  the  various  l)ranches  (jf  the  Fairfax  familv  in 
America. 


DINWIODIK    PAI'KRS. 


(.<)\  l.K.Nt  )K     Pl.NW  IPIMI.     H>    (AllAl.Ns    «Kl.s.\l'    .\.M) 

IkKNT." 

Icb'y  lo.  1753. 
Meisrs.  Cresap  and  Trent . 

Gent  : 

1  II  L  li  \  I  l,riu  1  <»l  ihc  22(1  ull'o  for  which  I  thank 
You,  and  am  very  sorry  that  part  of  the  Twi^hlwec"  are  jjone  to 
the  French.  N'ou  know  it  was  not  much  in  our  Power  to  supply 
them  with  Powder  and  Lead  this  season  the  year,  and  at  [the] 
same  Time,  I  am  of  Opinion,  that  if  Burney  had  proceetled 
directly  to  them  as  I  expected,  it  mij,;ht  have  prevented  their 
going  over  to  the  French,  when  they  cod  hav<-  K<<ii  ;i^>.iiiil  nf  ,1 
Supply  Irom  us  in  May  next  at  Winchester. 

I  ol>serve  that  15  or  16  French  are  come  to  l.»i^igs  low  11,  .md 
are  building  Mouses,  ike,  and  that  it  is  to  be  feard  they  will  take 
Possession  of  the  River  Ohio,  oppress  our  Trade  and  take  our 
Trailers  Prisoners,  &c.  VVe  would  fain  hope  these  People  are 
only  French  Traders,  and  they  have  no  other  View  but  Trade. 
I  hope  there  is  no  great  Army  of  French  among  the  Lakes. 
Where  they  get  lircid  and  Corn  I  cannf)l  imagine,  for  from 
many  Acc'ts  they  are  in  the  greates[t]  Want  at  Canada.  Till 
the  Line  between    Pennsylvania  is  run,*^  antl  our  Limits  ascer- 


"Thc  journal  ;  ^  ..,  .un  William  Trent,  from  l.oj;«itown  to  Picka- 
willany,  1752,  from  a  copy  in  the  archives  of  tlu-  Western  Reserve  His- 
torical Society,  Cleveland,  Ohio,  lias  been  publisliecl  l»y  Robert  Clarke 
&  Co.    Trent  was  a  fricnil  antl  business  partni-r  of  Ik-njaniin  Franklin. 

"The  TwiKhlwet-  liuli.ins.  "said  by  Sp.irks  tt)  be  Ottawas,  but  who 
were  rcilly  .Mi.mnes,  were  pnibably  the  same  whom  Captain  [Robert] 
Stobo  calls  I'ict.s."  A  map  in  Kaltn's  Tr.ivels  in  .America,  jjives  in 
relation  to  a  village  on  the  (ireat  Miami,  this  note:  "The  Knglish 
Tawichlwi,  or  Pique,  taken  1752,"  from  which  it  may  be  inferretl  that 
l'i(|ue,  was  one  of  the  names  of  the  Miamies.  .\\  the  Treaty  at  Um- 
casler.  in  luly,  174'S.  with  the  Six  Nations:  Delawares,  Shawanese, 
and  TwiKhtwres,  th»-  last  with  their  allies  were  estimated 
iity  t«»wns  and  .iboiit  i.imhi  fi;;liiin>;  men.     Olden  Titni',  i,  pp. 

"The  boundary  controversy  Iwtween  Pennsylvania  an<l  \'irginia.  first 
manifested   itself  upon   these   preparations    «»f   Covernor    l)inv\id<lie. 

(■,..v,rM..r    H.inlli,.!,    l>.lnij  instructed   by   the  |>ro|>riit..rs    tn    r.n.lir 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  23 

tain'd,  I  cannot  restrain  the  many  Abuses  done  in  the  Back- 
woods. As  by  the  last  Treaty  at  the  Ohio.  The  Ind's  having 
given  us  full  Power  and  Property  to  settle  all  the  Lands  this  side 
of  the  Ohio,  I  conceive  that  the  Treaty  fully  establishes  the 
British  Right  to  those  Lands,  therefore  some  Method  must  be 
found  out  to  dispossess  the  French,  if  they  presume  to  oppose  our 
Settlem'ts.  I  am  glad  two  hundred  Cherokees  are  going  to  take 
possession  of  the  Lower  Shawness  Town.  I  shall  be  Oblig'd  to 
you  for  any  further  Information  You  may  procure  between  [now] 
and  Aprill  next.  When  the  Affair  will  be  seriously  Consider'd, 
and  when  the  Powder,  Lead,  &c.,  is  sent  to  the  Six  Nations.  &c., 
at  Winchester.  We  may  then  form  some  Method  to  support 
His  Majesty's  Title  and  right  to  the  Lands  on  the  Ohio.  I  did 
not  know  that  the  Warriors  of  the  Six  Nations  were  gone  to 
the  So.[uth]w[ar]d.  I  wish  you  c'd  have  inform'd  me  of  their 
Design,  for  I  sh'd  be  very  glad  to  have  them  and  the  So.w'd 
Ind's  in  a  confirm'd  State  of  Peace,  which  will  be  of  great  Service 
to  the  British  Colonies  on  the  Cont't.  I  have  heard  nothing  from 
Mr.  Montour  since  he  left  this,  I  suppose  he  is  gone  to  Onon- 
dagoa  to  get  some  of  their  Chiefs  to  meet  and  receive  the  Pres'ts 
in  May  next  at  Winchester.     I  wish  You  Health,  and  when  any- 

assistance  to  Governor  Dinwiddle  in  his  measures,  but  to  require  an 
acknowledgment  that  the  projected  settlements  should  not  be  con- 
tinued to  the  prejudice  of  the  rights  of  Pennsylvania.  When,  in  1754, 
Governor  Dinwiddie  commenced  the  building  of  the  fort  in  the  forks  of 
the  Ohio,  where  Pittsburg  now  stands,  and  issued  a  proclamation, 
promising  to  lay  out  200,000  acres  of  land  adjacent  to  be  divided 
among  the  soldiers  who  enlisted  for  service  against  the  French,  Gov- 
ernor Hamilton  demurred,  and  Dinwiddie  agreed  that  the  quit-rents  of 
these  lands  might  be  collected  by  Pennsylvania  until  the  dispute  was 
settled,  and  in  the  meantime  applied  to  England  to  have  the  boundary 
line  run.  The  controversy  was  settled  by  a  Commission,  which  met  at 
Baltimore,  August  3d,  1779,  in  which  Pennsylvania  was  represented  by 
George  Bryan,  John  Ewing  and  David  Rittenhouse,  and  Virginia  by 
Bishop  James  Madison  and  Prof.  Robert  Andrews  of  William  and  Mary 
College.  The  line  agreed  upon  was  the  extension  of  that  of  Mason  and 
Dixon,  "  due  West  5  degrees  of  longitude  completed  from  the  river 
Delaware  for  the  Southern  boundary  of  Pennsylvania,  and  that  a 
meridian  drawn  from  the  Western  boundary  thereof  to  the  Northern 
limit  of  said  State,  be  the  Western  boundary  of  said  State  forever." 
Olden  Time,  i,  pp.  433-524. 


24  DINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

thinj*  occurs  of  Consfqucnce  in   regard   t«>   tlu-  Ind's,  y'r  advis'g 
mc  thereof  will  much  (Jhlige. 
Cient.. 

\"r  most  h'ble  Serv't. 


«.M\I  KNok    1»1\\\  IDDII/S  ADDkISs    lo    IIII-    (,I-\I  k\| 

.\ssi:mhi.n 

Gaittemen  oj  the  Coiiuci/,'*  Mr.  Speakir,  and  CientUmcn  of  the 
House  of  /iurgrssts  : 

His  Majesty  having  been  Graciously  Plcas'd  to  Hon'r  me 
with  His  Comiss'n  to  be  Lieut,  (iov'r  and  Commander  in  Chief 
of  this  His  Dom'n  of  Virginia,  I  thought  it  my  Duty  to  call  you 
together,  that  we  may  jointly  consider  w[ha]t  we  are  impower'd 
to  do,  lor  promoting  His  Majesty's  Int( k  st.  .ind  the  Prosperity 
of  this  Colony 

I  have  so  just  a  Sense  of  the  Imp(jrtance  ol  the  Trust  devolv'd 
upon  me  and  Sollicitude  to  discharge  the  same  with  Hon'r,  as 
wholly  prevents  my  Attent'n  to  these  Arts  by  which  Persons  con- 
scious of  Great  Abilities,  or  familiar  to  com'd  by  long  Habit,  are 
enabled  to  grace  a  publick  Character.  This  Sollicitude  is  in- 
creased by  the  Virtues  of  my  Predecessor.  Hut  tho'  my  Ambi- 
tion be  Disappointed  by  the  K.xample  I  follow,  yet  Emulation 
will  be  annimated,  if  less  Eminent,  I  may  be  more  useful  by  a 
steady  Attention  for  the  good  of  this  Dom'n. 

During  the  Time  I  have  the  Hon'r  to  Preside,  1  very  sincerely 
resolve  and  determine  that  my  constant  Care  shall  be  to  sup- 
port the  Church  of  England  as  by  Law  Establish'd,  to  encourage 
Virtue.  Piety  and  Loyalty  to  His  Sacred  Majesty,  and  with  the 
utmost  of  my  Power,  to  discourage  Vice  and  I  morality.  It  shall 
further  be  my  Inclin;ition  to  endeavour  to  cultivate  those  \'irtues 


**The  nn-ml>ir>>  ol  liu-  LimiK  il  win- :  Lewis  liiiiwcll,  I'rcsKlciil ;  John 
Blair,  William  Kairfax,  William  Nelson.  William  Dawson,  I).  I).,  John 
Lewis,  Thomas  Nelson,  I'lnliji  <  irynK-s,  I'ctc-r  Randolph,  William  Byrd, 
Kicharcl  Corbin,  and  William  Beverley. 


DINVVIDDIE    PAPERS.  25 

of  a  Social  Nature,  by  keeping  up  a  good  and  Harmonious  Cor- 
respondence with  you,  in  a  private  as  well  as  a  publick  Capacity. 
And  I  shall  always  be  ready,  to  the  utmost  of  my  Understanding, 
to  assist  You  with  my  Advice  in  any  Matter  that  may  occur. 

Gentlemen,  I  can,  without  Regret,  resign  all  Pretentions  to 
Eminence  or  Distinction,  as  other  Acquisitions  are  in  my  Power, 
which,  if  less  Envied,  are  yet  allow'd  to  be  more  Valueable,  nor 
shall  I  be  inactive,  tho'  the  desire  of  Fame  may  be  suppress'd. 
I  am  conscious  of  another  Passion,  which  is  at  once,  the  Motive 
and  Reward  of  Virtue. 

My  Afifeciion  for  you.  Gentlemen,  will  be  now  gratified  by  fre- 
quent Opp'tys  of  expressing  my  Zeal  for  the  good  of  this  Colony 
(now  my  Country),  which  will  be  a  Spring  of  Pleasure  in  my 
Breast. 

It  was  with  great  Joy  I  landed  here.  Invested  with  Power  of 
doing  good  to  a  People,  among  whom  I  had  formerly  mingled  in 
Scenes  of  Domestick  Felicity,  and  experienc'd  the  endearing 
Reciprocations  of  Friendship. 

But  I  am  very  Sencible,  the  most  ardent  Benevolence,  and 
most  inviolable  Fidelity,  are  frequently  insufficient  to  effect  their 
own  Purposes.  But  Error  has  perhaps  produc'd  as  many  pub- 
lick  Calamities  as  Indolence,  Avarice,  or  Ambition.  I  shall 
therefore,  Gentlemen  of  the  Council,  always  receive  Your  Advice 
with  Pleasure,  and  Gentlemen  of  the  House  of  Burgesses,  I  shall 
rely  with  Confidence  on  Your  Assistance. 

Gentlemen  of  the  House  of  Burgesses,  That  I  might  indulge 
the  Impatience  of  my  Wishes,  I  have  call'd  you  together  so  soon 
after  my  arrival,  that  we  may  concur  in  the  Gracious  Design  of 
His  Majesty,  and  Express  my  Duty  and  Gratitude  to  Him,  in 
the  most  Acceptable  Manner,  by  becoming  an  Instrument  of 
Happiness  to  my  fellow  Subjects. 

The  Legislature  shou'd  always  be  busy ;  there  are  Grievences 
to  redress,  Irregularities  to  reform.  Defects  to  supply,  and  Ex- 
uberances to  cut  off.  I  presume  that  there  are  some  Laws  that 
want  Renewal,  and  probably  others  that  want  Amendment. 

I  therefore  mos[t]  earnestly  recomend  to  you  the  Prosecu- 
tion of  this  Great  Work  with  Diligence  and  Expedition.  Con- 
sider what  Bills  may  be  proper  and  necessary  for  promoting  the 
publick  Quiet  and  Comon  Interest,  by  more  effectually  Securing 
Property,   Encouraging   and    Extending   Comerce,   Establishing 


2r>  DINWIDUIK    I'AI'KRS. 

the  Peace,  Safely  and  Kfj^uLirily  of  an  equitable  and  well  order'd 
Government. 

I  will  .is-sisi  y«>u.  Gentlemen,  lo  the  Outmost  of  my  Power,  in 
the  Attainm't  of  these  desinible  Purf>oses.  and  you  may  expect 
frt>m  me,  every  Concession  in  your  fav'r.  of  which  my  Instruc- 
tions will  .-tdnuc. 

I  shall  be  jjlad  if  Vou  can  find  out  some  Method  to  prevent 
n«  l.ivs  in  the  Courts  of  Justice,  so  very  Inconvenient  to  the 
I'fople.  and  so  much  complain'd  of  in  Britain,  as  well  as  here. 

(ientlemen  of  the  Council  and  House  of  Hurjjesses: 

There  is  on[e]  Thinyj  I  recomend  to  your  particular  Kej^ard, 
And  that  is  the  Cultivatinjj  a  j^ood  Correspondence  with  the 
neij^hbourinK  Nations  of  Indians.  It  is  better  they  shou'd  Love 
us,  than  that  they  shou'd  Fear  us,  and  one  of  the  two  is  abso- 
lutely neces.sary.  Fear  is  a  .Slavish  Passion,  and  the  Mind  is 
always  struglinj^  to  throw  it  off.  On  the  Contrary,  Love  and 
Amity  arc  pro|>o>^aicd  by  Acts  of  Kindness,  the  very  F.xerctse 
of  which  is  Heli^ht. 

The  .Mind  is  happy  under  their  Inllucnce.  and  their  Influence 
for  that  Reason  is  continually  gaining  new  Strcnjjth.  So  that 
our  Furopean  Neighbours  that  are  settled  to  the  Southw'd  and 
Northw'd  of  us,  wou'd  never  be  able  to  influence  the  Indians 
aj.jainst  Is  If  the  advanlaj^e  of  mutual  Hontitv  Crafinidr  tiul 
Publick  Faith  oppose  their  Attempts. 

They  have  been  lonj^  Fndeavourinjf  to  spirit  up  the  Ind's  that 
are  in  Amity  with  us  to  the  Breach  of  their  Faith,  with  a  View 
to  posses  and  settle  the  interior  parts  of  America,  the  back  of 
our  frontier  .Settlem'ts  to  the  Westward.  N'our  own  j{oo<I  Sense 
will  soon  discover  what  bad  Consetjuenccs  such  Settlem'ts  wou'd 
be  to  us  and  our  Posterity. 

Hut  I  have  two  high  an  C)()inion  of  Vour  Sajjacity  and  Virtue, 
to  think  any  further  Arj^uments  is  necessary  to  convince  You 
this  Measure  is  expedient,  or  to  persuade  you  it  is  ICquitablc. 
The  .Means  how  it  is  to  be  effected,  I  w'd  rccometul  as  the  Sub- 
ject of  your  Oelilx^rations. 

I  further  sincerely  recomend  to  you  (ientlemen — That  both 
in  f)uhlick  and  private  Capacity's  you  will  diffuse  a  .Spirit  of 
Benevolence  and  I  nanimity,  which  arc  the  vital  Principles  of 
publick  and  private  Happiness.     By  such  conduct  you  will  ap- 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  27 

prove  y'rselves  good  Christians  and  good  Subjects.  \'ou  will 
then  render  my  administrations  Honourable  and  Kasy.  You 
will  enjoy  the  Prayers  and  Blessings  of  the  whole  Colony.  You 
will  deserve  the  Paternal  Affection  of  His  Majesty.  And,  you 
will  be  entitled  to  the  F'avour  of  Almighty  God,  Who,  that  we 
might  consider  each  other  as  Brethren,  has  not  disdain'd  to  be 
call'd  the  Father  of  us  all. 


ADDRESS   OF  THE    COUNCIL   TO    GOVERNOR    DINWIDDIE. 

To  the  Honblc  Robert  Dinwiddle,  Esq'r,  His  Majesty  s  LieJit. 
Gov'r  a?id  Comand'r  in  Chief  of  the  Colony  and  Doni'n  of 
Virginia : 

Sir: 

We,  His  Majesty's  faithful  and  loyal  Subjects  the  Council  of 
Virginia,  now  met  in  General  Assembly,  beg  leave  to  congratu- 
late Y'r  Honour's  safe  Arrival  to  the  Governm't  of  this  Colony, 
and  to  give  you  our  hearty  and  unfeigned  Thanks  for  Your 
affectionate  Speech  at  the  Opening  of  this  Session. 

There  are  many  and  great  advantages  deriv'd  to  Us  from  His 
Majesty's  Reign  in  comon  vvitii  the  rest  of  His  Subjects,  but  the 
Appointm't  of  You,  Sir,  to  preside  over  us  (who  formerly  liv'd 
amongst  Us,  and  are  well  acquanted  with  the  Laws  and  Consti- 
tution of  our  Country  j  is  a  Circumstance,  that  in  a  more  particu- 
lar Manner,  demands  our  Acknowledgments. 

To  preserve  the  Order  of  Society,  to  protect  the  Innocent,  and 
administer  Justice  impartially;  lobe  circumspect,  and  watchful, 
that  all  the  Subordinate  Officers  of  Governm't  act  in  their  Several 
Stations  with  a  comendable  Fidelity,  are  the  Charactericks,  the 
genuine  Marks  of  a  good  Ruler;  to  be  animated  by  these 
Motives,  ever  studious  in  Pursuit  of  these  Principles,  careful  and 
diligent  in  the  Discharge  of  every  Duty,  are  Blessings  which  will 
be  continued  to  Us.  By  \"r  Prudence  and  Conduct,  the  present 
Generation  will  more  imediately  feel  the  Effects  of  the  Wisdom  of 
Your  Administration ;  but  the  beneficial  Consequences  of  it  will 
be  transmitted  to  Generations  that  are  yet  unborn. 

We  are  truly  sensible  of  the  Benefits  that  must  arise  to  the 


28  1>IN\VU>I>IK    I'APKKS. 

British  Interest  l)y  Cultivaiinn  a  Kriemlship  with  the  Indian 
Nations:  the  Importance  of  it  is  well  known  and  cannot  fail  to 
Oainj  our  Attention  and  to  Merit  <nir  Regard. 

IntUienc'i!  therefore  by  every  Motive,  which  Duty  to  our 
Country  can  su^^^jc-st.  or  (iratitutle  inCorce.  We  shall  constantly 
endeavour  to  contribute  every  Tiiin^j  on  <»ur  Part;  the  whole 
Tenor  of  our  Conduct  shall  evidence  the  Sincerity  of  our  Zeal  to 
proniote  the  ('.lory  of  Cod.  the  Ilon'r  of  the  Crown,  and  the 
Weltarr  of  the  people,  thereby  to  render  Your  Administration 
easy  to  \'«»ur  Person,  and  honourable  to  N'our  Character. 


ADDKKSS  <»!•    mi.    HoLSK  OK    HIKCKSSKS  TO  CCA  KKNOR 

DINUIDDIK. 
Sir: 

We,  His  Majesty's  most  dutiful  and  loyal  Subjects,  the  Bur- 
jjesses  of  N'ir^inia.  now  met  in  C.eneral  Assembly,  beg  leave  to 
return  Your  Hon'r  our  cordial  Thanks  for  Your  affectionate 
Speech  at  the  Openinjj  of  this  Sess on. 

Being  truly  sensible  of  His  Majesty's  paternal  Care,  for  this 
his  most  antient  Colony,  in  appointing  a  Person  of  such  approv'd 
Abilities  and  Integrity  to  preside  over  us;  With  Hearts  full  of 
Sincerity,  We  Congratulate  Your  Hon'r  upon  Your  .saf<  Anival 
with  \'our  Family  Am(Migst  L's. 

\our  Zeal  for  the  establislud  Religion,  and  tender  Rtg.iiil  lui 
the  ProsfHrritv  of  this  Dtuninion,  d«)  justly  claim  our  unfeignetl 
Acknowledgments  We  do  therefore  in  the  strongesi  terms 
assure  Your  Honour  that  We  will  enibrace  every  Opp'ty  of 
giving  lively  Testimonies  of  our  strict  Attachment  to  the  Purity 
of  that  Religion,  and  every  suitable  Return  of  Duty  and  (irati- 
tude. 

When  we  reflect  on  those  social  virtues  with  wch  Your  Hon'r 
hath  formerly  distinguished  Yourself  amongst  Us,  We  cannot  but 
promise  ourselves  every  Pleasing  Prospect  of  an  Equitable  and 
well  ordered  (iovernm't.  Anil  wc  further  assure  ^'our  Hon'r 
that  We  shall  on  our  Parts,  endeavour  with  an  active  Diligence 
to  redress  such  ( irievanccs.  reform  such  Irregularities,  and  sup|)ly 
such  Defects  as  shall  appear  to  ol>siriici  the   Publick  Tranquility, 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  29 

or  retard  the  comoii  Interest  of  this  Country.  In  the  doing  of 
w'ch,  We  think  ourselves  happy  in  the  Offer  that  \'our  Hon'r 
hath  made  of  Your  kind  Assistance.  By  such  a  Conduct,  We 
doubt  not,  We  shall  derive  to  ourselves  every  temporal  F'elicity, 
and  hope  to  obtain  in  the  Countenance  of  the  Grace  and  Fav'r  of 
that  Omnipotent  Being,  who  hath  not  disdan'd  to  be  call'd  the 
Father  of  us  all. 


ADDRESS  OF  THE   HOUSE  OK  BURGESSES   TO  GOVERNOR 

niNwiDDii:. 

To  the  Ho7i'ble  Robert  Dhnviddie,  HsqW,  His  Majesty's  Lieut. 
Gov  r  a7id  Command' r  in  Chief  of  the  Colony  and  Dominion 
of  Virginia  : 

Sir: 

We,  His  Majesty's  most  dutiful  and  loyal  Subjects,  the  Bur- 
gesses of  Virginia  now  met  m  General  Assembly,  beg  leave» 
upon  the  Confidence  that  We  place  in  the  repeated  Assurances 
that  Your  Hon'r  has  been  pleas'd  to  give  of  Your  kind  Assistance 
in  any  Matter  that  shall  be  Connducive  to  the  Good  and  Wellfare 
of  this  Dom'n,  to  recomend  to  Your  Care  and  Direction,  the 
Representation  made  by  this  House  in  conjunction  with  the 
Council,  to  His  Majesty,  in  which  the  unhappy  Circumstances  of 
this  Colony  under  the  late  Proclamation  for  the  Repeal  of  sundry 
useful  and  salutary  Acts  of  Assembly,  As  also  the  Incon- 
veniences that  may  arise  from  His  giving  His  Assent  to  such 
Laws,  that  in  their  Nature  must  require  frequent  Alterations  and 
Amendm'ts  are  humbly  and  dutifully  set  forth.  And  we  doubt 
not  but  by  Your  Hon'r's  Countenance  and  Application  His 
Majesty  will  be  graciously  pleas'd  to  extend  His  Royal  Indul- 
gence so  far  as  to  direct  a  Redress  suitable  to  the  Inconveniences 
complain'd  of. 


80  DINWIDDIK    PAI'KRS. 


Mi>^'^''   •■'    III"   •  .()Vi;kNoK  I' '  '  "i   '<«i\«ii    \N!. 
mK(.i:ssi 

Gmtlrmen  of  the  CouHcil,  Mr.  Speakrr  and  GmtUmni  of  the 
House  of  Burgesses  : 

I  return  ^'ou  Thanks  i<»r  N<>iiri.it«-  ami  iMsinnh  "i  i|jc 
Public  lUihint-ss.  for  N'onr  l-avours.  anti  the  ConfKlfnce  ^*ou  have 
rcpos'd  in  mc  to  forward  NOur  Addresses  to  His  Majesty.  V'ou 
may  he  assur'd  of  my  Care  to  have  them  jiropcrly  presented,  and 
my  utmost  Kndcavours  to  procure  the  Rehef  desir'd. 

The  Season  of  the  year,  and  your  own  private  Affairs  caUin^; 
you  to  your  respective  Counties,  I  desire  to  recomend  to  you, 
as  farr  as  your  Influence  readies,  to  see  the  Laws  in  rejjard  to 
the  Mihtia  put  in  I-.xecution,  l)y  having  the  People  duely  muster'd 
anti  train'd  up  in  Mihtary  Disciphne.  We  have  an  open  and  ex- 
tensive Country,  without  Fortifications,  so  that  the  Protection  of 
our  Lives  and  Lstates  depend  Chiefly  i  under  Ciod  »  on  our  Mihtia. 
and  it's  the  Maxim  of  all  wise  Nations,  in  Time  of  Peace  to  pre- 
pare and  provide  ay^ainst  the  Kxijjencies  of  War.  I  further 
recomend  to  you.  as  far  as  possil)le  to  discourage  Gaming, 
Swearing,  and  imoderate  Drinkiiig,  particularly  at  County  Courts. 
The  first  of  these  Crimes.  I  am  inform'd,  has  been  pretty  general 
in  this  Country,  and  is  now  much  practis'd  among  the  hjwest 
Class  of  our  Peojjlc.**  1  mean  Tradesmen  and  inferior  Planters, 
who  in  all  Countries  are  very  apt  to  follow  the  Kxamples  of  their 
Superiors.  This  great  \'ice  is  very  often  attended  with  many 
other  Sins,  and  frequently  with  the  Ruin  of  l-'amilics.  The  Wis- 
dom of  most  Nations,  ob.serving  the  many  dreadful  Consecjuences 
attending  it.  have  thought  proper  to  make  strong  Laws  against 
Gaming.     An<l  there  are  several  salutary  Laws  subsisting  in  this 

**Tlitrf  were  repeated  tn.utments  for  the  suppression  <)f  );amin>;,  the 
first  having  l)een  pavse<l  in  l-el)ruary,  1727.  I>y  which  all  money  so  lost 
was  recoverable,  and  all  ol)n);ation  or  niortKa^es  so  ^jiven  were  void. 
The  |H:nalty  of  cheating  was  the  forleilure  of  five  times  the  amount  so 
won.  Common  gamblers  were  retjuired  to  give  security  for  tlieir  k<mk1 
l)ehavior.  HcniuK'a  Statutes  at  Large,  iv,  pp.  214.  218.  Weld,  in  his 
"  Travels  Through  the  States  of  Sorth  Ameriea,"  etc.,  in  1795.  1796.  and 
•  797.  Lontlon.  1799,  gives  an  overdrawn  picture  of  the  prevalence  of  this 
vice  at  that  time. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  31 

Colony  against  it.  It  is  the  Duty  of  every  Magistrate  to  put 
these  Laws  in  Execution,  but  more  in  particular  you,  Gentlemen, 
who  are  Elected  to  represent  the  Body  of  the  People  in  a  Legis- 
lative Capacity. 

Gentlemen,  I  confide  in  You,  that  by  your  Example  You  will 
encourage  Religion  and  Virtue,  and  to  the  Utmost  of  your 
Power,  discourage  Vice  and  Impiety  in  all  its  ugly  Shapes, 
Which  will  be  an  essential  Means  to  Increase  the  Peace  and 
Prosperity  of  this  Dom'n,  and  in  Consequence  of  such  Example 
and  Practice,  I  promise  myself  great  Satisfaction  and  Pleasure. 

And,  if  it  shall  please  God,  we  meet  again,  I  hope  You  will 
come  fully  determin'd  to  do  every  thing  in  Your  Power  to  estab- 
lish the  Happiness  of  this  Colony  on  the  strongest  Foundation. 

And  now  nothing  remains  but  to  wish  You  Health  and  Pros- 
perity in  Your  Recess,  and  to  acquaint  You  that  I  think  fit  to 
Prorogue  You  to  the  last  Thursday  in  Oct'r  next.  And  this 
Assembly  is  accordingly  Prorogued  to  that  Time. 


CHARGE   OF  THE    GOVERNOR   TO   THE    GRAND  JURY, 
APRIL,  1752. 

Gentlemen  of  the  Grand  Jury : 

It  is  the  Blessing  and  Happiness  of  the  Subjects  of  the 
Crown  of  Great  Britain  to  be  Govern'd  by  Laws  that  are 
founded  on  natural  Justice  and  Equity,  upon  the  mutual  Duties 
that  arise  among  the  Members  of  the  same  Societ3^  from  their 
relation  to  each  other.  A  great  many  of  these  Laws  consists  of 
Precepts  by  which  Right  and  Wrong  are  pointed  out  and  dis- 
tinguish'd.  But  the  power  of  Enforcing  these  Precepts  is  not,  as 
in  other  Countries  intrusted  to  a  single  Person,  whose  Judgment 
may  be  pervert'd  by  Caprice,  or  by  Prejudice,  and  whose  Con- 
duct may  be  influenc'd  by  the  Threats  of  Power,  the  Allurements 
of  Wealth,  or  the  Importunity  of  Persuasion. 

Nor  is  the  Suspicion  of  Guilt  founded  on  the  strongest  Cir- 
cumstances sufficient  to  subject  a  Britain  to  Tortures  that  are 
less  tolerable  than  Death,  under  Pretence  of  compeling  him  to 
confess   his   Crime    and   accuse    himself.     No,    Gentlemen,   our 


32  DINUIDDIK    I'APKKS. 

I^iws  fxtcnd  lurihcr  It's  ihc  I^iw  and  not  the  Jiul}»<?  thai  rc^- 
latt-s  thf  Maiuur  in  wch  evcrv  ( )fren(ltT  shall  Ik*  Convicted,  and 
what  dtj^rt-f  oj  i'linishmcnt  he  shall  sufk-r. 

The  Facts  themselves  arc  tric<I  twice  by  Juries,  by  the  Grand 
jury  the  OtVence  is  presentrd.  and  by  tin-  iVtty  jury  the  I-'nquiry 
is  Compleattd.  .nu!  the  Truth  or  l-alselmoil  >>i  tin-  CIhilm-,  tin. illy 
delermin'd 

I  know  it  IS  Customary,  on  these  <  'cc.iMons,  to  i-.iuinK-rate 
the  various  otfences  which  are  to  be  the  Object  ol  N'our  Iln(|uiry, 
but  the  Difference  between  Rijjht  and  Wronp  is  so  obvious, 
that  it  is  easily  t<»  be  distinj^uish'd  by  every  Capacity. 

N'ou  are  therelore  to  encjuire  into  every  Acti«)n,  by  w'ch  (iod  is 
Dishonour'd,  and  Man  Injur'd;  but  as  human  Laws  are  not  suf* 
ticiently  F.xtensive  to  inclutle  all  the  possible  Deviations  from 
Ri^ht,  there  may  Ik-  many  .Actions  of  w'ch  \ou  will  without 
Dithculty  discover  the  Turpitude,  and  yet  may  doubt  whether 
they  cm  be  Lej,'ally  Punish'd.  It  is  to  be  hopctl  that  these  Cases 
will  not  frequently  occur.  Hut  when  they  tlo.  His  Majesty's 
Attorney  ( ieneral  (  who's  i'robity  and  Knowledge  are  too  well 
known  to  need  my  Mnconium)  will  afford  \i>u  all  necessary 
Information  and  Assistance. 

I  wou'd  observe  to  you,  (ientlemen.  Tiiat  the  Punishment 
intlict'd  by  Law.  does  not  terminate  in  Revenge,  or  Retalia- 
tion, nor  respect  the  past  so  much  as  the  Future,  for  there  can 
but  be  two  good  l*urpf)ses  that  can  Ik  answer'd  by  Punishm't. 
The  first  is,  the  Amendm't  of  the  (Offender,  and  the  SecontI,  the 
deterring  others  from  the  like  Fnormities.  To  Punish  w'lh  any 
other  View  is  not  Justice,  And  to  Dmitt  to  punish,  when  Pun- 
ishm't  wou'd  answer  J^ither  of  these  Purposes,  is  not  Mercy. 
For  what  can  be  more  Cruel  than  the  withholding  a  Motive  to 
Virtue,  or  suffering  a  Crime  to  go  un()unish'il,  when  the  Impiety 
of  the  Criminal  may  propogate  his  (iuilt.  and  Criminate  in  the 
Ruin  of  many,  whom  it  may  become  necessary  to  cut  off,  as 
obnoxious  to  .Society. 

(ientlemen.  I  am  confident  that  Integrity  and  Publick  .Spirit 
will  effectually  secure  you  from  deviating  either  to  the  Right  or 
to  the  Left,  in  the  Discharge  of  your  important  Trust ;  For  he 
that  Walketh  uprightly.  w.^lkelh  surely,  and  it's  the  Wicked  only 
that  falleth  into  Mischief. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  33 

GOVERNOR    DINWIDDIK'S   SECOND   CHARC.E   TO   THI': 
(iRANl)  JIRV.  OCTOBER,  1752. 

Gentlemeyi  of  the  Grand  Juty  : 

It  has  been  established  by  lon^  Custom,  that  soniethint^ 
shou'd  be  said  to  you  from  this  Place,  before  you  enter  on  the 
Discharge  of  the  Duty  of  your  Office,  as  a  Grand  Iiujuest  for 
the  Body  of  this  Dominion. 

As  the  principal  End  of  civil  Governm't  and  Human  Laws  is 
to  secure  Property,  to  oblige  Men,  out  of  Fear  of  Punishm't,  to 
live  Honestly  and  Justly,  and  that  each  Member  of  the  Comu- 
nity  may  be  protected  and  defended  from  Injury  and  Wrong,  So 
where  the  Laws  and  Constitutions  of  any  Governm't  have  been 
wisely  adapted  to  these  Ends,  such  Countries  have  increased  in 
Power,  Wealth  and  Happiness.  For  preserving  the  Publick 
Peace,  and  Restraining  the  Lusts,  unruly  Passions,  Frauds  and 
Violences  of  Men,  our  Laws  have  provided  many  salutary  Reme- 
dies, and  the  Person  offending  against  the  Laws,  are  by  our 
happy  Constitution  to  be  tried  by  two  Juries.  The  Presentment 
lies  with  the  Grand  Body.  Gentlemen,  It  is  from  the  exercise  of 
this  great  and  valuable  Blessing  that  you  are  now  Sumoned  here 
and  chosen ;  And  you  are  to  present  to  this  Court,  all  Offenders 
against  the  Rules,  either  of  Moral  or  Civil  Justice.  Under  the 
former,  is  included  all  Vice,  Immorality  and  Prophaneness,  And 
under  the  latter,  all  Offences  comitted  against  your  King  and 
Country. 

I  will  recomend  one  Rule  to  you,  Gentlemen;  That  is,  to  con- 
sult, without  Fav'r  or  Prejudice,  the  native  Dictates  of  Your  own 
impartial  Hearts.  There  is  a  just  Judge  within  the  Breast  of 
every  honest  Man.  Be  only  properly  inform'd,  and  the  Dictates 
of  Your  Conscience  may  be  boldly  pronounc'd  to  the  World. 
If  matters  of  Form,  or  Points  of  Law  sh'd  Embarras  Your  Pro- 
ceedings, the  Court  will  be  ready  to  instruct  You.  As  You  are 
to  Enquire  of  and  present  all  Offences  against  the  Laws  of  God, 
and  the  Laws  of  the  Land,  I  doubt  not.  You  will  acquit  Y'rselves 
with  all  Honesty,  Diligence,  and  Impartiality,  by  hav'g  a  due 
Regard  for  the  Honour  and  Glory  of  God,  a  Love  to  Your 
Country,  and  most  Sincere  and  affectionate  Loyalty  to  His 
Sacred  Majesty,   King   George  the  Second,  upon   Whom,  and 


84  IMNW  11  'lUl       lAI'l-.RS. 

His  Ruy.il  I'roj^t'ny  '  iifxt  uiultr  (ioih  our  Saft-ly  and  Protec- 
tion in  the  many  valuabk-  Hk-s>ini,'s  of  oiir  Constiiiition  chietiy 
depends. 

And   now,  (ientUnun.  without  ilciainin^    \  t»u  any   longer,   I 
dismiss  \*ou  to  N'our  lunjuiries. 


(;()Vi:kn<»k  dinu  iddii.s  thikd  ciiAKcii-:  roiHi-:  (IKAND 

HKV. 

Gentleman  of  the  Grand  Jury  . 

Civil  (iovernm't,  was  Instilutetl  \o\  the  I'restrvaiinii  ot 
Men's  civil  Interests,  ami  tor  the  better  Security  of  the  Lives. 
Liberties  and  Properties  of  the  People.  Kvery  Nation  and  State 
differ  from  Kach  other  in  their  Policy,  [and]  in  the  Governm't  of 
their  Pe«>ple.  It  w'd  be  tedious  to  repeat  the  different  Forms 
of  Governm't.  It  will  be  sufficient  that  I  Acquaint  You  [that] 
The  Constit'n  of  (ireat  Britain  under  w'ch  we  are  happily  plac'd 
Is  a  mi-\t  Limitted  .Monarchy.  When  the  Prerogative  of  the 
Crown  and  the  Liberties  of  the  People  are  so  interwoven,  that 
the  Riyjhts  reserved  to  the  Subject  tend  to  render  the  King 
Hon'ble  and  (ireat,  And  the  Prerogatives  of  the  Crown  are  in 
Order  to  the  Protection  and  Safety  of  the  People ;  Every  Sub- 
ject of  (ireat  Britain  have  a  fundamental  Right  born  with  him, 
as  to  the  Freedom  in  his  Person,  and  Property  in  his  Estate, 
w'ch  he  cannot  be  deprived  of,  but  by  his  own  Concent,  or  for 
some  Crime,  for  w'ch  the  Law  hath  impos'd  such  a  Penalty  or 
Forfeiture.  And  it  is  further  our  great  Hajjpiness  that  no  Per- 
son can  be  Convicted  or  attainted  of  any  Crime  before  two 
Juries  pass  upon  him.  It's  the  Duty  of  the  (.rand  Jury  to 
present  the  Offence,  the  Petty  Jury  to  try  the  Truth  of  the 
Prescntm't ;  And  the  Court  is  instructed  by  our  Law,  what 
Punishm't  is  due  to  every  Crime  and  (Jffence. 

Gent,  These  are  the  Principals  of  our  happy  Constitution  w'ch 
is  the  Glory  of  our  Nation,  and  the  Envy  of  our  Neighbours. 
It  is  in  Support  thereof,  we  are  met  together.  The  Oath  ^*ou 
have  now  taken   is   to  present  to  the  Court,  all  such  Matters  as 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  35 

from  Your  own  Knowledge,  or  Informations,  may  be  against  our 
Laws.  I  am  very  Glad  that  this  great  Trust  is  invested  in  Gen- 
tlemen of  V'r  Probity  and  Understanding.  I  must  observe  to 
You,  that  without  Informations,  Prosecutions  and  Punishments 
the  most  Salutary  Laws  will  prove  ineffectual.  To  repeat  to  You 
the  long  Catalogue  of  Crimes,  presentable  by  You,  w'd  take  up 
too  much  Time ;  let  it  suffice,  That  I  now  give  You  in  Charge  to 
present  all  such  Crimes  that  are  against  Y'r  Almighty  God  and 
His  Religion,  Establish'd  among  us.  Secondly,  All  Offences 
against  His  Sacred  Majesty,  King  George  the  Second,  His 
Crown  or  Dignity,  under  who's  mild  Administration  we  are  duly 
Protected  in  our  Religion  and  Civil  Rights. 

Lastly,  all  Crimes  against  our  Country,  and  the  Laws  thereof 
Gent,  Under  these  three  Heads,  I  think  all  Offences  are  Includ'd 
that  are  to  be  presented  by  You.  And  I  have  no  Doubt,  but 
You  will  in  Consequence  of  y'r  Oaths  and  the  Confidence  I  have 
of  y'r  Probity  and  Good  Sence,  Impartially  Enquire  into  and 
Justly  Present  to  the  Court,  all  such  as  Dare  to  offend  ag'st  our 
God,  our  King,  or  our  Country. 

My  3d  Charge,  Ap'l  loth,  1753. 


GOVERNOR   DINWIDDIE'S   FOURTH  CHARGE  TO  THE 
GRAND  JURY. 

Gentlemen  of  the  Grand  Jury  : 

You  are  here  assembled  and  sworn  to  the  Execution  of 
the  most  Important  Trust  that  can  be  repos'd  in  Men.  To  enact 
Laws,  is  indeed  the  Work  of  the  Supream  Legislature,  but  upon 
the  Execution  of  those  Laws,  not  only  the  Happiness,  but  the 
very  Being  of  Society  more  imediately  depends.  It  is  therefore 
from  You,  Gentlemen,  that  the  Public  is  to  derive  whatsoever 
distinguishes  a  free  and  well  govern'd  Comunity  from  a  Band  of 
migrating  Savages,  who  have  no  Principal  of  Action  but  Appe- 
tite, and  no  rule  of  Right,  but  Power.  Temptations  to  Violence, 
and  to  Fraud  are  so  various  and  frequent,  that  it  is  no  Wonder 
they  are  not  always  resisted.  Mankind  are  perpetually  deviating 
into  Disorder  and  Escaping  from  the  Bond  of  Society.     It  is 


3«i  UINWIDIHE    I'AfERS. 

therefore  neceiisary  lor  the  M.i){istratc  to  watch  the  EarHest 
KtTort-s  ol  ( )|)prc>sion.  anil  the  tirst  SaUies  of  IiUein|>erance  with 
the  j^rcatfjil  Circuin>|H:clion.  and  inKtliately  to  ri->>l()re  the  gen- 
eral Order  as  often  as  it  is  interupted.  The  Crimes  by  which 
reh^'ion  is  I'rophan'd,  Allej'iance  to  the  Kinjj  broken.  Projx'rty 
invaiied,  anil  reputation  sullied,  are  so  ntultiplied  that  the  List 
is  a  Satyre  on  our  Sj>ecies,  and  [I]  wish  1  cou'd  l>c  excus'd  /rom 
enunieralinjf  the  many  Ways  by  w'ch  human  Nature  has  l)cen 
de);raded.  but  I  am  compell'd  lo  display  the  Catalojje  before 
you.  and  some  of  the  Articles  1  hope  you  will  be  able  effectually 
to  wipe  out.  N'ou  are,  (ient.,  to  punish  all  who  dare  Hlaspheam 
Almighty  (iod,  a  Crime  which  seems  lo  include  a  Capacity  for 
all  others,  for  what  may  not  be  dreatled  from  the  Wretch  who 
reviles  infmite  tioodness,  ridicules  consumate  Wisdom,  and  defies 
unbounded  Power,  as  a  lower  Species  of  this  OflTence.  N'ou  are 
to  take  Notice  of  the  coniem|)tuous  \'ioIation  of  the  Sabbath, 
w'ch  is  an  Outraj^e  on  every  Christian  ;  and  of  the  horrid  <  ).iths 
and  Imprecations,  w'ch  wou'd  make  a  Mahomitan  tremble 

Perjury  in  Judicial  Concerns  is  a  dieadlul  Complicat'n  ol  duill, 
it's  a  daring  Insult  «»n  the  Deity,  and  the  most  scandaltjus.  as  well 
as  dangerous  Invasion  ol  the  Property  of  Others. 

Prunkenness,  also,  however  Venial  and  trilling  in  comon  l.sli- 
malion,  is  to  be  class[ed]  Among  the  OH'ences  w'ch  are  more 
imcdiately  comitted  against  the  Majesty  of  Heaven,  as  it  debases 
His  Image,  and  abuses  His  Bounty.  \'ou  are  ne.xt  to  present  all 
the  S|>ecies  of  Treason  and  misprison  [sir]  of  Treason,  w'ch  are 
Offences  comitted  against  His  most  Sacred  Majesty,  under  w'ch 
is  included: — Counterfeiting  the  Coin,  or  bringing  false  Coin  into 
the  Colony,  or  counterfeiting  forcing  Coin"  that  are  current  here, 
and  uttering  seditious  Words  against  His  Majesty's  Person  and 
tiov't.  The  Crimes  that  relate  to  our  l-ellow  Subjects  are  — Mur- 
der, Burglary,  robbing  on  the  High-Way,  .Stealing,  or  receiving 
stolen  Goods,  riots,  routs,  or  unlawful  As.semblies,  Assaults,  or 
in  general,  all  (iaming,  Bribary,  I-.xtortion,  keeping  disorderly 
Houses,  Cheats,  Nuisances  and  Neglect  t»^  repair  the  High-Ways 
and  Bridges.  Such,  (ient,  is  a  List  of  Crimes  you  are  to  present, 
w'ch,  yet.  is  far  from  including    f"   '^..v-;i.l<-    \f.ili...K    »>v  w'rh 


•*TIk'  Statute  .idiiulKinjc  ronntc-rlciliiii;,  IrcaMiii,  w.us  tir.sl  cn.ictcil  m 
(K:tuf)er,  i"] lo.—f lening.  iii.  |»p.  VM.  5o.S- 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  37 

ingenious  Wickedness  may  deviate  from  the  rules  of  Society. 
For  that  there  is  a  constant  Succession  of  new  Vices,  or  at  least 
nevv  Modes  of  Vice,  for  the  Evasion  of  Legal  Punishment,  is  the 
constant  Experience  of  every  Legislature,  as  appears  from  the 
perpetual  enaction  of  new  Laws.  When  therefore  on  Y'r  En- 
quiries, you  shall  perceive  any  of  these  malignant  Plants  spring 
up,  Y'r  Duty  to  Y'r  God,  Your  King,  Y'r  Country  and  Y'r 
Selves,  requires  that  you  exert  all  Your  Power  for  their  imediate 
Destruction. 

Great  indeed  is  this  Task,  Gent.,  but  the  Order  of  our  happy 
Constitution  directs  the  Performance  thereof,  and  I  Congratulate 
the  Publick  and  myself,  that  it  is  in  so  able  Hands,-  and  I  doubt 
not  but  that  you  will  acquit  Y'r  Selves  so  as  to  not  only  to  have 
Praise  of  Men,  but  also  the  Blessing  of  God. 

My  fourth  Charge,  Oct'r  i6th,  1753. 


MESSAGE  OF  GO\'ERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  THE  COL'XCIL 
AND  HOUSE  OF  BURGE.SSES. 

Gent'71  of  the  Council,  Mr.  Speaker  and  Gentlemen  of  the  House 
of  Burgesses  : 

It  is  with  great  Pleasure  I  meet  You  again  in  a  Legisla- 
tive Capacity,  and  as  the  last  Session  ended  with  great  Harmony, 
I  doubt  not  this  present  Session  will  begin,  continue  and  end  in 
the  same  Manner,  and  I  hope  You  meet  with  Unanimity  for  the 
Service  of  Your  Country.  Your  Address  to  His  Majesty  was 
transmitted  and  properly  presented.  I  shall  lay  before  you  a 
Copy  of  sundry  Paragraphs  of  Mr.  Abercrombie,'^"^  y'r  Agent's 


'®The  Colony  of  Virginia  appears  to  have- been  represented  at  the 
English  Cojjrt  by  an  agent  from  the  year  1680.  At  first  a  single  agent 
sufficed,  but  later,  because  of  the  jealousy  between  the  two  legislative 
branches,  the  Governor  and  Council,  and  the  House  of  Burgesses,  each 
employed  an  agent.  Thus,  James  Abercromby  was  the  .sole  agent  from 
January,  1753,  to  January,  1758,  (when  the  Burgesses  appointed  one 
Montague  to  represent  them,)  and  of  the  Governor  and  Council  only,  to 
March,  1773,  and  perhaps  later.  The  Manuscripts — Dissertations,  and 
Letter  and  Account  Books — of  Abercromby  have  been  preserved,  and 
several  of  them  are  listed  in  the  Catalogues  of  Alfred  Russell  Smith, 


38  DINWIUDIK    PAPKRS. 

I.ettepi  to  inc,  in  regard  thereto  and  to  the  Acts  pass'd  last 
Se>4iioiis.  Aiul  1  shall  also  lay  before  Vou,  a  Letter  from  the  Rt- 
Hon'ble  the  Lords  of  Irade.  recomeiulinj;  a  Strict  Friendship 
anti  Affection  to  the  Ind's  and  shewing  the  Isefulncss  of  giving 
a  projKT  Lncourajj  ni't  to  foreij^n  Protestants  to  settle  in  the 
interior  Parts  of  this  Dom'n;"  a  Copy  of  the  Lords  of  Tradc^ 
their  remonstrance  and  reasons  to  His  My  on  Vour  rcvis'd 
Laws;  a  report  of  the  Com'rs  of  the  Customs  to  the  L'ds  of  the 
Treasury  in  rej^ard  to  your  Tob'o  Laws ;  as  also  a  Copy  of  an 
Instruction  from  His  M'y  .ijrantinj^  me  Power  to  fjive  my  Assent 
to  two  L;iws  formerly  repealed,  to  all  which,  I  refer  you. 

I  am  heartily  sorry  for  the  bad  Acc'ls  we  have  of  the  Price  of 
Tob'o  at  Home,  and  of  its  bad  (Juality.  which  I  conceive  must 
be  jjieatly  owing  to  the  Nejjlect  and  Dishonesty  of  the  In- 
spectors, I  therefore  reconiend  to  Vour  Consideration  whether 
the   reduction   of  the  vast    Number  of  Warehouses"  and  the 

London,  1871  and  1874.  In  llic  last,  No.  ?,$St„  "An  Examination  of  the 
Liws  of  this  Kingdom  relative  to  the  (iovernment.  Trade,  Cusl<»nis 
and  other  branches  of  Revenue  arising  to  the  Crown  from  the  Ameri- 
can Colonies,  1751,"  it  is  stated  in  a  note,  that  the  MS.  "was  placetl  by 
the  author  in  the  hantis  of  I,«ir(l  Halifax,  with  whose  friendship  he  had 
been  favoured,  and  that  he  could  not  help  taking  notice  how  remark- 
ably the  seditious  proceedings  in  .America  conrtrmetl  the  rectitude  of 
his  ideas."  One  of  the  Letters  and  Account  Fkjoks  alluded  to  Is  in  the 
possession  of  the  present  editor.  From  this,  it  apfK-ars  that  James 
.\l>er«;ri»ml>y  was  of  the  family  <»f  .Abercromhy  of  C<»unty  Itanff;  that 
he  was  bred  to  the  law;  served  as  Ju<l;:e  .AdviHTate  of  the  C<immand  of 
Lieulenant-(ieneral  .Sir  James  .St.  Clair  in  the  KxpeditiiMi  to  America, 
by  commission  dated  .August  3,  1746;  Ajjent  of  the  Col«»ny  of  North 
Carolina  from  174S  to  1758;  of  Virginia  as  above,  and  for  some  lime  the 
private  accent  of  (iovernor  Cilen  of  South  Carolina.  His  t<ital  emolu- 
ments from  salaries,  incidentals  and  commissions,  were  prob,ibly  £2,000 
yearly. 

".An  act  was  passed  by  the  .Assembly  in  December,  1700,  for  the 
lienefit  of  the  French  Protestant  refugees  wh«)  had  settled  at  Manakin 
Town,  in  Henrico  county.  alM>ve  the  falls  of  James  river,  by  which  they 
were  erected  into  a  separate  parish  by  the  name  of  KiuK  William 
parish,  and  exempted  for  seven  years  from  the  payment  of  all  public 
or  county  levies.  The  ticscendants  of  these  settlers  are  quite  numer- 
ous, and  are  among  the  most  estimable  of  the  people  of  \*ir)finia. 
Htning,  iii,  p.  joi. 

**  Through  duties  to  the  Kovemment  and  the  multiplicity  of  charges 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  39 

appointing  an  Inspector  Gen'l  in  each  river  properly  impower'd 
to  inspect  the  different  Warehouses,  and  to  Examine  the  Books 
of  the  Inspection  w'd  not  be  of  service  to  remove  the  Complaints 
now  subsisting. 


\ 


MESSAGE  OF   GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE   TO  THE   HOUSE  OF 

BURGESSES. 

Genf.  of  the  House  of  Bzirgesses  : 

Since  Your  last  Adjournm't  I  have  been  alarm'd  by- 
several  Informations  from  our  back  Settlem'ts  from  the  Ind's 
and  from  our  neighbouring  Gov'ts  of  a  large  Body  of  French 
regulars  and  Ind's  in  their  Int't  having  march'd  from  Canada  to 
the  river  Ohio  in  a  hostile  Manner,  to  invade  His  Majesty's  Ter- 
ritories, and  having  actually  built  a  Fort  on  His  Maj'ty's  Land. 
On  which,  by  the  Advice  of  the  Council,  I  have  sent  sever'l 
considerable  Presents  to  the  Ind's  that  are  our  Allies,  and  in 
Friendship  with  Us.  These  People  seem  much  surpriz'd  at  the 
Conduct  of  the  French  and  appear  full  of  resentm't  and  have 
assur'd  the  Comiss'rs  sent  from  me  of  their  sincere  Attachm't  to 
the  British  Int't  and  to  the  Eng.  Colonies  on  this  Cont't.  And 
as  I  intend  to  meet  the  Chiefs  of  the  different  Tribes  of  Ind's 
next  May  at  Winchester,  to  deliver  a  very  considerable  Present 
from  His  M'y,  I  am  in  Hopes  then  to  make  a  firm,  strong  and 
lasting  Alliance  with  them.  This  Attempt  of  the  French  has 
been  represented  to  the  Ministry  at  Home,  by  several  of  the 
Gov'rs  on  this  Cont't  and  by  myself,  and  by  them  it  was  laid 
before  the  King.  His  Majesty,  out  of  His  paternal  Love,  Affec- 
tion, and  great  regard  he  bears  to  his  Subjects  on  this  Cont't 
imediately  order'd  one  of  His  Ships  of  War  to  come  to  this 
Dom'n  with  His  Royal  Instruct'ns  to  me,  how  to  conduct  myself 
in  the  present  Situation  of  Affairs.     I  also  rec'd  Letters  to  all 

by  the  merchant,  the  planter  was  often  actually  brought  in  debt  upon  his 
consignments.  Many  curious  examples  of  this  exist  in  print  and  in  MS. 
Warehouses — or  rolling-houses  as  they  were  originally  termed  from  the 
method  of  transporting  the  hogsheads  of  tobacco — were  first  appointed 
in  October  1712. — Hening,  iv,  pp.  32-38. 


•I'l  IXNWIDOIK    PAI'KRs. 

His  Majcsly's  Gov're  on  ihis  Conil  with  (Jrclcrs  to  dis|)atch  the 
same  to  thcni  inu'tliatcly.  As  tins  Art.iir  h;us  bet-n  so  strongly 
notic'tl  and  attended  to  at  Home  and  there  Judg'd  to  be  o(  great 
Con.He<j'cr  to  His  Mys  Doin'ns  and  to  His  Subjects  here,  I 
tlovibt  not  Vou  will  think  it  a  Matt«'r  that  recjuires  ^"r  ime- 
diate  Coniiid'n.  And  I  am  comandeti  by  His  Majesty  imediatcly 
to  call  the  Assembly  within  my  (iovernm'l  and  to  lay  before 
them  the  Necessity  ol  a  mutual  Assistance,  and  to  engage  them 
to  grant  such  Supplies  as  the  lixigency  of  the  present  Affairs 
rctjuires.  Which  I  now  do,  and  1  doubt  not  but  You  will  answ'r 
his  k<>y;d  I-.x|)ectatior>s  by  grant'g  such  Sums  of  Money  for  the 
defeating  the  Designs  of  our  Ivnemics  as  the  present  Emergency 
calls  for.  And  as  His  Mys  Ship  is  directed  to  wait  for  my  Dis- 
fKitchcs,  I  shall  detain  her  til  You  come  to  some  resolution 
thereon.  His  M'y  has,  out  of  his  great  Cioodneis  and  regard  for 
our  Preservation,  order'd  Thirty  Pieces  of  Cannon,  Powder  &c. 
for  the  Protection  of  our  Frontiers  to  the  Westw'd  and  I  very 
soon  ex|>ecl  them,  when  they  do  arrive,  I  shall  advise  with  the 
Council  how  they  shall  be  disposed  of  for  the  Use  intended. 
Cent..  I  think  from  the  remarkable  Tokens  of  His  M'y's  Pa- 
ternal Care,  and  particular  regard  for  our  Safety  and  Protection, 
I  need  use  no  other  Argum'ts  to  You,  to  take  into  \''r  Con- 
siderat'n  the  Necessity  of  a  present  and  imcdiate  Supply,  not 
doubting  but  ^'ou  will  enable  me  to  comply  with  His  Majesty's 
Orders  and  to  return  an  agreeable  Answer  on  the  Subject  and 
that  You  will  act  herein  consistently  with  the  just  and  distin- 
guish'd  Character  the  Legislature  of  X'irg'a  bears  with  the  King 
and  his  Ministry  at  Home.  And.  as  the  .Suj)ply  now  demanded 
is  lor  the  Protection  of  our  Lives  and  Propertic*s,  the  I-.xtcntion 
and  Settlement  of  His  M'y's  Territories,  and  for  the  Hcnefit  and 
Advantage  of  Is  and  our  Posterity,  I  shall  leave  this  Affair 
eiitinlv  to  \"r  m.iiiin-    Cdiisidi-riH 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  41 


MESSAGE  OF  CxOVERNOR   DINWIDDIE  TO  THE   HOUSE  OF 

Bl^RGESSES. 

Geyit.  of  the  House  of  Bia-gesses  : 

My  Attention,  ever  since  I  had  the  hon'r  of  presiding 
over  this  Dom'n,  has  been  to  have  the  MiHtia  properly  train'd  up 
in  the  use  of  their  Arms,  and  to  have  them  made  more  perfect 
and  regular  in  the  Exercise  thereof.  For  that  Purpose,  I  have, 
with  the  Advice  of  the  Council,  divided  this  Dom'n  into  four 
Districts,  and  have  appointed  an  Adjutant  to  each  District,  with 
my  Orders  to  exercise  the  Officers  first,  to  qualify  them  to  exer- 
cise each  seperate  Comp'y  so  as  to  be  properly  prepar'd  for 
Gen'l  Musters  in  Sept'r.  As  I  am  of  Opinion  that  the  Militia 
Law  is  deficient  in  some  points  I  shall  lay  before  you  some 
remarks  thereon  for  y'r  Consideration  As  Our  Militia,  under 
God,  is  our  chief  Dependance,  for  the  Protection  of  our  Lives 
and  Fortunes;  (our  Country  being  very  extensive  and  without 
Fortifications,)  I  doubt  not  you  will  think  it  a  proper  step  to  look 
into  that  Law,  and  make  such  Alterations  and  Amend't  as  to  you 
may  be  thought  necessary. 


MESSAGE  OF  GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  THE  COUNCIL 
AND  HOUSE  OF  BURGESSES. 

Gent,  of  the  Council  mid  House  of  Burgesses  : 

The  Affairs  before  mention'd,  being  all  I  have  at  present 
to  lay  before  You,  and  as  they  are  of  great  Consequence  to  this 
Colony,  I  desire  You  will  enter  on  y'r  Duty  with  Calmness  and 
due  Considerat'n  in  the  Discharge  of  the  Trust  repos'd  in  You 
by  y'r  Constituents.  And  now  I  desire  to  assure  You,  that  I  am 
ready  to  assist  You,  in  doing  Every  Thing  in  my  Power  for  the 
Service  of  His  Majesty  and  of  this  Dom'n. 

Nov.  ist,  1753. 


42  DINWIUDIE    PAPERS. 


ADDRESS  OK  THK  COl'NCM.  IN  Rl.l'LV  TO  (iOVKRNOR 
DINWIDDIK. 

/ / . . ,  ;, '.    /.'.,>,.,>  n ill -i •idiiif  J£s(/ ' t  : 

Nov.  3,  [I753-] 

Wc,  His  Majesty's  most  laiihfiil  and  loyal  Subjects  the 
Council  of  \'irjij'a  now  met  in  ( ieneral  Assembly,  bej^  leave  to 
return  V'r  Hon'r  our  sincere  and  hearty  Thanks  for  y'r  aflfec- 
tionatc  Speech  at  the  Opening  of  this  Session.  We  are  truly 
sensible,  Sir,  of  the  many  Instances  of  your  lussidious  Attention 
to  His  Majesty's  Service,  and  tiie  Int't  cjf  this  Colony,  during  the 
Time  you  have  presided  over  Us  and  we  assure  Y'r  Hon'r  that 
the  fresh  Proofs  His  Majesty  has  been  graciously  pleas'd  to  give 
us  of  his  paternal  Affect'n  and  regard,  will  not  fail  to  have  a 
proper  Influence  on  our  Minds.  ( )ur  own  knowledge  of  main- 
taining a  strict  F'dshij)  witli  the  Ind's,  especially  in  this  Conjunc- 
ture, and  of  a  mutual  Assistance  to  deleat  the  Designs  of  our 
Enemies,  strengthened  by  the  recomendation  of  such  a  Conduct 
to  L's  by  His  Majesty,  indispensably  obliges  us,  zealously  to 
concur  in  all  such  Measures  as  shall  be  judg'd  most  conducive 
to  these  salutary  Mnds,  and  the  Su|)port  of  His  Majesty's  Rights, 
and  the  Interests  and  Security  of  His  Subjects  in  America.  And 
we  intreat  You,  .Sir,  to  be  persuaded  we  shall  pay  a  most  chearful 
and  exact  regard  to  every  Article  ^'ou  have  submitted  to  Our 
Consideration,  and  contribute  all  in  our  Power  towards  conductin 
and  Conclud'g  the  Business  of  This  Session  to  the  general  Good 
of  the  Country  and  of  Consequence  to  \''r  Hon'r's  .Satisfaction. 


REJOINDER  OF   GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIK  To  THK  COUNCIL. 

Gent,  of  the   Council  : 

I  thank  ^'ou  for  Y'r  kind  and  affectionate  Address.  It 
gives  me  great  Pleasure  and  .Satisfaction  that  the  Discharge  o' 
my  Duty  Since  I  had  the  Hon'r  of  presiding  over  this  Dom'n 
meets  with  ^"r  Approbation.  And  that  You  so  chearfully  ob- 
stTvc  his  Majesty's  tender  C.trr  and    i.:»ti mal   Affection   for  us, 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  43 

with  Y'r  resolution  to  attend  to  the  Methods  prescrib'd  for 
obtaining  and  continuing  the  F'dship  of  the  Ind's  in  the  British 
Int't  and  thereby  with  our  Assist'ce  defeating  the  Designs  of 
our  Enemies.  As  also  Y'r  just  Opinion  of  the  Necessity  at 
this  Time,  of  having  a  mutual  Supply.  I  am  very  sensible  of 
Y'r  strict  Attachment  in  assisting  me  to  obey  the  Orders  and 
Comands  of  His  M'y.  And  at  the  same  Time,  I  now  acknowl- 
edge myself  very  happy  in  having  Gent'n  of  y'r  Probity  and 
good  Sense,  appointed  by  His  M'ty  to  assist  and  advise  me  in 
the  Discharge  of  the  Requisites  of  my  Gov't. 


ADDRESS  OF  THE  BURGESSES  TO  GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE. 

Sir  : 

We,  His  M'ty's  most  dutiful  and  loyal  Subjects,  the  Bur- 
gesses of  Virg'a  now  met  in  Gen'l  Assembly,  return  Y'r  Hon'r 
our  thanks  for  y'r  speech  at  the  Opening  of  this  Session.  With 
Hearts  full  of  Duty  and  Gratitude  for  the  paternal  Care  His  M'y 
is  graciously  pleas'd  to  extend  to  Us,  his  distant  Subjects,  we  beg 
leave  to  assure  Y'r  Hon'r  of  our  inviolable  Fidelity  and  Affection 
to  His  M'y's  sacred  Person  and  Gov't  and  our  Zeal  for  the  Con- 
tinuance of  the  British  Crown,  in  his  Royal  and  Illustrious 
House.  We  will  take  the  Import't  Matters  recomended  to  us  by 
Y'r  Hon'r  under  our  serious  Consideration,  with  that  Calmness 
and  Unanimity,  as  will  demonstrate  our  steadv  and  firm  At- 
tachm't  to  the  true  Int't  of  our  Country.  The  Laws  on  which 
our  Support  and  Preservation  depend,  require  our  strictest  At- 
tention, and  we  shall  pay  all  due  regard  to  such  Remarks  as  Y'r 
Honour  shall  think  fit  to  lay  before  us,  and  pursue  such  Measures 
as  shall  seem  most  likely  to  procure  the  salutary  Ends  propos'd 
by  them.  Nov.  3d  [1753]. 


44  lUNWIDDIF.    PAPERS. 


w\  i-i  N  III   (.(»\i  k\(ik  I  iiwv  11  >r>n    To  THK  nrkCKssKs. 

I  return  you  my  sincere  Thanks  for  y'r  kind  AcUlress. 
I  am  thorowly  convinc'd  ol  V'r  Duly  and  Attachm't  to  His 
Majesty's  Person  and  Gov't  and  am  in  great  Hopes,  that  during 
the  Proceedings  of  \'r  House,  on  the  AtVairs  recommended  to 
You  in  my  Speech.  \'«)U  will  distinguish  N'rselvcs  in  every  Point, 
so  that  N'ou  may  prove  an  Flxam|)le  to  our  neighbouring  (iov'ts 
of  \'r  Zeal  and  Comphance  in  such  Things,  as  the  present  Situ- 
ation of  our  Affairs  requires.  I  shall  very  soon  lay  before  ^'ou, 
such  Remarks  as  occur  to  me.  in  regard  to  the  Militia  and 
doubt  not  of  \'r  pursuing  Kvtry  Measure  that  may  prove  of 
Service  to  this  Dom'n. 


ADDkKSS  OF  THi:  lUKC.KSSKS  TO  (.oVI.KNOK  DINWIDDIK. 

Nov.  27th.  1753. 
Sik 

We.  His  Majesty's  nu>s.t  dutiful  and  loyal  Subjects,  the  Bur- 
gesses of  Virg'a.  being  now  met  in  Gen'l  Assembly,  being  well 
assur'd  from  y'r  Honour's  re|)eatetl  Declarations  that  ^'ou  are 
desirous  tf)  make  the  Laws  and  Customs  of  \'irg'a  the  Rule  of 
Your  Administrat'n.  yet  finding  from  the  Reprcsentat'n  of  several 
Inhabit's  of  this  Colony  that  an  Kxtraordinary  Fee  of  a  Pistole 
for  Signing  every  Patent  of  Land,  and  tlie  I'se  of  the  Seal,"  is 
demanded  by  the  Clerks  in  the  Secretary's  Oftice,  to  countenance 
which  \"t  Honour's  Name  is  made  I'sc  of,  We  conceive  our- 
selves bound  in  Duly,  as  well  to  y'r  Hon'r  in  discharge  of  the 
Trust  rcpos'd  in  us  by  our  Country,  humbly  to  lay  the  same 
before  Your  Hf»nour,  and  to  desire  that  N'ou  will  inform  us 
whether  this  dem'd  is  made  by  y'r  direction,  and  if  it  is,  that 
then  \"r  Hon'r  will  Ik-  picas'd  to  ac(|uaint  us  with  the  Authority 
that  imy"'i^vr>-  ^'■•"  •"  <!.•'>  .11. i  »li.-  v,!n«- 

•An  nb»<j|ete  fee  revived.     'I*hc  value  n(  a  pistole  was  J3.60. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  45 


REPLY  OF  GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  THE  Bl'ROESSES. 

Mr.  Speaker  and  Gent,  of  the  House  of  Burgesses  : 

The  Welfare  and  Happiness  of  Virg'a  I  have  very  much 
at  Heart,  and  this  great  Point  has  been  the  chief  Object  of  my 
Attention  ever  since  I  had  the  Hon'r  to  preside  over  this  Dom'n, 
and  have  been  influenc'd  by  no  Other  Motive,  and  my  Conduct 
upon  all  and  extraordinary  Occasions  has  been  regulated  by  the 
Advice  of  the  Council.  I  shall  always  shew  a  just  regard  for  the 
sentim'ts  of  the  Ho.  of  B.  in  every  Thing  that  properly  lies 
before  them,  and  they  may  remain  assur'd  that  I  shall  not  dem'd 
or  take  any  Fee  without  proper  authority.  The  Pistole  Fee 
for  Patents  of  Land,  taken  at  the  Secretary's  Office,  w'ch  is  the 
Subject  of  y'r  Address,  is  by  my  Direct'n,  Agreeable  to  my 
Instruct's.  I  advis'd  with  the  Council  on  this  Point,  who  unani- 
mously agreed  and  advis  d  me  to  take  the  above  Fee,  which 
together  with  the  Powers  I  have  rec'd  from  Home,  will  suffi- 
ciently justify  my  Proceedings  herein.  1  therefore  hope  you 
will  think  with  me,  that  I  have  not  acted  in  an  arbitrary  Man- 
ner, but  that  I  am  properly  inve.sted  with  regular  Power  and 
Authority,  in  demand'g  the  small  Fee,  so  much  complain'd  of. 

Nov.  28th,  [1753.] 


ADDRESS  OF  THE  BURGE.SSES  TO  GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE. 

Sir: 

We,  His  Majesty's  most  dutiful  and  loyal  Subjects,  the 
Burgesses  of  Virg'a  now  met  in  Gen'l  Assembly,  are  under  the 
deepest  Concern  to  find  by  Y'r  Hon'r's  Answer  to  our  Address 
that  the  dem'd  of  a  Pistole  as  a  Fee  for  the  Use  of  the  Publick 
Seal,  is  made  by  Y'r  direction  and  that  we  are  under  a  Necessity 
of  making  Applicat'n  again  to  Y'r  Hon'r  on  that  Occasion. 

We  do  humbly,  but  in  the  strongest  Terms,  represent  to  Y'r 
H'r  that  it  is  the  undoubted  right  of  the  Burgesses  to  enquire 
into  the  Grievances  of  the  People.  They  have  constantly  exer- 
cis'd  this  right,  and  we  presume  to  affirm  that  the  drawing  it  into 
quest'n  in  any  Manner,  cannot  but  be  of  dangerous  Consequence 


46  DINWIDDIK    I'APKRS. 

lo  the  I.ilxTlifS  of  His  M'j's  lailhliil  Subjects  and  to  the  Constit'n 
ol  this  (iov't.  The  rights  of  the  Subject  are  so  secur'd  by  Law, 
that  they  cannot  be  depriv'd  of  the  least  Part  of  their  Property, 
but  by  iheir  own  consent.  L'pon  this  I-.xcellent  Principle  is  our 
Constit'n  lound'd.  and  ever  since  this  C<jlony  has  had  the  Hap|)i- 
ncss  of  beinj^  under  the  imediate  Protection  of  the  Crown,  the 
Royal  Declarations  have  been  "That  no  Man's  Life.  Member, 
I-reehold.  or  (ioods.  be  taken  away  or  harm  (I,  but  by  established 
and  known  Laws."  Hut  the  dem'd  of  a  Pistole  as  a  Fee  for  the 
1  "le  Publick  Seal,  beinj^  not  warranted  bv  any  known  and 

1  cl  Law.  is,  we  humbly  conceive,  an   Infrinj^em't  of  the 

Rights  of  the  People  and  a  (irievance  highly  to  be  complain'd 
of,  And  that  we  may  vindicate  the  legality  and  dutiful  Manner 
of  our  Pr<»ceedings,  we  beg  Leave  to  acquaint  \''r  Hon'r  that 
upon  the  hrst  Plant'n  of  this  Colony,  under  the  Governm't  of 
the  Treasurer  and  Cfjnip'a  of  Adventurers,  it  was  by  them 
ordain'il  that  lifty  acres  of  Land  sh'd  be  granted  unto  every 
Person  imported  into  this  Colony,  without  any  other  Fee  or 
consideration  than  the  annual  rent  of  is.  And  after  the  dis 
solut'n  of  the  Co.  His  M'y,  King  Chas.  the  2d  was  pleas'd  by 
his  royal  Charter,  under  the  (ireat  Seal  of  Kngland,  to  Ordain 
that  Lands  slid  be  granted  to  the  Subjects  here,  upon  the  same 
Terms  as  had  been  establish'd  to  the  Company,  and  to  authenti- 
cate the  Patents  for  such  Lands,  the  Public  Seal  was  constantly 
aftixed  thereto,  without  Fee  or  reward,  untill  the  Year  1685, 
when  Lord  Howard  of  Ivfhngham  the  (iov'r  dem'd  a  Fee  for  the 
use  of  the  Seal,  w'cli  upon  tin-  represent'n  of  the  Burgesses  of 
Virg'a,  w;u4  by  His  My  King  W'm.  of  glorious  Memory,  in  his 
Privy  Council,  the  Ninth  day  of  .Septr.  1689.  declar'd  to  be 
uneasy  and  burthensome  to  the  Colony,  and  order'd  to  be  dis- 
continued, since  which,  no  I'"ee  has  been  dem'd  from  the  Subjects 
for  aflixing  the  Seal  to  Patents  for  Land,  but  those  given  to  the 
Secretary  by  the  Establish'd  Laws  f)l  the  Colony.  These  being 
the  Terms  and  Conditions  upon  w'ch  His  M'y,  and  his  royal 
Predecessors  have  been  graciously  pleas'd  to  grant  their  Lands 
to  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Colony,  we  humbly  conceive  they 
cannot  l>e  altcr'd  by  the  Advice  of  the  Council,  and  as  your 
Honour's  insist'g  on  the  same,  will,  in  our  humble  Opinion,  be  aif 
Infringement  of  the  rights  of  the  People,  a  great  discouragement 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  47 

to  the  settling  the  Frontiers  of  the  Colony  and  a  Prejudice  to  his 
M'y's  revenue  of  Quit  rents,  we  think  it  our  indispensable  Duty 
to  desire  that  Y'r  Honour  will  recede  from  your  demands. 

Nov.  28th,  [1753-] 


REPLY  OF  GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  THE  BURGESSES. 

Mr.  Speaker  and  Gent,  of  the  Hoicse  of  Burgesses  : 

I  am  not  unacquainted  with  the  just  Priviliges  of  the 
House  of  Burgesses;  in  the  Enjoyment  of  them,  they  shall  always 
have  my  Protection.  My  duty  to  the  King,  my  regard  for 
Liberty,  has  and  will  on  every  Occasion,  influence  my  Conduct. 
As  I  will  never  Injure  the  one,  I  cannot  suffer  any  Encroach- 
ments on  the  rights  of  the  other. 

The  Complaints  of  the  People  sh'd  be  heard,  and  every  just 
Grievance  redressed,  but  their  Complaints  sh'd  be  well  grounded, 
and  the  Grievances  really  felt.  The  Establishment  of  the  Fee 
complain'd  of,  relates  solely  to  the  disposal  of  the  King's  Lands, 
and  which,  it  is  conceiv'd  may  be  deem'd  a  Matter  of  Fav'r 
from  the  Crown,  and  not  a  Matter  relative  to  the  administration 
of  Gov't,  and  the  fixing  thereof  was  with  so  much  Circumspec- 
tion that  it  is  my  Care  and  Concern  for  the  Improvement  of  His 
Majesty's  revenue  of  Quit  rents  that  prompts  me  to  be  the  more 
Earnest  in  adhearing  to  my  former  Opinion  and  insisting  on  that 
Fee,  w'ch  is  confirm'd  to  me  by  unquestionable  Authority. 

Dec'r  4th,  [1753.] 


MESSAGE  OF  GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  THE  GENERAL 
ASSEMBLY  PROROGUEING  THEM. 

Gent,  of  the  Council^  Mr.  Speaker,  and  Geiit.  of  the  Ho.  of  B.  : 

The  Season  of  the  Year  being  far  advanc'd,  and  the  Busi- 
ness of  the  Assembly  concluded,  it  is  necessary  to  put  an  end 
to  this  Session.  That  Zeal  for  His,  M'y's  Service,  that  disin- 
terested Love  of  Your  Country,  for  w'ch  You  have   been   distin- 


48  UINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

){uish'tl  upi)n  former  Occasions,  has  now  in  some  Particulars, 
noi  been  surticiently  attended  to.  The  Friendship  of  the  Ind's 
is  a  national  (.'onccrn.  The  fnicresl  ol  (i.  Britain,  the  Welfare 
of  all  His  Maif^tys  Colonies  <m  this  Continent,  and  N'our  own 
Peace  and  ^■•■'v  *•••  ••nj»a^;'d  upon  the  l-.vent  of  the  present 
.Meiisures. 


\tlv.s.\,  .(t\|k'\<)K    DINW  11)1)11"    !"(  )     im     !!(  il  si    (  t|- 

lUkCKSSKs 

Gm/.  oj  Ihf  House  oj  Jiurgesses: 

Mis  M  y's  royal  com'd  for  a  mutual  Supply,  recomendcd 
■  ■  ...  .it  the  Bef;innin){  of  this  Session,  to  preserve  the  Friend- 
ship f)f  the  Ind's,  to  consult  the  real  Prosperity  of  your  Country, 
and  at  the  same  Time  to  maintain  the  just  rights  of  the  Crown, 
sh'd  have  been  the  tix'tl  Object  ol  y'r  Attention;  but  to  disre- 
gard the  designs  of  the  French,  to  des|)ise  the  Friendship  of  the 
Ind's  and  to  dis()ute  the  rights  of  the  Crown  in  the  disposal  of 
their  own  Lands,  may  be  ol  bad  Consecjuence. 

Next  to  the  Service  of  my  royal  Master,  my  greatest  Ambition 
will  Ix*  to  make  this  dom'n  flourish  and  the  People  happy ;  such 
will  Ix-  m\  I  .tuk-avours.  and  such  is  the  whole  Tenor  fo[rJ  my 
C<»ndu'  lie  therefore,  (ientlemen.  recomend  to  ^'ou.  dur- 
ing N'oui  iL<_c>s.  in  the  different  Counties,  to  cultivate  Piety  and 
Morality,  by  which  you  will  promote  the  true  Happiness  of  the 
People,  encourage  Industry,  to  preserve  good  Order  and  regu- 
larity among  thrm.  that  they  may  fx*  truely  setvsible  of  the 
inestimable  Hl«-s>ings  ol  Mis  M'y's  reign.  1  have  thought  fit  to 
prorogue  this  Assembly  to  the  last  Thursday  in  April  next,  and 
• "    ..    ...I I.-  .M  Dec.  19th,  [1753.] 


(.OVKRNOK  hINWIDDIi:  To  TMK  KKIMT  HONHI.K  l.oRI) 

I  A  Ik  I- AX. 

[Jan'y,  1754.] 

As  the  French  Forces  on  the  Ohio  intend  down  as  far  as 
Logstown  early  in  the  Spring,  I  think  it  is  for  His  M'y's  Service 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  49 

and  the  Protection  of  the  Settleni'ts  of  this  Doni'n  to  do  all  in 
our  Power  to  prevent  their  building  any  Forts  or  making  any 
Settlem'ts  on  that  river,  and  more  particularly  so  nigh  us  as  that 
of  the  Logstovvn.  I  therefore,  with  Advice  of  the  Council,  think 
proper  to  send  immediately  out  200  Men  to  protect  those  already 
sent  by  the  Ohio  Comp'a  to  build  a  Fort,  and  to  resist  any 
Attempts  on  them.^°  I  have  Commission'd  Major  George  Wash- 
ington,*' the  Bearer  hereof,  to  command  100  Men  to  be  rais'd  in 
Frederick  County  and  Augusta,  therefore  I  trouble  Y'r  L'ds  to 
direct  the  Militia  of  Frederick  to  be  drawn  out  and  fifty  Men 
to  be  enlisted  for  that  Service,  that  Number  probably  may  volun- 
tarily enlist  themselves  on  this  Expedit'n  on  the  Pay  settled  by 
Act  of  Assembly,*^  but  if  they  do  not  voluntarily  enter  on  this 
Service,  I  think  they  must  ballot,  that  the  Number  may  be  ascer- 
tained so  as  to  prevent  as  far  as  we  can,  of  being  Surpriz'd.  When 
the  Men  are  properly  order'd  and  their  Names  taken,  they  may 
proceed  to  Alexandria  to  Maj'r  Carlisle,**  who  I  have  appointed 


^"In  accordance  with  instructions  from  the  British  Ministry,  Washint;- 
ton  had  been  sent  by  Governor  Dinwiddle  in  the  month  of  December, 
preceding,  to  the  Commandant  of  the  French  forces  on  the  Ohio,  with 
a  protest  against  the  encroachments  of  the  French,  demanding  by  what 
authority  an  armed  force  had  crossed  the  Lakes,  and  urging  a  speedy 
and  peaceable  departure.  The  Commandant,  M.  de  St.  Pierre,  declined 
to  discuss  the  matter,  claiming  that  the  complaint  should  be  made  to  the 
Marquis  DuQuesne,  Governor  of  Canada.  The  mission  was  therefore 
unsuccessful,  but  not  altogether  fruitless,  as  Washington  had  made  care- 
ful observations  of  the  forces  and  defences  of  the  French.  His  instruc- 
tions and  a  journal  of  the  mission  will  be  found  in  Sjiarks'  Washington, 
ii,  Appendix,  pp.  42S-447.  Upon  his  return  to  Williamsburg,  on  the 
i6th  of  January,  the  protective  measures  of  tiie  text  were  instituted. 

41  Virginia  was  in  1751  divided  into  four  military  districts,  to  each  of 
which  was  assigned  an  Adjutant-General,  with  the  rank  of  Major.  One 
of  these  appointments  was  conferred  on  Washington,  then  only  nine- 
teen years  of  age.  The  duties  consisted  in  exercising  the  officers,  and 
inspecting  the  militia  at  stated  times,  in  the  manner  prescribed  by  law. 

*^The  pay  is  prescribed  by  Act  of  October,  174S  (Hening,  vi,  p.  116), 
and  was  in  tobacco,  and  varied,  for  the  "  Horse  "  from  20  pounds  per 
day  to  the  private  soldier,  to  60  pounds  to  the  Colonel,  and  for  the 
"Foot,"  from  15  pounds  to  the  private,  to  50  pounds  to  the  Colonel. 

*' Major  John  Carlyle,  a  merchant  of  Alexandria.  He  married  Sarah, 
the  daughter  of  Colonel  William  Fairfax. 


ho  I'lSUIDUIK    I'AI'EKS. 

Ounmi-ssary  »>•      >i   .v,   ....>i    Pr«)visions.   wlu)   will    take   pro|)cr 
Care  of  ihem. 

My  I-«»rd,  I  ht)|>e  you  will  excuse  my  jjivin^  you  this  Trouble, 
as  you  was  pleas'd  to  take  the  Care  ot  that  Co'ty  upon  you,  I 
c'd  not  pro(K*rly  write  to  any  other ;  and  as  I  am  assur'd  you 
have  the  Interest  of  this  Dom'n  as  much  at  Heart,  I  doubt  not 
you  will  please  to  exert  \"r  Authority  so  that  they  may  be  at 
Alexandria  by  the  20th  of  next  Mo.  The  Assembly  is  to  meet 
the  14th  of  next  Mo.  when  I  hoix^"  if  they  come  in  i^oixl  Tem|>er, 
and  see  the  al>solute  Necessity  of  making  a  Push  at  this  Time, 
that  they  will  lay  a  Fund  to  cjualify  me  to  send  4  or  500  Men 
inorr  to  the  Ohio,  which  wiih  the  Assistance  of  <iur  neighlx>uring 
Cnlonic^s  and  our  Friendly  Ind's  may  make  some  Figure  and 
deteat  the  Designs  of  the  French.  I  shall  be  glad  of  an  Answer 
tu  this,  and  Ixrg  leave  to  assure  \tni  I  am  with  great  res|>ect  and 

due  regard. 

\"r  L'd's  most  Obed't  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVKRNOk  DINUIDDIK  TO  COLONKL  JAMKS  I'AITON. 

I.m'v    17^4. 
Sir  : 

1  am  to  accjuaint  \  i»u  tii.it  1  sriu  .1  .Me>s<nger  to  the 
Comand't  of  the  French  Forces  on  the  Ohio.  He  is  return 'd 
here  and  informs  me  that  they  certainly  intend  down  to  I-ogs- 
town  early  in  the  Spring.  With  advice  of  the  Council  I 
think  it  al>solutely  necessary  to  send  out  immctliatcly  200  Men 
from  the  Militia  to  Monongahela  to  support  those  that  are 
already  there  in  build'g  a  Fort.  As  \'ou  are  Lieut,  of  the  Co'ty 
of  Augusta  I  desire  you  to  draw  out  the  Militia  of  Y'r  Co'ty 
and  from  them  make  a  Draft  of  50  Men  to  be  at  Alexandria, 
the  head  of  I'otomack  River  by  the  20th  of  next  Mo.  and  if 
possible  with  their  Arms  ^c.  who  will  receive  pay  agreeable  to 
the  Act  of  Assembly,  .is  the  Number  now  order'd  is  so  few  for 
Y'r  large  Co'ty  and  the  pay  so  very  good,  I  <loubt  not  but  \'ou 
may  prevail  w'th  that  Number  to  enlist  in  a  voluntary  Manner, 
but  if  anv  Difficulties.  You  must  in  that  Case  ballot  for  them, 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  51 

they  are  to  be  comanded  by  Major  Geo.  Washington.  His  Lieut. 
Mr.  V'anbraam  **  waits  on  Vou  and  will  take  Charge  ol  the  Peo- 
ple to  Alexandria  to  Maj'r  Carlisle,  who  I  have  appointed  Comis- 
sary  of  the  Stores  and  Provisions,  and  he  will  do  the  Necessary 
on  their  Arrival  there. 

The  Ho.  of  Burgesses  are  to  meet  the  14th  of  next  Mo.  I  hope 
they  will  enable  me  to  send  a  much  larger  Number  of  Forces  to 
the  Ohio  next  Spring,  [with]  which,  with  the  Assistance  of  our 
neighbouring  Colonies  and  our  friendly  Ind's  I  hope  we  shall  be 
able  to  defeat  the  Designs  of  the  French.  In  the  meantime  You 
are  to  be  particularly  diligent  to  raise  the  Number  mention'd 
above  and  deliver  them  to  Mr.  Va[n]braam  to  be  by  him  con- 
vey'd  with  all  possible  Dispatch  to  Alex'a  that  no  delay  or 
disappointm't  may  be  attributed  to  You.  I  rem'n  with  respect 
S'r  Y'r  most  h'ble  Serv't. 

[P.  S.]  I  shall  send  some  Arms  to  Alex'a  to  supply  those  that 
are  not  provided  therewith. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  COLO.  WILLIAM  FAIRFAX. 

Sir  : 

Y'r  fav's  by  Maj'r  Washington  gave  me  much  Pleasure,  as 
I  was  in  some  Pain  for  him.  His  report  has  convinc'd  some 
People  of  the  certainty  of  the  French  building  Forts  and  their 

"Jacob  Van  Braam,  a  native  of  Holland  and  formerly  in  the  army, 
was  soon  promoted  to  the  Captaincy  of  a  company.  He  and  Captain 
Robert  Stobo  were  held  as  hostages  by  the  French  at  the  Capitulation 
of  Fort  Necessity,  July  3rd,  1754.  For  a  miswording  of  the  verbiage  of 
the  articles  of  surrender  offered  by  the  French  (particularly  in  the  stig- 
matizing charge  of  the  assassination  of  Jumonville,  who  fell  in  the 
skirmish  at  Great  Meadows  on  the  28th  of  May),  he  has  been  much  cen- 
sured, and  his  fidelty  to  the  British  cause,  even  questioned.  He  was  re- 
tained in  captivity  until  the  surrender  of  Montreal  in  Sept.  1760,  when 
he  returned  to  \'irginia.  His  services  were  recognized  in  the  allotment 
by  George  Washington  as  Commissioner  of  Virginia,  of  9,000  acres  of 
land  in  1771 :  and  July  14,  1777,  he  was  made  Major  of  the  30th  Battalion 
of  the  6oth  Foot  or  Royal  Americans  then  stationed  in  the  West  Indies. 


01'  ItlNUIDDIK    PAI'KRS. 

lurtlur  luicniiim  i«.  v-i,,,  iluwn  the  Ohio  to  build  more  For- 
tresses ami  to  take  Posscss'n  of  these  valuable  Lands.  A 
kcj-im't  ol  Volunteers  w'd  have  been  very  aj^recable  to  me,  but 
looking  into  the  Militia  Laws  there  is  no  pro.[vision?j  for  payin^^ 
then)  under  that  denominat'n.  then  fore  [Ij  have  Commission'd 
Maj'r  Washmj^ton  t<»  enlist  lof)  Men  from  the  Militia  of  Au^^usta 
and  Fretlerick  and  Capt.  \Vm.  Trent  has  my  Com'o  to  enlist  lOO 
more  amonjf  the  Traders  &c. ;  these  two  Compa's  to  march 
directly  after  rais'd.  to  protect  and  assist  them  in  building  the 
Fort.  And  as  I  have  call'd  the  Assembly  to  meet  the  14th  of 
next  Mo.  I  hope  they  will  enable  mo  to  raise  400  Men  more  to 
go  out  early  in  the  .Spring  and  I  shall  write  to  the  nei^hlx^ur- 
inj^  Govts  to  assist  us,  which  if  they  do  with  a  Spirit,  these 
Forces  with  tlu-  Conjunci'n  of  our  friendly  Ind's  I  hope  will 
make  a  j^ootl  Apj)earance  on  the  Ohio  and  be  able  to  defeat  the 
Designs  of  the  l*'rench.  We  shall  be  in  want  of  \"r  ^ood  Ad- 
vice when  the  House  meets,  but  as  You  are  not  well,  and  to 
come  in  Apr.,  I  think  V'r  Comp'a  from  so  j^rcat  a  Distance 
must  be  dispens'd  with.  \"r  Letter  shall  be  forwarded  with  my 
own  in  the  Man  of  War.  Agreeable  to  \"r  Recomendation  I 
have  with  Pleasure  appointed  Maj'r  Carlisle  Comi.ssary  of  Stores 
and  Provisions,  but  as  the  Hurry  of  the  Affairs  of  the  Publick 
prevents  my  giving;  him  so  disi't  Instructs  as  are  re<}uisite,  I 
therefore  recomend  him  to  consult  You  in  every  Thing  for  the 
Service  of  the  Publick  under  his  Care.  I  therefore  desire  You 
will  be  aiding  with  \"r  Advice,  that  there  may  be  nothing  want- 
ing lor  the  imediate  Dispatch  of  Mr.  Washington.  I  have  the 
affairs  of  the  Ohio  much  at  Heart,  [and]  if  the  Burgesses  come  in 
good  Temper  to  do  what  is  their  Duty  to  the  Crown  and  in  Pro- 
tect'n  of  their  Co'ty,  I  hope  we  shall  be  able  to  convince  the 
French  we  are  not  always  slow  in  our  Motions,  A  Letter  from 
You  to  Lord  Fairl'a.x  will  facilitate  the  raising  of  the  Men  in 
Frederick  County.  I  am  heartily  fatigu'd.  My  Wife  and  two 
Girls  join  me  in  Sincere  respects  to  You  and  Y'rs  and  I  am 
sincerely, 

S'r  Y'r  Affect,  h'ble  Serv't. 


DINWIDUIE    PAPERS.  53 

GOVERNOR  DIXWIDDIE  TO  MAJOR  JOHN  CARLYLE. 

Jan'y  27th  1854. 
Sir: 

By  the  Recomendat'n  of  Colo.  Fairfax,  I  here  enclose  you 
a  Com'o  to  be  Comissary  of  Stores  and  Provis's  for  the  Supply 
of  Forces  design'd  for  the  river  Ohio,  under  the  com'd  of  Maj'r 
Geo.  Washington  and  Capt.  Wm.  Trent,  and  any  other  Forces 
that  are  hereafter  order'd.  In  Consequence  of  this  Com'o  You 
are  to  procure  a  sufficient  Ou'ty  of  Flower,  Bread,  Beef  and  Pork 
for  500  Men  for  six  or  eight  Mos.  I  am  told  that  Provis's  are 
very  plenty  in  the  back  Co'ty.  Advise  with  Colo.  Fairfax  the 
Qu'ty  You  may  think  proper,  and  if  You  can  conveniently  and 
quickly  compleat  the  Qu'ty  that  may  be  judg'd  necessary.  Send 
me  Acc't  of  the  Prices,  and  if  You  sh'd  be  of  Opinion  that  the 
Qu'ty  can  not  be  purchas'd  with  You,  what  may  be  deficient 
must  be  sent  from  this  [place].  The  Money  You  may  advance 
will  be  p'd  you  in  the  April  Court,  but  You  must  take  Care  to 
have  a  Sufficiency  for  Maj'r  W.  and  Ct.  T.  that  there  may  be  no 
Delay  to  their  prosecuting  the  Orders  they  have  from  me.  I 
shall  send  You  Ten  P's  Cannon  with  Stores  &c.  suitable  and  200 
Small  Arms  to  Supply  the  above  two  Companies  if  wanted,  take 
receipts  for  what  You  deliver.  The  Cannon  are  large  and  heavy, 
therefore  I  think  You  must  Order  the  Sloop  with  them  as  near 
to  the  Falls  as  possible,  to  make  the  Land  Carriage  short,  and 
from  the  Falls  to  be  carried  by  Water  to  Wills's  Creek,  from 
thence  to  the  Ohio.  Read  the  Act  of  Assembly  in  regard  to 
the  Militia  and  on  Invasions^'  You  will  then  observe  You  have 
Authority  to  press  Boats,  Waggons,  Carts,  Horses  &c.  and  upon 
this  Occasion  I  think  it  absolutely  necessary  unless  You  can  hire 
at  reasonable  rates.  Consult  with  Colo.  Fairfax  in  every  Thing, 
as  I  am  so  much  hurried  I  cannot  write  You  so  fully  as  I  in- 
tended.    I  wish  You  Health 

And  am  S'r  Y'r  most  h'ble  Serv't. 

*''  Heuitig,  vi,  pp.  11 2-1 18. 


:»4  IiINW  llil'll      I'  AI'KKs. 

COMMISSION  nl    M  \|oR  JOHN  CAKI.YI.E. 

Ro6t.  Dinxciddie  Jisqr  I.irul.   lun'r  and  Com'd'r  in   Chief  of 
the  Cohny  and  Dom'n  of  Virginia — 

To  Maj'r  John  Carlisle: 

Hy  \'irtuc  of  the  Power  .iiul  Authority  t<>  mc  ^ivcn  as 
Comilr  in  Chief  of  this  Colony,  I  hereby  constitute  and  ap|)oint 
you,  the  s'd  John  Carhsle.  Comissary  of  Provisions  and  Stores 
for  an  Kxpeditn  intentlcd  to  the  River  Ohio  in  this  Dom'n  and 
appertaining  to  the  Crown  of  (i.  B. 

Vou  are  therefore  carefully  and  diligently  to  provide  Provis's 
of  all  kinds  for  s'd  Kxpedition  vi/)  Hread,  Flower,  Corn,  Pork 
and  lieef,  and  the  same  to  have  carried  to  Wills's  Creek,  from 
thence  to  he  carried  to  the  Fort  now  building;  on  the  Waters  of 
the  Ohio.  And  as  the  Act  of  Assembly  in  rej^ard  to  Invasions 
provides  that  in  necessity,  Boats,  Sloops,  \Va),jjjons,  Carts, 
Horses,  «S:c.  may  be  impressed  for  expediting  the  5>ervices  re- 
quired, I  therefore,  agreeable  to  s'd  Act.  give  you  full  Power  on 
Occasion  to  impress  Boats,  Sloops.  Waggons,  Carts,  Horses  or 
any  Thing  else  that  is  necessary  for  the  safe  Conveyance  of  Pro- 
visions or  Stor«rs,  for  the  due  execution  of  the  Kxj)edition 
afores'd. 

And  I  further  give  you  Power  antl  Authority  to  appoint  one 
or  more  Deputies  to  be  aiding  and  Assisting  to  you  in  the  dis- 
charge of  the  Trust  repos'd  in  you.  For  such  Deputies  You 
must  be  accountable.  And  1  fuither  hereby  require  and  com'd 
all  Magistrates,  Civil  and  .Military,  and  all  others  to  be  aiding  and 
assisting  to  you  in  the  due  discharge  of  the  Duties  requisite  by 
this  Commission. 

Ciiven  under  my  W.xnd  and  the  .Seal  of  the  Colony  at  W'ms- 
burg  the  26th  Day  of  Jan'y  In  the  27th  Year  of  His  Majesty's 
reign  Annoque  Dom.  1754. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  55 

GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  \VM.  TRENT,  ESQR. 

Sir: 

Y'r  Letter  of  the  6th  Curr't  I  rec'd  from  Maj'r  Washington, 

from  his  report,  Informat'n  and  Observat's  I  find  the  French 
intend  down  the  Ohio  to  build  Forts  and  take  Possession  of  the 
Lands  on  that  River,  w'ch  I  w'd  very  earnestly  prevent.  And  as 
You  think  You  c'd  **  this  Winter,  if  properly  impower'd 
to  do  so,  I  therefore  inclose  You  a  Capt's  Com'o  to  raise  loo 
Men  in  Augusta  and  in  the  exterior  Settlem'ts  of  this  Dom'n  and 
a  blank  Com'o  for  You  to  choose  a  suitable  Lieut,  to  Co-operate 
with  You.  Y'r  Comp'a  will  be  in  the  Pay  of  this  Gov't  agree- 
able to  the  Assembly.  Maj'r  Washington  has  a  Com'o  to  raise 
ICO  Men,  with  them  he  is  to  join  You  and  I  desire  You  may 
march  Y'r  Men  out  to  the  Ohio  where  a  Fort  is  propos'd  to  be 
built.  When  You  are  there  You  are  to  protect  and  assist  them  in 
finishing  the  Fort  and  to  be  on  Y'r  Guard  ag'st  any  Attempts  o^ 
the  French.  I  doubt  not  the  Woodsmen  You  may  enlist  will  be 
provided  with  Guns  &c.,  I  have  appointed  Maj'r  Carlisle  of 
Alexandria  a  Commiss'y  of  Stores  and  Provisions,  he  will  supply 
You  accordingly  with  what  Necessaries  You  may  want  and  in 
case  of  want  of  Guns  I  have  sent  some  to  his  Care  to  be  de- 
livered to  the  Com'd'rs  of  either  of  these  Compa's  giving  receipt 
accordingly  for  them.  As  You  have  a  good  Interest  with  the 
Ind's  I  doubt  not  You  will  prevail  with  many  of  them  to  join 
You  in  order  to  defeat  the  Designs  of  the  French  in  taking  their 
Lands  from  them  by  force  of  Arms.  The  Ho.  of  Burgesses  are 
to  meet  the  14th  of  next  Mo.  w'n  I  hope  they  will  enable  me  to 
send  out  400  more  Men  early  in  the  Spring  to  Y'r  Assistance. 
I  wrote  to  the  neighbouring  Gov'rs  for  their  Aid  and  Assistance 
on  the  present  Emergency  and  I  am  in  hopes  they  will  supply  a 
good  Number  of  men  &c.  I  have  some  Cannon  come  in — ten 
I  send  up  to  the  Comissary  at  Alexandria — they  carry  four  Pound 
shot — I  fear  there  will  be  a  difficulty  in  carrying  them  out — as 
You  are  acquainted  with  the  Roads,  I  shall  be  glad  of  Y'r  Ad- 
vice therein,  and  comunicate  the  same  to  Maj'r  Carlisle.  You 
see  the  Confidence  and  good  Opinion  I  have  of  Y'r  Capacity 
and  Diligence  w'ch  I  hope  You  will  Exert  on  this  Occasion  by 

*®  Omission  in  the  Records. 


56  DINWIUniE    PAPERS. 

kc^c|tlil^  .t  >4.>ocl  Comaiul  and  sironj^ly  cnj^a^inj;  our  friendly 
Intl's  to  bc'  on  the  Active.  Provisions  will  be  dit^cult  to  send 
regular  Supplies.  Mr.  Washington  s;iys  one  Mr.  Frazier  can 
provide  larj^e  <Ju'ty  o(  \'enison,  Hear,  cS:c.  1  desire  \'ou  may 
write  him  to  j;et  what  he  can.  When  You  have  compleated  Y'r 
Comj)'a  send  me  a  List  thereof  and  the  time  of  their  enlisting 
and  the  I'laces  (if  their  Aboad.  I  wish  N'ou  Ikahh  and  .Success 
in  the  present  Expedition  and  am  Sincerely 
S'r  V'r  h'ble  Serv't 


CO.MMI.SSIUN  OK  CAI'TAIN  WIM.I.A.M  TRENT. 

Rob*t  Dinwindie  Esq'r  His  Muji'slys  IJt  Govr  Cotud'r  in  Chief 
and  Vice  Admiral  of  his  Colony  and  Dotnn  of  Virga — 

To  Wm.  Trent,  Ksq'r: 

Whereas  certain  Persons  prcteniliiij,'  to  l>c  Subjects  of  his 
most  Xn  M.'ijesty  the  Kinj^  of  France,  and  that  they  act  by  his 
Como.  have  in  a  hostile  Manner  invaded  the  Territories  of  our 
Sovereiyjn  His  M'y  King  George  the  2d  King  of  Great  B.  &c. 
and  have  comitted  divers  Outrages  and  X'iolences  on  the  Persons 
and  Goods  of  His  M'y's  Subjects,  in  direct  violation  and  infract'n 
of  the  Treaties  at  present  sul).sisting  between  the  two  Crowns,  and 
Whereas  these  Acts  of  hostility  and  depredations  have  been  per- 
petrated in  that  Part  of  His  Majesty's  Dom's  w'ch  are  under  my 
(iov't ;  In  order  therefore  to  the  Preser\ation  of  the  Peace  and 
Good  understanding  l)etween  the  two  Crowns  and  the  Preserva- 
tion of  our  Sovereign's  undoubted  rights,  and  the  Protection  of 
his  Subjects  as  much  as  in  me  lies.  I  have  thought  fit  to  appoint 
and  by  Virtue  of  the  Power  and  Authority  to  me  given  as 
Com'd'r  in  Chief  of  this  Colony,  I  do  hereby  constitute  and  ap- 
point You  Wm.  Trent  lisq'r  to  be  Com'd'r  of  such  arid  so  many 
of  His  My's  Subjects  not  exceeding  100  Men  as  ^'ou  can  ime- 
diately  raise  and  enlist,  ancl  with  the  s'd  Comp'a  and  the  Assist- 
ance of  our  good  and  faithful  Friends  and  Allies  the  Ind's  of  the 
Six  Nat's  and  such  others  as  are  in  Amity  with  them  and  Us,  to 
keep  Possession  of  His  M'y's  Lands  on  the  Ohio  and  the  Waters 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  57 

thereof  and  to  dislodge  and  drive  away,  and  in  case  of  refusal 
and  resistance  to  kill  and  destroy  or  take  Prisoners  all  and  every 
Person  and  Persons  not  Subjects  of  the  King  of  G.  B.  who  now 
are  or  shall  hereafter  come  to  settle  and  take  Possess'n  of  any 
Lands  on  said  River  Ohio,  or  on  any  of  the  Branches  or  Waters 
thereof.  And  I  do  hereby  require  the  s'd  Men  who  shall  so  en- 
list themselves  and  every  of  them  to  obey  You  as  their 

Com'd'r  and  Capt'n  &c.  and  You  are  to  constitute  such  and  so 
many  Officers  under  You  as  the  Service  shall  require,  not  exceed- 
ing I  Capt.  and  i  Lieut't. 

Given    under    my    Hand    and    the    Seal   of   the   Colony   at 

W'msburg  the  Day  of  Jan'y  in  the  27  Year  of  His  M'y's 

Reign,  annoq  Dom.  1754. 


MESSAGE  OF  GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  THE  INDIAN 
CHIEF  MONACATOOTHA. 

Good  and  faithfid  Friend  I\'Ionacatoocha  *'  : 

I  am  well  pleas'd  with  the  good  report  which  my  Messen- 
ger Maj'r  Geo.  Washington  made  me  of  the  Fidelity  that  You 
expressed  both  in  Y'r  Words  and  Actions  towards  me  and  Y'r 
Brethren.  I  send  this  as  Y'r  best  Friend,  to  warn  You  to  beware 
of  the  cunning  Devices  of  those  who  under  the  Pretence  of  em- 
bracing You  do  but  mean  to  squeeze  You  to  Death ;  Such 
Treachery  deserves  to  be  chastised,  and  I  therefore  advise  You 
to  loose  no  Time,  but  directly  to  stretch  out  the  rod  that  Onontia 
put  in  Y'r  Hand  to  Chastise  him  with  w'n  he  sh'd  grow  Foolish, 
as  now  he  has  done.  I  have  given  proper  Com'o  to  Maj'r  W. 
and  Capt.  T.  to  bring  You  sufficient  Assistance  to  enable  You  to 
deliver  Y'r  Selves  from  Y'r  Enemies,  and  so  wishing  You  to 
make  a  good  Use  of  Time's  Opp'ty  and  that  God  may  give  us 
Success,  I  bid  You  farewell. 


*'  Monacatoocha  or  Monacatootha,  also  known  as  .Scarroyaddy,  and 
earlier,  to  1748,  as  Skwoniatta,  was  an  Oneida  cliief,  one  of  the  mixed 
band  of  the  various  tribes  of  the  Six  Nations,  who  in  1754,  lived  near  the 
Ohio.  He  served  in  the  expedition  of  Braddock,  (at  wliose  defeat  Iiis 
son  was  killed,)  and  was  through  life  a  staunch  ally  of  the  English. 


58  KINWlDim      I'Al'KRS. 


MFLSSAC.K  OF  (iUVKKNOR    I  )IN\VII)DIK  TO  THK  SIX 
NATIONS. 

Urithttn  of  l/u  Jbi.i  A  at  s  : 

Since  the  Oesij^ns  of  \'r  Knemics  can  be  no  longer 
doubted  of,  and  it  is  manifest  that  they  intend  to  deprive  ^'ou  of 
\"t  hunting  Cinmnds  on  the  Ohio,  and  Liberties,  and  to  break 
the  Peace  that  they  have  j)retended  to  maintain  with  us,  I  have 
therefore  thouiiht  proper  as  V'r  jjood  I'>iend  and  Brother  to  let 
VcHi  know  that  I  have  jjiven  Com'o  and  Orders  to  my  Officers  to 
join  \o\x  with  some  Forces  if  N'ou  will  take  the  Hatchet  into  V'r 
Hands.  And  as  there  is  no  Ouest'n  but  that  V'r  Enemy  may  be 
now  easily  driven  away  if  not  sufVer'd  to  l)ec()me  more  numerous, 
I  do  therefore  advise  N'ou  not  to  loose  any  Time,  but  imediately 
to  send  out  \'r  Warriors ;  to  whose  Assistance  I  propose  in  a 
short  Time  to  send  a  considerable  Number  of  our  Soldiers. 
Wishing  \o\x  Health  and  Success  I  bid  You  Farewell. 


(iOVKRNOk   DINW  IDDIi:  TO  ANDKKW  MoN  lOlR. 
S'r: 

The  Mess'r  I  sent  to  the  French  Com'd't  on  the  (^hio  assures 
me  of  their  fix'd  resolution  of  coming  down  that  river  to  I-ogs- 
town  fully  determin'd  to  build  Fortresses  withtjui  having  any  re- 
gard lo  the  Ind's,  w'ch  I  am  determin'd  all  in  my  Power,  with  the 
Assistance  of  the  neighbouring  (iov'ts  and  Dur  friendly  Ind's  to 
prevent.  I  therefore  desire  \'o\x  will  acquaint  the  Si.\  Nat's  that 
in  the  Spring  of  this  ^'ear  I  hope  to  have  a  good  Number  of  our 
Forces  out  at  Logstown  and  I  shall  be  very  glad  [if]  they  will 
come  there  to  our  Aid.  Knowing  their  Appearance  will  give 
Spirits  to  all  the  other  Nat's  of  Ind's  in  Amity  with  Us  and  them 
— take  the  most  proper  Manner  of  giving  them  Intelligence 
thereof  And  at  same  Time  let  them  know  I  keef)  my  resolution  of 
meeting  them  and  the  C)ther  Chiefs  or  the  Ind'n  Nat's  at  Win- 
chester in  May  ne.xt.  \"t  Son "  is  in  good  Health,  as  I  hope 
this  will  find  Vou  and  I  am 

S'r  Y'r  most  h'ble  Serv't. 


'John  Montour.    See  Note  22,  p.  17. 


DINVVIDDIE    PAPERS.  59 

GOVERNOR  DINVVIDDIE'S  INSTRUCTIONS  TO  MAJOR 
WASHINGTON. 

Instructs  to  be  obscrvd  by  Mafr   Geo.  Washington,  on  the  Ex- 
pedifn  to  the  Ohio. 

Maj'r  Geo.  Washington  : 

You  are  forthwith  to  repair  to  the  Co'ty  of  P'rederick  and 
there  to  take  under  Y'r  Com'd  50  Men  of  the  MiHtia  who  will 
be  deliver'd  to  You  by  the  Comd'r  of  the  s'd  Co'ty  pursuant 
to  my  Orders.  You  are  to  send  Y'r  Lieut,  at  the  same  Time 
to  the  Co'ty  of  Augusta,  to  receive  50  Men  from  the  Comd'r  of 
that  Co'ty  as  I  have  order'd,  and  with  them  he  is  to  join  You  at 
Alexandria,  to  which  Place  You  are  to  proceed  as  soon  as  You 
have  rec'd  the  Men  in  Frederick.  Having  rec'd  the  Detachm't, 
You  are  to  train  and  discipline  them  in  the  best  Manner  You  can, 
and  for  all  Necessaries  You  are  to  apply  Y'rself  to  Mr.  Jno.  Car- 
lisle at  Alex'a  who  has  my  Orders  to  supply  You.  Having  all 
Things  in  readiness  You  are  to  use  all  Expedition  in  proceeding 
to  the  Fork  of  Ohio  with  the  Men  under  Com'd  and  there  you  are 
to  finish  and  compleat  in  the  best  Manner  and  as  soon  as  You 
possibly  can,  the  Fort  w'ch  I  expect  is  there  already  begun  by 
the  Ohio  Comp'a.  You  are  to  act  on  the  Defensive,  but  in  Case 
any  Attempts  are  made  to  obstruct  the  Works  or  interrupt  our 
Settlem'ts  by  any  Persons  whatsoever  You  are  to  restrain  all 
such  Offenders,  and  in  Case  of  resistance  to  make  Prisoners  of  or 
kill  and  destroy  them.  For  the  rest  You  are  to  conduct  Y'rself 
as  the  Circumst's  of  the  Service  shall  require  and  to  act  as  You 
shall  find  best  for  the  Furtherance  of  His  M'y's  Service  and  the 
Good  of  His  Dom'n.  Wishing  You  Health  and  Success  I  bid 
You  Farewell. 


(.OVKKNOR  DINUIDDIK'S  MICSSACK  TO  THK  CATAWBA 

INDIANS. 

To  thi  A'nii,'  ami  J  had  Mtu  and  Warriors  of  the  C at  arc  bos : 
Kof't.  Dinuiddic  Estfr  Gov'r  0/  I'iri^'a  wishes  )'oh  Health 
and  Prosperity  : 

I  am  sorry  I  have  reason  to  acquaint  \o\x  that  the  French 
with  some  Ind's  in  Fr'dship  with  them  intend  early  this  Spring 
to  come  down  the  River  Ohio  to  take  Posscss'n  of  Y'r  hunting 
Grounds  on  that  River  and  to  build  Forts.  The  Consequence 
thereof  will  be  to  bring  all  the  Nat's  of  Ind's  to  the  So'ward  into 
Slavery  to  them.  The  great  Love  and  Ksleem  I  have  for  You 
and  the  other  Nat's  of  Ind's  in  Fr'dship  with  Y'r  Father,  the 
King  of  (j.  B.  and  these  Colonies  has  engaged  me  to  order  out 
to  Monongehela  near  the  Logstown,  a  considerable  Number  of 
Forces  from  this  [place]  to  defeat  the  tlcsigns  of  the  French  and 
protect  Y'r  hunting  Grounds  from  their  unjust  Invasion.  These 
Forces  I  expect  will  be  on  the  Spot  some  Time  in  the  Mo.  of 
Mar.  next  This  therefore  is  sent  You  by  Abra  Smith  *•  to  de- 
sire \o\x  to  send  out  as  many  of  Y'r  Warriors  [as]  you  possibly 
can  to  Monongahela  to  be  there  in  the  Mo.  of  Mar.  ne.xt,  that 
with  Y'r  Assistance,  the  Cherokees,  Chickcsaws,  the  Ind's  on  the 
Ohio  and  the  Forces  from  this  Domn,  we  may  be  in  a  Capacity 
to  defeat  the  unjust  Designs  of  the  I'rench  and  their  Ind's. 
These  Tribes  of  Inci's.  called  Cliippeways.  Ottaways  and  Arun- 
dacks,  have  by  the  perswasion  and  Influence  of  the  I-"rench 
taken  up  the  Hatchet  ag'st  us.  but  what  are  they  but  Children 
when  compared  to  the  brave  Catawbas?  The  20th  of  May. 
at  Winchester  in  Fredk  Co'ty  I  am  to  meet  with  some  of 
the  Chiefe  of  the  five  Nations,  Twightwees  and  other  Chiefs 
of  the  Ind's  on  the  Ohio.  I  therefore  desire  two  of  Y'r  Chiefs 
to  be  there  to  receive  Part  of  a  Pres't  sent  by  ^"r  Father 
the  K.  of  G.  B.  Let  me  know  on  return  of  this  Messenger 
if  you  want  any  Supplies  for  Y'r  Warriors  that  go  to  the 
Ohio.  Tho'  our  Magazine  will  be  much  exhausted  in  furnish- 
ing the  Forces  I  have  directed  from  this  [place],  yet,  [I]  shall  en- 


•  Abraham  Smith,  of  Augusta  county,  interjjreter  and  captain  of 
militin.  and  somewhat  later  a  magistrate. 


DINVVIDDIE   PAPERS.  61 

deavour  to  give  You  vv't  Supplies  I  possibly  can.  Pray  God 
preserve  Us  and  all  our  Friendly  Ind's  from  the  unjust  Attempts 
of  our  Enemies  to  disturb  our  Peace.  And  I  sincerely  wish 
You  Farewell.     Dated  at  W'msburg  this  29th  day  of  Jan'y  1754. 

Pray  send  Word  how  many  of  Y'r  Warriors  will  march  to  the 
Ohio. 

(The  same  Letter  sent  to  the  Cherokees.) 

P.  S. —  I  desire  You  will  in  my  Name  desire  the  Assistance  of 
the  Chickesaws,  and  that  they  may  send  some  Warriors  to  join 
Y'r  Nation  to  march  to  the  Ohio. 

Deliv'd  the  Mess'r,  Feb'y  4th. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  J.  GLEN^"  ESQ'R  GOV'R  OF 
SO.  CAROLINA. 
S'r: 

That  I  might  be  truly  inform'd  w't  Steps  the  French  had 
taken  on  the  Ohio  prejudicial  to  His  M'y's  Int't  I  thought  proper 
to  send  a  Gent'n  to  the  French  Com'd't  on  whose  return  1  have 
the  Hon'r  to  give  Y'r  Excell'y  part  in  the  following  Intelligence. 
On  his  arrival  at  the  Ohio,  Maj'r  Washington,  (the  Gent,  whom  I 
sent  out)  found  that  the  French  had  taken  post  on  that  River 
and  built  a  Fort  wherein  they  had  mounted  8  P's  Cannon  Six 
Pound'rs  and  that  they  had  in  readiness  Materials  for  other  Forts, 
w'ch  they  declar'd  their  Intentions  to  Erect  on  the  River  and 
particularly  at  Logstown,  the  place  destin'd  for  their  chief  resi- 
dence, so  soon  as  the  Season  w'd  permit  them  to  embark,  and  for 
w'ch  Purpose  he  saw  220  Canoes  ready  finish'd,  besides  a  great 
Number  more  block'd  out.  Having  delivered  his  Credentials 
and  my  Letter  he  complain'd  to  the  Com'd'r  of  the  Violence 
that  had  been  offer'd  to  His  M'y's  Subjects  in  seizing  their  Effects 
and  making  Prisoners  of  their  Persons  to  w'ch  he  was  answer'd 
"That  the  Co'ty  had  belonged  to  them,  that  no  English  Man  had 

^James  Glen,  Governor  of  South  Carolina  from  January,  1744  to  1756. 
Near  the  close  of  his  administration  he  concluded  a  treaty  with  the 
Cherokee  Indians,  by  which  a  large  territory  was  ceded  to  Great  Britain. 
He  published  "A  Description  of  South  Carolina";  8vo,  London,  1761. 


62  DINWIDDIK    I'AI'KKS. 

a  ri|;ht  to  tnulc  upon  those  Waters  ami  tliat  he,  the  Com'd'r)  had 
Orders  to  make  every  Person  I'risoners  thai  attempted  it  on  ihc 
Ohio  or  the  Waters  ol  it. "  \''r  Kxcell'v  will  perceive  th«*se  to  \>c 
iheir  Sentim'ts  by  the  enclos'd  and  that  they  are  delermin'd  to 
carry  their  Designs  into  Kxecul'n.  And  it  were  superfluous  to 
advance  many  Ar^rum'ts  to  so  tliscerniiij^  and  sa^jacious  a  .Serv't 
of  our  Master,  to  prove  the  Urj^ency  that  IVesses  every  one  of 
His  My's  Colonies  to  exert  themselves  on  this  Occasion  to  vindi- 
cate the  Mon'r  and  Dij^nily  of  his  Crown  and  justify  his  un- 
tloubteil  rij»hts  against  these  Invaders  of  the  Hriiish  Property. 
The  Power  of  our  Knemies  is  far  from  being  conlemptable  and  it 
is  as  certain  they  will  exert  its  utmost  l-rtorts  to  procure  ail  pos- 
sible Aiivantages  ag'st  Is.  They  have  already  engaged  3  Ind'n 
Nat's  the  Chippeways,  Ottaways,  and  Arundacks.  to  take  up 
Arms  ag'st  the  Knglish  and  from  the  best  Informat'n,  .Maj'r 
Washington  learn'd  thai  the  I"rench  had  four  Forts  on  the  Mis- 
sissippi, b>csides  their  strong  Selllcm'l  at  New  Orleans  where  they 
have  above  1400  Men  in  Carrison,  that  by  the  means  of  the  River 
(Juabasck  they  have  a  Comunicat'n  between  Canada  and  the 
Mississippi  and  some  Forts  on  the  Obash*'  to  cover  and  protect 
this  Comunicat'n.  Helbre  they  sent  their  Troops  into  Winter 
Quarters  last  Fall  they  call'd  the  several  Tribes  of  Ind's  near 
their  Fort  together  and  told  them  that  altho'  the  approaching  Sea- 
son and  the  State  at  that  Time  of  the  Waters  made  it  necessary 
to  send  the  chief  of  their  Forces  into  Winter  (Quarters,  yet  they 
might  Ik.*  assur'tl  to  see  them  early  in  the  Spring  with  a  much 
more  considerable  Armam't  and  yt  then  they  w'd  take  Possess'n 
of  the  Ohio  and  threaten'd  them  if  they  were  not  entirely  Passive. 
These  Circumstances  induc'd  mc  to  order  out  for  the  Picsent  a 
Detachm't  of  the  Militia  and  call  together  the  Assembly  w'ch  I 
have  order'd  to  meet  the  14th  of  next  Mo.  and  hope  they  will 
enable  me  to  take  more  vigorous  .Measures  in  the  Comon  Cause. 
I  duely  observe  w  i  Mr.  Presidt**  says  on  \'r  being  the  proper 
Channel!  of  my  Correspondence  with  the  Catawbas  and  Chero- 
kees,  and  if  the  Urgency  of  the  prcs't  Juncture  did  not  perswade 
me  to  take  the  more  dispatchfull  Method  of  sending  directly  to 
them  the  necessary  Advices,  I  sh'd  think  no  way  more  eligible 

'  U.lh.isll 

*  Of  the  Council  of  .South  Carolina,  Willianj  Hull. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  63 

to  apply  to  them  than  thro'  so  good  Hands,  who's  concurrent 
Influence  might  eftecuate  my  Desire,  and  I  promise  myself  that 
Y'r  Excell'y  will  do  me  the  Justice  to  believe  that  this  is  the 
only  Motive  and  not  the  least  Intent'n  of  Interfering  with  Y'r 
Gov't  in  any  Degree,  As  I  have  no  other  Inducem't  but  Dis- 
patch in  an  Affair  that  I  consider  as  urgent  and  of  equal  Con- 
cern to  all  his  Majesty's  Dom's  on  that  Cont't.  I  assure  You  Sir 
I  set  a  just  Value  on  the  might  of  Y'r  good  Offices  w'ch  I  am 
desirous  to  be  favour'd  with  and  that  You  w'd  extend  their  In- 
fluence to  the  Creeks  and  Chickesaws  that  we  may  not  leave 
any  Assistance  unemploy'd  that  we  can  obtain  ag'st  his  M'y's 
Enemies.  As  I  do  not  consider  the  Meeting  at  Winchester  as 
a  New  Treaty  between  the  several  Ind'n  Tribes,  but  rather  a 
F'dly  Meeting  with  them  and  the  English  to  concert  the  comon 
Welfare,  I  do  not  apprehend  solemn  Invitat's  from  them  to  each 
other  to  be  requisite,  and  therefore  hope  by  Y'r  Persuasions  they 
will  be  prevail'd  with  to  come  thro'  His  M'y's  Dom's,  nor  any 
other  Security  than  being  under  his  Protect'n  whilst  in  his  Ter- 
ritories. I  am  entirely  assur'd  that  we  cannot  be  too  vigilant,  as 
the  French  leave  no  Artifice  untry'd  to  seduce  the  Ind's  from 
our  Int't  and  I  need  not  observe  to  Y'r  Excell'y  how  much  de- 
pends on  the  Preservat'n  of  their  Friendship  and  Fidelity.  Y'r 
Friendly  Advice  on  the  return  of  this  Express  will  be  very 
agreeable,  wishing  you  H.[ealth]  and  Happiness,  I  am  Sincerely 
Y'r  most  Ob'dt  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  THE  GOVERNOR  OF  PENN- 
SYLVANIA.^ 

Jan'y  29th  [1754-] 
S'r: 

The  return  of  a  Gent,  whom  I  sent  Express  to  the  F'rench 
Com'd't  to  know  what  Steps  the  French  were  taking  on  the 
Ohio  enables  me  to  acqu't  Y'r  Hon'r  that  on  his  Arrival  there  he 
found   &c.,  to   (more  Vigorous    Measures)^*   w'ch  I   shall   then 

^  James  Hamilton. 

^*  Refer  to  the  preceding  letter  to  the  Governor  of  .South  Carolina, 
the  language  of  which,  it  is  evident,  was  chiefly  repeated  in  this. 


I 


^►4  I'lNWlbl.IK    I'APKRS. 

V...    «.;..    ...,    i.^,..^.,;i.  ......    j.i..|>ost*   to    have    w'l    Ml-h   I    can 

rawc.  at  Wills  Crctk  on  the  Head  of  Potomack  River  early  in 
Mar.,  w'h  I  have  chosen  lor  the  Place  of  Rendezvous  as  beinjf 
more  )^enerally  convenient  to  us  all  and  nearest  to  the  Scene 
of  Action.  It  may  fK-rhaps  interfere  with  the  Service  to  divide 
the  Com'd  and  therefore  I  sh'tl  be  ^jlad  to  find  that  it  were 
agreeable  to  Nou  to  entrust  my  (ien'l  Officer  with  the  Com'd  of 
the  Forces  ^'ou  can  prevail  with  ^"r  Assembly  to  raise  for  this 
Occasion. 


CiUVKkNOK  DlNWIDDIl-;  To   IHi:  (ioVICKNOk  OK  NORTH 
C.XKOMNA." 
S'R: 

Beinjj  justly  alarni'd  at  the  Rumours  of  the  French  Pro- 
ceedings on  the  Ohio,  my  Sollicitude  for  the  Preservat'n  of  His 
M'y's  ri)^his  and  the  Wellfare  of  all  his  Colonies  in  jj^eneral 
intluc'd  me  to  send  a  (ient.  to  the  Place,  by  whom  I  might  know 
the  Truth.  His  return  imform'd  me  of  the  following  Particulars 
w'ch  I  thought  necessary  to  impart  to  you  by  this  Kxpress.  On 
his  Arrival  at  the  Ohio,  Maj'r  Washington  <  the  Cient  I  sent) 
found**  that  the  French  had  taken  Post  on  «5tc.  'to  common  cause) 
The  Success  of  w'ch.  I  apprehend  on  the  Dispatch  with  w'ch  our 
Forces  are  drawn  together  and  the  Promptitude  of  every  Colony 
to  exert  itself  on  this  pressing  (Occasion.  I  have  for  the  pres't 
order'd  a  Detachm't  of  the  Militia  to  cover  our  People  from 
further  Insult,  and  I  hope  the  Assembly  w'ch  I  have  call'd  to- 
gether to  meet  the  14th  of  next  Mo.  will  enable  me  to  have  a 
good  Party  at  Wills  Creek  on  the  head  of  Pot'o  ready  to  join 
the  Forces  from  his  Majesty's  Other  Dom's.  I  propose  this 
Place  for  the  Rendezvous  as  being  the  most  generally  conve- 
nient for  us  all  and  nearest  the  Scene  of  Act'n,  and  there  I  sh'd 
be  extreamly  pleas'd  if  Y'r  Hon'r  w'd  be  so  goo<i  as  to  order  the 
Men  that  You  can  furnish  and  to  be  there  by  the  first  of  Mar.  if 


•*The  acting  Governor  of  the  province  at  this  time  was  Matthew 
Rowan.  IVesident  of  the  Council.  Rowan  County,  formed  in  1753  from 
.-Xnson  County,  w.ts  name<l  in  his  honor. 

*•  Refer  again  to  the  letter  to  the  Governor  of  South  Carolina. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  65 

possible.  As  it  might  be  detrimental  to  divide  the  Com'd,  I  hope 
You  will  have  no  Object'n  to  placing  the  Com'd  of  Y'r  Men  in 
the  Hands  of  the  same  Gen'l  Officer  whom  I  shall  entrust  with 
the  Conduct  of  the  whole.  Y'r  Answer  on  the  return  of  the 
Express  with  the  Prospect  You  may  have  of  raising  Forces  and 
the  Time  you  think  they  may  march  will  be  very  agreeable  to 
Hon'd  S'r 

Y'r  most  h'ble  Serv't. 

P.  S.  I  have  wrote  to  the  Colonies  to  the  No'ward  of  this,  for 
their  Aid  and  Assistance  on  the  pres't  Emergency. 


GOVERNOR   DINWIDDIE  TO   THE    GOVERNOR  OF    NEW 

YORK.^' 
S'r: 

The  Advances  made  by  the  French  to  dispute  his  M'y  of 
the  interior  Part  of  Am'a  makes  it  necessary  for  me  to  give  Y'r 
Hon'r  part  in  the  Intelligence  I  have  just  rec'd  of  their  Pro- 
ceedings by  the  return  of  a  Gent,  whom  I  sent  to  the  French 
Com'd't  for  that  Purpose.  On  his  Arri\al,  &c.  to  (comon 
Cause.)  ^  The  success  of  w'ch  I  apprehend  greatly  depends  on 
the  Dispatch  with  w'ch  our  Forces  are  drawn  together  and  the 
Promptitude  of  every  Colony  to  exert  itself  on  this  pressing  Oc- 
casion. I  hope  to  have  the  Forces  of  this  Dom'n  at  Wills  Creek 
on  the  head  of  Poto.  early  in  March,  w'ch  as  the  most  convenient 
Place,  I  have  chosen  for  the  general  Rendezvous,  and  thither  I 
should  be  extreamly  pleas'd  if  Y'r  Hon'r  w'd  be  so  good  as  to 
order  the  Men  that  You  think  proper  to  send,  agreeable  to  His 
M'y's  Com'ds  for  mutual  Assistance  w'ch  I  sent  You  by  the  last 


^'Governor  James  Le  Lancey,  son  of  a  Huguenot  emigrant  from 
Caen,  Normandy,  was  born  in  New  York  in  1703;  died  there  August  2, 
1760;  graduated  from  the  University  of  Cambridge,  England,  and  soon 
after  his  return  to  New  York,  in  1729,  was  made  a  justice  of  tlie  Su- 
preme Court;  Chief  Justice  in  1733;  Lieutenant-Governor  October, 
1753-1755-  'lud  as  successor  to  Hardy  from  1757  to  1760.  He  headed 
the  Association  which  founded  King's  College. 

^®See  letter  to  the  Governor  of  South  Carolina,  p.  61. 


66  DINWIUDll.    PAl'tRS. 

Expri'ss;  And  .is  early  in  Mar.  as  |>ossiblr.  A.«>  ii  m.iv  i»*  very 
hurttui  to  the  Service  to  divide  the  Com'd  I  wish  to  find  Y  r 
Hon'r  in  my  Scntim'ls.  that  you  are  wiUin^  to  entrust  with  my 
(ieni  Orticx'r  the  Com'd  of  the  Men  from  \'r  (iov't.  If  I  am  so 
happy  as  to  have  \"r  Concurrence  in  this  I  shall  hope  the  Con- 
sc<iuences  will  be  to  shew  our  Knemies  how  far  they  were  mis- 
taken in  the  Sarcasm  they  threw  out.  that  they  own'd  we  c'd  bring 
two  Men  for  their  ( )ne.  that  we  were  too  slow  and  disconcerted  to 
hinder  any  I'ro^ress  of  their  Undertakings.  May  God,  Sir,  facili- 
tate Y'r  (iov't  with  every  happy  llvent  and  enable  Is  to  .«>■<  <ri 
our  Sovercijin's  just  ri^jht  with  Success, 

Since  writinji  the  above  I  rec'd  \"r  Letter  of  4th  I  )ec'r  cover- 
ing; that  from  the  L'lls  Comiss'rs  for  T[ratle]  ami  I'[lautations]. 
I  observe  Vr  Intenl'n  of  an  Interview  with  the  Ind's  at  Albany  in 
June  next,  w'ch  am  very  sorry  interferes  wiiii  the  Meetinj;  I  have 
projxis'd  with  the  Six  Nai'ns  and  the  So'thern  Intl's  on  the  20th 
of  May  next,  add  thereto  the  Broils  we  are  like  to  have  with  the 
French,  w'ch  will  enhance  all  my  Time,  and  I  am  convinc'd  the 
Assembly  of  this  Province  will  be  very  backward  in  sending 
Com'rs  to  Albany,  as  the  Charge  of  the  intended  meeting  at 
Winchester,  and  the  raising  of  Men  to  defeat  the  Designs  of  the 
I-"rench  will  l>e  very  considerable,  and  I  flatter  myself  with  the 
Ho|)c  of  Y'r  Assistance.  The  Kavo.  of  an  Answer  by  the  return 
of  this  Express  will  Oblige. 

Hond  S'r.  Y'r  Ob'd't  h'ble  Serv't. 

[P.  S.]  I  have  no  doubt  but  N'ou  will  be  <jualified  upon  the  pres't 
Situat'n  of  our  Affairs  to  raise  a  considerable  Force  for  defeating 
the  Designs  of  the  French,  and  as  you  have  many  Persons  among 
You  that  underst'd  the  Lands  on  the  Ohio,  they  will  l)e  able  to 
give  You  proper  Intelligence,  but  it  appears  to  me  absolutely 
necessary  to  be  very  early  on  the  Ohio,  with  such  Forces  as  we 
possibly  can  collect  together,  and  as  I  have  no  doubt  of  \"r 
earnest  Inclinat'n  to  promote  the  dignity  of  the  Crown  and  the 
Safety  of  these  Colonies  I  pray  an  Answer  on  the  return  of  this 
Express,  and  am  with  great  respect 

.S'r.  \'r  most  h'ble  Serv't. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  67 

GOVERNOR  DIXWIDDIE  TO  THE  GOVERNOR  OE 
MARYLAND."" 
Sir: 

Y'r  Kind  Assurance  of  co-operating  with  me  in  the  com'n 
cause  for  His  M'y's  Service  gave  me  much  Pleasure,  in  a  Zeal  like 
that  w'ch  inspir'd  them  ought  to  give,  and  I  now  address  Y'r  Ex- 
cell'y  the  more  cheerfully,  as  I  am  perswaded  of  Y'r  Promptitude 
to  contribute  effectually  to  it.  The  progress  of  the  French  and 
their  avow'd  Designs  make  it  necessary  for  me  to  apply  for  Y'r 
Assistance  and  that  the  Men  You  can  furnish  may  join  our  People 
as  early  as  possible  in  Mar.  at  a  Place  call'd  Wills's  Creek  on  the 
head  of  Poto.  w'ch  I  have  chosen  for  the  Rendezvous,  believing 
it  to  be  the  most  Convenient  to  all  the  Colonies  of  any  y't  is  near 
the  Scene  of  Action.  The  French  have  fortified  themselves  on 
Lake  Erie  and  on  a  Branch  of  the  Ohio  and  have  220  Canoes 
ready  made  and  a  great  many  more  block'd  out  and  every  Thing 
in  readiness  to  execute  their  Designs  of  falling  down  the  River 
w'n  the  Waters  serve  in  the  Spring,  and  building  Forts  at  every 
Place  of  Consequence.  The  Fort  my  Messenger  was  at,  mounted 
8  P'ss  Cannon,  6  Pounders,  and  was  garrisoned  with  150  Men,  and 
they  have  already  engaged  the  Chippeways,  Ottaways  and  Arun- 
dacks  to  take  up  the  Hatchet  ag'st  the  English,  and  themselves 
have  seiz'd  the  Effects  of  His  Majesty's  Subj'ts  who  were  settled 
here,  and  made  Prisoners  of  their  Persons.  How  they  justify 
this  Conduct,  Y'r  Excell'y  will  see  by  the  enclos'd  Letter  from 
their  Com'd't  to  me.  I  think  it  w'd  very  much  conduce  to  the 
Success  of  the  Service  that  the  Com'd  sh'd  be  undivided  and 
therefore  I  sh'd  be  very  glad  of  Y'r  Concurrence  with  my  Sen- 
tim't  and  y't  the  Men  You  furnish  might  be  put  under  the  Com'd 
of  my  General  Officer.  I  expect  to  meet  our  Assembly  the  14th 
of  next  Mo.  when  I  hope  to  be  enabled  to  enter  on  more  vigor- 
ous Measures,  at  Present  I  have  order'd  out  a  Detachm't  of  the 
Militia  to  cover  the  Works  [we]  are  carrying  on  at  our  Fort  on 
the  Ohio,  and  shall  with  all  Dispatch  furnish  them  with  the  Stores 
and  other  Necessaries  for  its  Completion.  But  as  the  French 
intend  to  be  upon  the  Ohio  early  in  the  Spring  with  a  greater 

f 
*®The  acting  governor  at  tliis  time  was  Benjamin  Tasker,  President 
of  the  Council. 


68  1HN\V1I)1>IK    I'AI'KRS. 

Force  lliaii  ihcy  h.ul  in  ihc  I-all,  w'ch  then  consisted  of  1500 
Men,  it  will  l>e  «>!  the  l;ujt  Consffjucncc  to  have  a  sufficient 
Strt-nvjlh  llurc  rarly  to  oppose  thfiu.  and  the  pres't  Temper  of 
the  Ind's  increases  the  Necessity,  as  they  seem  to  tiefer  coming 
to  Action  till  they  see  us  at  their  Backs  to  support  them,  and  I 
am  persuaded  y't  then  they  will  act  honestly  and  effectually. 
(Otherwise  it  is  apparent  to  me  that  they  will  l)e  lost  to  the  H. 
interest,  as  their  Situat'n  and  the  (ienius  of  that  People  will  lead 
them  to  join  with  the  stron^t'st  Side. 


f.OVKKNOK  DINWIDDIK    lO  TMi:  (loVKKNOR  OK  NKW 
JKK.SKV* 

S'k: 

The  unwarrantable  IVoceedin^  <jI  the  IVench  in  seizinj^  the 
Persons  and  Kflccts  of  His  M'y's  Subj's  who  were  settled  on  the 
Ohio  and  claiminj;  a  ri^ht  to  the  IVssess'n  of  that  Co't'y,  as  \"r 
Excell'y  will  perceive  by  the  Copy  w'ch  I  have  enclos'd  of  the 
French  Com'd't's  Letter  to  me  by  Maj'r  Washinj^ton.  a  (ient.  1 
sent  out  to  the  French  on  this  Occasion,  renders  it  of  such 
imediate  Consequence  to  the  Hon'r  and  Dignity  of  his  M'y's 
Crown  and  the  Preservat'n  of  all  his  Dom's  on  this  Cont't.  that 
I   find  myself  obliij'd  to  aoplv  to  \"v  Fxcell'y  for  all  the  Assisl- 

•■tjovernor  Jonathan  Itelchcr,  (son  of  Andrew,  one  of  the  Council  of 
Massachusetts,  wiio  died  in  1717,  and  grandson  of  Andrew,  who  died 
in  1646J  was  horn  in  Cambridge,  Massachusetts.  January,  1683,  and  died 
at  Kliziibcthtown,  N.  J.,  Au^just  31,  1757.  N'isitiuK  luirope,  where  he 
remained  six  years,  he  maile  the  acquaintance  of  the  I'rincess  Sophia 
and  her  son,  afterwards  (ieor^e  I,  which  laid  the  foundation  of  his 
future  honors.  Keturnin>;  to  Massiichiisetls,  he  was  a  nierrhaiit  at  llos- 
ton.  a  niemln-r  of  the  l'r*»vin<ial  Assembly,  and  in  1729  was  sent  as  an 
Agent  of  the  Province  to  I^ngland.  in  1730  he  w.is  appointed  (»ov- 
cmor  of  Massachusetts  and  New  Hampshire;  superseded  in  1741 
iKTCause  of  a  violent  clamor  against  him,  ImiI  succeeded  in  vindicating 
himself  witli  the  British  Ciovernnu-nt.  an<l  was  appointed  Governor  nf 
New  Jersey,  where  he  arrived  in  1747.  He  extended  the  charter  of  the 
New  Jersey  College,  was  its  chief  patron  and  benefactor,  and  rendcre*! 
eminent  to  the  State. 


DINWIDOIE    PAPERS.  69 

ance  You  can  give;  and  as  I  hope  to  be  soon  enabled  by  the 
approaching  Assembly  to  raise  what  F'orces  I  can  here,  I  propose 
to  have  a  Body  collected  at  Wills  Creek,  the  head  of  Pot'o,  very 
early  in  Mar.,  and  then  sh'd  be  glad  if  they  might  be  join'd  by 
the  Men  that  You  will  cause  to  be  rais'd  for  this  Service,  along 
with  those  I  Expect  from  Pennsylvania.  I  have  chosen  this 
Place  as  more  generally  convenient  to  all  the  Colonies  and 
nearest  to  the  Scene  of  Action.  The  French  have  fortify'd 
themselves  on  Lake  Erie  and  on  a  Branch  of  the  Ohio,  and  have 
220  Canoes  ready  made  and  many  more  block'd  out,  and  every 
Thing  in  readiness  to  execute  their  Design  of  falling  down  the 
River  w'n  the  Waters  serve  in  the  Spring,  and  building  Forts  at 
every  Place  of  Consequence.  They  have  8  Pss.  of  Cannon,  6 
Pounders,  mount'd  at  the  Fort  on  Ohio,  and  have  actually  caus'd 
the  Chippeways,  Ottaways  and  Arundacks  to  take  up  the  Hatchet 
ag'st  the  English.  I  think  it  so  necessary  to  the  Success  of  the 
Service  that  the  Com'o  sh'd  be  undivided,  that  it  w'd  be  a 
Pleasure  to  me  to  find  Y'r  Excellency  in  my  Sentiments,  and  y"t 
you  were  willing  to  entrust  with  my  Gen'l  Officer  the  Forces 
You  send.  It  certainly  is  of  the  last  Consequence  to  be  as  expe- 
ditious as  possible,  especially,  as  the  French  design  to  be  at  Ohio 
early  in  the  Spring  with  a  more  considerable  Number  than  they 
had  there  in  the  Fall,  w'ch  then  Amounted  to  1500. 


GOVERNOR   DINWIDDIE   TO   THE    GOVERNOR   OF 
MASSACHUSETTS.^' 

Sir: 

I  have  had  the  Pleasure  to  receive  Y'r  Fav's  dated  at  Bos- 
ton on  the  26th  of  last  Nov'r,  in  Answer  to  w'ch,  I  present  Y'r 
Excell'y  with  the  following  Intelligence  w'ch  I  just  now  rec'd  by 
the  return  of  a  Gent,  whom   I  sent  out  Express  to  the  French 


"William  Shirley,  Governor  of  Massachusetts  1741-1756,  burn  at 
Preston,  Sussex,  Eng^land,  1693;  died  at  Roxbury,  Mass.,  March  24, 
1771;  bred  to  the  law  ;  came  to  Boston  in  1734  and  practiced  liis  pro- 
fession. When  ai^pointed  Governor  in  1741,  he  was  commissioner  for 
settling  the  boundary  between  Massachusetts  and  Riiode  Island.     He 


70  lUNWIUDIK    PAI'KRS. 

Com't  to  that  I'urpoHc.  In  the  l;u>t  lall  ti)c  l-'rcnch  Irom  Canada 
march'd  about  1500  Men  tu  the  Side  o(  I.akc  Krie  next  Us,  and 
having  made  a  l.<Hl»4m't  thrrr.  they  proccfiK-d  to  a  Branch  of  the 
Ohio  at  al)'t  15  Mili-s  distant,  ami  there  ertcied  another  Fort,  but 
the  Season  and  State  <jI'  the  Waters  obhjj'd  them  to  send  part  of 
their  Tr«M)ps  back  into  Winter  (Juarters,  leavin^ir  a  Garrison  of 
150U  Men  in  their  Fort  on  the  Lake  an<l  a  hke  Numl>er  at  the 
French  Creek  Fort,  where  Maj'r  Wiishinjjton  my  Messenger, 
found  them  in  the  bej^'inning  ol  X'tmas  last  in  a  pahsaded  Fort 
mounted  with  S  Pss.  Cannon,  0  Pouiuii-rs.  antl  1  Pss.  carry inj{  a 
4  l*'d  shot.  They  liad  in  readiness  Materials  for  other  Forts 
w'cli  they  declar'd  their  Intent's  to  erect  on  the  river  Ohio  and 
particularly  at  Lo^stown  (wch  they  purpos'd  to  make  the  chief 
Place  of  their  residence)  so  soon  as  the  Season  w'd  permit  them 
to  embark  and  for  w'ch  he  saw  220  Canoes  ready  hnish'd,  be- 
sides a  great  Numlxjr  more  block  d  out.  Having  deliver'd  his 
Credentials  and  my  Let'r,  he  complained  to  the  Comr  of  the 
Violence  ofier'tl  to  his  M'y's  Subjects  in  Seizing  their  Effects  and 
making  Prisoners  of  their  Persons,  to  w'ch  he  was  answered,  thai 
"The  Co'try  belonged  to  them,  that  no  l-.nglishman  had  a  right  to 
trade  on  these  Waters  and  that  he  had  Orders  to  make  every  Per- 
son Prisoner  that  attempted  it  on  the  Ohio  or  the  Waters  of  it,"  and 
Y'r  Ex'y  will  perceive  these  to  be  their  .Scntim'ts  by  the  enclos'd 

planned  the  successful  ex|H.'dition  n>;ainst  Cape  Breton  hi  1745;  was  in 
KnKlancl  1745-1753,  and  was  sent  as  one  of  the  C«iminissioners  to  Paris 
in  I75f»  to  settle  the  limits  of  Nova  .S<otia  and  otlu-r  «<>ntrovfrte<l  rijjhts 
in  Anierica ;  treated  with  the  Kastern  Indians  in  1754.  and  explored  the 
Kennebec,  erectinjj  two  or  three  forts;  Coniinander  in  Chief  of  the 
Itritish  forres  in  .Anu-rica  in  1755;  planned  tin:  Kx|K-dition  against 
Niagara,  and  proceeded  in  pers«in  as  far  as  Oswego.  Afterwards  (»ov- 
ernor  of  one  of  the  Bahama  Islands,  but  rcturnetl  to  Massachusetts  in 
1770;  built  a  sp.ncious  mansion  at  Koxbur>-.  which  was  sul)sc<|uently  the 
residence  of  (ioviTnor  Kiistis.  He  published  "  Electra,"  a  tragedy; 
"Birth  of  Hi  !  mask;  a  Letter  to  the  Duke  of  Newcastle,  with 

a  jfMirn.Tl  of  t  1   Louisburg.  1745,  an<l  the  Conduct  of  (Veneral 

Wil  tated.  London,  Svo.,  175S.     His  son  William,  an 

oftx  i  the  .Secretary  of  (Icneral  Hraddock.  was  killed 

with  the  latter  in  1755;  and  Thomas,  another  s<jn,  (lK>rn  at  Itoston.  died 
March.  iSoo,  a  Major-(  General  in  the  army.)  was  created  a  Ikironet  in 
1789,  and  made  Ciovemor  of  the  Leeward  Islands.  Another  sttn.  John, 
also  served  as  a  Captain  in  the  French  and  Indian  war. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  71 

answer  of  the  Com't  to  my  Letter,  Copy  thereof  I  have  enclos'd. 
They  have  engag'd  3  Ind'n  Nat's  to  take  up  the  Hatchet  ag'st 
the  Enghsh,  the  Chippeways,  Ottaways  and  Arundacks.  Before 
they  went  into  Winter  Quarters  they  conven'd  the  several  Tribes 
of  Ind's  in  their  neighbourhood  and  told  them  that  they  sh'd  re- 
turn with  more  numerous  Forces  in  the  Spring  and  then  w'd  drive 
all  the  English  away,  and  threatened  the  Ind's  with  Destruct'n 
if  they  presuni'd  to  interfere.  These  Circumstances  induc'd  me 
to  order  out  a  Detachment  from  the  Militia  for  the  Present,  and 
to  call  an  Assembly,  w'ch  I  expect  to  meet  the  14th  of  next  Mo. 
and  then,  if  they  will  enable  me,  I  shall  pursue  the  most  vigorous 
Measures  for  the  asserting  and  preserving  his  M'y's  rights,  in 
w'ch  Y'r  Assistance  will  be  particularly  agreeable  to  me.  I  shall 
with  great  readiness  do  such  an  agreeable  a  Duty,  as  it  i^  on  all 
Occasions,  to  keep  up  a  strict  and  Cordial  Correspondence. 

I  am  with  Esteem, 

S'r,  Y'r  Ex'y  &c. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  JAMES  ABERCROMBIE,  ESQ'R. 

Dear  Sir: 

Feb'y  9th,  1754. 

I  wrote  You  by  his  M'y's  Sloop  Speedwell,  Capt. 
Webb,  to  w'ch  please  be  refer'd.  Last  Night  I  rec'd  a  Copy 
from  a  private  Friend,  of  the  Reasons  our  House  of  Burgesses 
gave  the  Att'o   Gen'l*'^  to  support  their  Address  to  the  King. 


"^  Peyton,  son  of  Sir  John,  and  grandson  of  William  Randolph  of 
"Turkey  Island,"  (born  in  England;  died  in  Virginia  April  11,  171 1), 
was  born  in  1723.  After  graduating  at  William  and  Mary  College,  he 
went  to  England  and  studied  law  at  the  Temple ;  returning  to  Virginia, 
he  commenced  the  practice  of  law;  in  1748  received  the  appointment 
of  King's  Attorney  General  for  the  Colony;  a  member  of  tlie  House  of 
Burgesses,  he  was  sent  to  England  by  tliat  body  as  stated  in  the  text; 
served  as  chairman  of  the  ct)mmittee  to  revise  tlie  laws  of  the  Colony; 
in  1764  he  drew  up  an  Address  from  the  House  of  Burgesses  to  the 


72  DINWIODIK    PAPERS. 

The  Ship  this  comes  by  is  fallen  down  the  River,  that  I  have  not 
Time  to  be  explicit  in  my  Observat's  on  these  reasons,  but  for 
Y'r  Comlurt  I  thouj^ht  it  nfctss.»ry  t»)  send  them  [tt»]  you  with 
my  short  remarks  t>n  iheni,  as  their  reasons  are  actually  incon- 
sistent with  Truth.  It  surpri/'d  me  that  a  Le);islative  liody  c'd 
have  the  assurance  to  let  them  j^o  under  their  Name.  They 
keep  their  two  Addriss[es]  very  secret  Irom  me,  tho'  I  have 
had  the  |>erusal  of  them  |)rivately.  A  third  Address  is  praying; 
His  M'y  that  their  A^jent.  the  Att'o  lien'l,  may  keep  his  Oftice, 
w'ch  surely  from  his  Conduct  he  does  not  deserve  that  In- 
duljjence,  or  do  I  think  it  possible  he  can  have  any  Friends  to 
support  him  after  the  irrej^^ular  Steps  he  took.  However,  tho* 
the  Co'try  is  poor  as  thev  say  in  their  Address  and  reasons,*  yet 
they  give  him  /,'250o,  and  in  case  he  loose  his  [present  oftice,] 
/^3oofor  Life,  or  3000,  and  [jC]2oo  Per  Ann.  to  an  Ajjcnt  that  he 
may  appoint ;  these  are  no  Marks  of  Poverty.  Tho'  w'n  I  want 
a  Supply  to  defeat  the  Invasion  of  the  French,  ike,  then  Poverty 
is  pleaded;  but  I  hope  to  bring  them  into  a  proper  way  of  think- 
ing next  Week,  w'n  the  Ho.  of  Hurgesses  are  to  meet  on  the 
intended  Insults  of  the  French.  The  Reasons  and  my  Answers 
keep  to  \"r  Self,  as  I  have  not  Time  to  be  correct  in  my  (>>bser- 
vat's  on  them,  being  straiten'd  in  Time.  1  hope  this  will  be  the 
last  Let'r  I  shall  write  on  the  Pistole  Fee,  being  really  fatigu'd 
by  a  close  Applicat'n  above  a  Mo.  .My  next  tf)  N'ou  will  Ik*  in 
regard  to  my  Portorico  Affair  ;**  they  have  p'd  some  Money,  but 


Kin^c  .iK.iiiisi  liu-  p.issajji- Ml  liu- ."-ii.i!H|>  .\<  i ,  >|>r.ik«r  in  17M),  uluii  Ite 
resi(;n«'<|  tlu-  oflirr  of  .Attorney  (jeneral.  He  was  proinitic-nt  in  all 
m«  I'liiiK   t'>    iniiriH-mlriire;    Chairm.in  of  the  (.\»mmittfc  on 

Oh  ih;«-  in  177.V  whirli  by  its  recommeniiations  limiiKht  alxnit 

the  meeluiK  of  the  first  (Veneral  Congress  at  I'hiladclphia,  to  whicli  he 
was  sent  as  a  delevjate,  and  was  elected  its  first  I'residfiit,  Scpteml>er  5. 
1774.  On  March  2<jth,  1775.  he  presidetl  over  the  Patriot  Convention 
which  assembled  io  .St.  John's  Church,  at  Kichmond.  and  was  n^ain 
elected  a  delegate  to  Congress.  He  resumed  his  p<»sition  as  .S|>eakrr 
of  the  House  of  I.  for  a  short  time  in  .May.     I'im*"  *he  adjourn- 

ment «»f  that   l«»<;  .rned  to  (.ongress,  and  died   suddenly  of  a 

stroke  of  a|K>plex>,  m  i'liil.tdelphia,  ( )ctolH-r  aa,  1775. 

•The  nominal  salary  of  the  Attorney  Cjeneral  was  ''70  from  tl>e 
revenues  of  the  Colcjny  and  /■70  from  the  Crown. 

•*.'\  private  mercantile  interest,  it  may  be  presumed. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  73 

much  short  of  my  just  Dem'd.  Send  me  a  List  of  the  Ho.  of 
Comons  in  this  new  Elect'n.  My  Wife  and  (iirls  join  in  Com- 
phm'ts  to  you,  and  I  really  am 

S'r,  Y'r  aflfect.  Friend  and  h'ble  Serv't. 

^  Capt.  Hood.^ 


MESSAGE  OF  GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  THE  COUNCIL 
AND   BURGESSES. 

Feb'y  14th,   1754. 

Gent,  of  the  Council,  Mr.  Speaker,  ^  and  Ge?it.  of  the  House 
of  Burgesses  : 

Nothing  less  than  a  very  important  Concern  c'd  have 
induc'd  me  to  call  You  together  again,  after  so  short  a  Recess, 
but  the  dignity  of  the  Crown  of  G't  Britain,  the  Welfare  of  all 
the  Colonies  on  this  Continent,  and  more  especially  of  this 
Dom'n  Engage  me  to  have  Y'r  Advice  and  Assistance  in  an 
Affair  of  the  greatest  Consequence.  Maj'r  Washington  who 
was  sent  by  me  to  the  Com'd't  of  the  French  Forces  on  the 
River  Ohio,  being  return'd,  he  informs  me,  he  found  that  Officer 
at  a  Fort  they  had  erected  on  a  Creek  running  into  the  Ohio, 
and  that  they  were  then  preparing  all  Necessaries  for  building 
another  Fort  on  that  River;  that  they  had  220  Canoes  made, 
and  many  more  rough  hew'd  to  be  made,  in  order  to  transport 
early  this  Spring,  a  great  Number  of  regular  Forces,  not  less 
than  1500  Men,  with  their  Ind's  in  F'dship  with  them,  down  the 
River  Ohio,  in  order  to  build  many  more  Fortresses  on  it,  and 
that  they  propos'd  Logstown  to  be  the  chief  Place  of  their  ren- 
rendezvouz.  Maj'r  Washington  further  reports  that  he  ask'd 
why  they  had  seized  the  Goods  of  our  Traders,  and  sent  their 


^Of  the  "Jamaica  sloop  of  war." 

®*  The  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Burgesses  at  this  time  was  John  Rob- 
inson, who  also  held  the  position  of  Treasurer  of  the  Colony.  He  died 
in  1766,  and  these  offices  were  then  divided,  Peyton  Randolj)!!  succeed- 
ing him  as  Speaker,  and  Robert  Carter  Nicholas  as  Treasurer. 


(4  lilNWIDDIE    I'APKKS. 

Persons  Prisoners  to  Canatla,  to  wch  the  Comd't  answer  d ; 
"That  his  (Orders  from  their  (ien'I.  the  (iovcrnor  of  Canada, 
were,  Not  t«»  |H-rinit  any  Knj^lish  Suhircts  to  trade  on  the  Waters 
of  the  Ohio,  but  tt>  sei/c  their  (»o<kIs  and  send  then)  Prisoners  to 
Quebeck."  He  also  ;isk'd  the  re.ison  of  taking  Mr.  Frazier's" 
Hi>use  from  him.  w'ch  he  had  built  and  lived  in  upwards  of 
twelve  ye-ars.  Me  s'd  that  Man  was  lucky  that  he  made  his 
Kacapc,  or  he  w'd  have  sent  him  Prisoner  to  Canada.  These 
Transact's  are  entirely  inconsistent  with  the  Treaties  subsistinjj 
between  the  two  Crowns,  and  contrary  to  my  Instruct's  frou)  His 
M'y.  whereby  I  am  directed  to  prevent  any  foreign  Power  set- 
tling or  buildinij  any  I"ortics.ses  on  His  M'y's  Lands;  And  to  the 
aforemention'd  unjustifiable  Insults  of  the  I*"rench.  the  cruel  and 
barbarous  Murder  in  cool  Blood  of  a  whole  Family  in  this 
Dom'n,  Man,  Wife,  and  five  children,  no  lonj^cr  apo  than  last 
Month  ;  and  very  lately  a  poor  Man  on  the  .So.  Hranch  of  Poto- 
mack  [was]  robbed  of  his  son.  These  Depredations  were  said 
to  be  done  by  the  French  Ind's.  but  if  I  be  rij^hily  informed, 
some  of  the  French  -Subjects  always  j>o  with  the  Ind's  on  these 
Incursions,  and  are  both  privy  to  and  Instij^ators  of  their  Rob- 
beries and  Murders.  How  compa.ssionale  then  must  be  the  dis- 
tressful Situation  of  that  poor,  unhappy  F"amily.  surrounded  by 
a  Crowd  of  Miscreants,  dreadfully  rushing  on  to  perpetrate  the 
most  -savajje  Barbarity,  insensible  to  the  Cries  of  the  Tender 
Infant,  inexorable  to  the  Parent's  Intreaties,  basely  determin'd 
to  destroy  without  Provocation  those  who  c'd  not  resist  their 
Violence.  Think,  \'ou  see  the  Infant  lorn  from  the  unavailing 
Struggles  of  the  distracted  Mother,  the  Daughters  ravish "d  be- 
fore the  Kyes  of  their  wretched  Parents,  and  then,  with  Cruelty 
and  Insult,  butcher d  and  scalp'd.  .Supf>ose  the  horrid  .Scene 
compleatcd  and  the  whole  Family,  Man,  Wife  and  Children  (as 
they  w«Te.  ■  mnrder'd  and  .Scalp'd  by  these  relentless  Sav.i.  ■ 
antl  then  torn  in  Pieces,  and  in  Part  dcvour'd  by  wild  Beasi-  i 
whom  they  were  left  a  Prey  by  their  more  brutal  Knemics.  But 
ho.'.  ■  \       -  Indignation  rise  when  you  extend  your  View  to 

•'Jiihn  Kra/icr  hack  lived  for  some  time  in  the  Ohio  country  .is  an 
Indian  trader.  He  had  a  house  nt  tlie  mouth  of  the  Creek,  ten  miles 
up  the  .Monon^ahvla  from  the  fork  of  the  Ohio  river,  and  near  the  sfjot 
afterward.H  remlcrcd  memorable  by  Braddock"s  defeat. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  75 

the  Abettors  of  these  X'illanies.  Such  are  the  People  whose 
Neighbourhood  You  must  now  prevent,  or  with  the  most  proba- 
ble Expectation,  think  to  see  in  the  Bosom  of  Your  Country  these 
Evils  that  You  as  yet  have  only  the  melancholy  Tidings  of  from 
Your  Frontiers.  Consider  the  bloody  Villains  thievishly  lurking 
about  a  Man's  Plantation,  and  where  they  dare  not  attack  like 
Men,  basely  like  Virmin,  stealing  and  carrying  away  the  helpless 
Infant,  that  happen'd  to  wander,  tho'  but  a  little  distance  from  his 
Father's  Threshold.  I  assure  You,  Gent,  these  Insults  on  our 
Sovereign's  Protection  and  Barbarities  on  our  Fellow  Subjects, 
make  deep  Impressions  on  my  Heart,  and  I  doubt  not,  as  You 
must  hear  them  with  Horror  and  resentment,  but  You  will 
enable  me  by  a  full  and  sutiicient  Supply  to  exert  the  most 
vigorous  Efforts  to  secure  the  rights  and  assert  the  Honour 
and  Dignity  of  our  Sovereign;  to  drive  away  these  cruel  and 
treacherous  Invadors  of  your  Properties,  and  Destroyers  of  your 
Families,  and  thereby  to  gratify  my  warmest  Wishes  in  estab- 
lishing the  Security  and  Prosperity  of  Virg'a  on  the  most  solid 
and  permanent  Foundations. 


MESSAGE  OF  GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  THE  HOUSE 
OF  BURGESSES. 

Gent,  of  the  Ho.  of  Burgesses  : 

I  must  Earnestly  recommend  to  You,  his  M'y's  Com- 
mands for  a  proper  Supply,  the  imediate  Necessity  whereof  at 
this  Time,  I  desire  You  will  seriously  consider,  and  by  a  ready 
and  Effectual  Compliance  recomend  Yourselves  and  the  Country 
to  his  Roj'^al  Fav'r.  This  is  Y'r  Part,  Gent.  What  I  c'd,  before 
Your  Meeting,  I  have  done  for  the  Public,  and  by  the  Advice  of 
the  Council  I  have  array'd  some  Part  of  the  Militia,  w'ch  I  have 
order'd  up  to  the  Ohio,  with  all  possible  Expedition,  to  build 
a  Fort  there  at  the  Forks  of  Monongehala,  and  as  His  M'y's 
gracious  Present  of  30  Pieces  of  Cannon,  80  lbs.  Powder  and 
other  Ordnance  Stores  suitable,  are  arriv'd,  I  have  sent  Ten  of 
the  Cannon  and  a  Proportion  of  Amunition  to  Alexandria,  to  be 


7'^  ''N"  !I>lJlK    I'AI'tKS. 

Inun  ihcucr  tr.inspoi t  ti  .is  ><>on  as  possible  l<i  ihe  Ohio,  I  have 
wTiJic  to  thf  iK-i)^hboiiiinj(  colonics  lor  their  Aiil  and  Assistance, 
which  I  have  jjood  reason  to  Kxpect.  but  1  must  observe  to  You 
that  their  Kyes  are  hx'd  on  \"r  Proceedin^js  and  I  ho|>c  ^'ou 
will  linjjayje  them  by  a  laudable  Mxample  to  contribute  suffi- 
ciently to  the  common  cause.  The  late  Occasion  having  sug- 
gestetl  to  me  some  defect  in  the  Act  for  making  Provision  agst 
Invasions  and  Insurrections.  I  think  proper  to  observe  to  You, 
that  the  Pay  is  very  unequally  proportion'd,  being  too  high  for 
the  Soldier  and  too  low  for  the  Officer,  and  there  is  no  Provision 
made  for  a  Doctor,  a  Comissary  of  Stores,  and  Several  other 
requisites.  I  think  it  w'd  be  better  to  pay  the  Militia  in  Money, 
than  Tob'o,  by  which  there  n)ay  be  a  saving  to  the  Count rv  and 
the  Men  better  satisfied. 


MESSA(iE  OF   THi:  COVKKNOR  TO  THK  COl'NCIK  AND 

mK(.i:.s.si:.s. 

6V///.  0/  till-  Council,  and  (Jinl.  of  ihe  I!o.  of  liurgc&ses  : 

I  look  upon  the  Safety  and  Welfare  of  N'irg'a  to  depend 
on  \'x  Councils  and  determinations  ai  this  critical  Juncture,  wch 
therefore  ought  to  l)e  uninterrupted  by  any  Avocations  from 
Prejudice  or  unseasonable  Divisions,  at  all  times  the  Bane  of 
Publick  Consultations,  but  wch  at  present  w'd  be  particularly 
fatal,  and  1  doubt  not  w'n  \ow  seriously  consiiler  the  Importance 
of  w't  is  laid  before  You,  ^'ou  will  find  duty,  Hon'r  and  N'our 
own  Preservation,  all  united,  to  Kngage  \'ou  to  E.xert  Your 
FfTorts  equal  to  the  (Occasion.  The  Season  for  entering  upon 
Action  being  so  near  at  Hand.  \'our  Session  can  but  be  short, 
and  I  desire  to  conclude  with  an  earnest  Kxhortation  to  Concord 
and  Expedition,  but  if  we  be  divided,  or  slow  in  deliberation,  our 
Enenues  may  seize  the  1  ime  we  loose,  and  render  any  future 
Eflfort  ineffectual,  and  in  all  Measures  for  his  M'y's  Service  and 
the  Good  of  this  Colony,  ^'ou  will  have  my  ready  and  Zealous 
Concurrence. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  77 

ADDRESS  OF  THE  COUNCIL  TO  GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE. 

The  humble  Address  of  the  Council,  Feb'}'  i6th  [/"jv]. 

Sir: 

We,  His  Majesty's  faithful   and  loyal  Subjects,  the  Council 

of  Virg-'a  now  met  in  general  Assembly  beg  Leave  to  return  Y'r 
Hon'r  our  hearty  Thanks  for  Y'r  kind  Speech  at  the  Opening 
of  this  Session.  We  cannot  forbear  to  Express  our  just  In- 
dignation at  the  unwarrantable  Encroachm'ts  and  hostile  Pro- 
ceedings of  the  French,  and  at  the  same  Time  to  testify  our 
Approbat'n  of  the  prudent  steps  already  taken  by  Y'r  Hon'r 
for  the  defence  and  Security  of  this  Colony.  Our  ardent  Zeal 
for  the  support  of  His  Majesty's  Crown  and  Dignity,  and  our 
tender  regard  for  the  Welfare  and  Prosperity  of  our  Country, 
will  incline  Us  by  a  chearful  Concurrence  with  the  Ho.  of  B. 
to  Exert  our  most  vigorous  Eftbrts  to  support  and  Effect  Y'r 
Hon'rs  Proceedings  in  w't  we  agree  to  be  the  comon  Cause  of 
of  all  the  B.  Colonies  upon  this  Cont't,  and  more  especially  of 
this  Dom'n,  and  we  assure  Your  Hon'r  y't  in  all  our  Con- 
sultat's  we  will  proceed  with  y't  Harmony  and  Dispatch  y't 
the  Importance  of  the  Subject  and  advanc'd  Season  require. 
We  cannot  conclude  without  our  Earnest  Prayers  y't  Y'r  Hon'r's 
constant  Labours  may  be  crown'd  with  their  desir'd  success 
and  our  warmest  Wishes  y't  our  Country  may  long  continue 
to  flourish  under  Y'r  Hon'r's  administrat'n ;  from  whence  we 
may  with  reason  hope  to  see  her  Security  and  Prosperity  Es- 
tablish'd  on  the  most  solid  and  permanent  Foundat'n. 


REPLY  OF  GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  THE  PRECEDING 
ADDRESS. 

To  w'ch  His  Hon'r  was  pleased  to  return  the  follow'g  Answer: 

Genf^i  of  the  Coicncil: 

I  return  You  my  smcere  Thanks  for  your  kind  Address, 
and  do  assure  You  it  gives  me  great  Pleasure  y't  the  Steps  I 
have  taken  in  the  present  situat'n  of  our  Affairs  meet  with  Your 


I>IN\V1I>1>IK    I'AI'KK" 

Approbat'n.  Your  ArtltDt  /ral  lor  His  M  y  >  c  r<»wn  .iml  hi^j- 
nily  and  y'r  rcj»ard  lor  ihc  Prosperity  ami  Wtllarc  «>l*  our  Coun- 
try, with  y'r  Intent'»  ol  Concurring  with  the  Ho.  of  H.  to  exert 
their  most  vij^orous  ICtForts  lor  i-upiKjriinjj  me  in  my  Proceedings 
agsl  the  Knemy.  call  lor  my  most  unlciyjn'd  Thanks,  And  1  have 
not  the  least  Doubt  of  y'r  proceeding  with  Harmony,  Dispatch 
and  resolution  on  the  present  Emergency.  1  am  much  obliged 
for  y"r  Prayers  for  Success  to  my  Kndeavours,  w'ch  I  assure  you 
shall  always  be  with  a  \'icw  for  the  Welfare  and  Prosperity  of 
this  Dom'n.  and  I  hope  by  our  Conduct  y't  our  Knemies  will  sec 
we  are  not  disunited,  but  closely  connected  in  defence  of  our 
rights  and  Liberties. 


.\ltliKl..s.>  (11     nil.   i;i  Kl.i;.S.Sl.S    l\)  (,U\KK.\()K    PINUIPDll-:. 

Febry  isth,  I7«i4. 
Sr: 

VVe,  His  M"ajesly's  most  dutiful  and  loyal  Subjects,  the  Bur- 
gesses of  y's  His  most  ancient  Colony  and  Dom'n  of  Virg'a,  now- 
met  in  Cieneral  Assembly,  humbly  beg  leave  to  return  \"r  Hon'r 
our  Thanks  for  \'r  Speech  to  the  Council  and  this  House.  With 
Hearts  full  of  Zeal  for  His  Majt.'sty's  Service  and  the  Interest  of 
ys  Col'y,  and  lir'd  with  rcsentml  and  Indignat'n  at  the  unjusti- 
fiable Proceedings  and  Mncroachm'is  of  the  French  and  French 
Ind's,  we  do  in  the  strongest  Terms  express  our  utmost  Abhor- 
rence of  their  late  barbarous  Cruelties  and  depredat's  comitted 
on  the  I'rontiers  and  His  Majesty's  .Subjects  inhabiting  there. 
We  are  truly  sensible  of  the  Importance  of  the  several  Matters 
recomended  to  Us  by  \"r  Hon'r.  and  we  do  assure  You  y't  we 
will  take  the  same  into  our  serious  Considerat'n  and  act  therein 
agreeable  to  the  Duty  we  owe  to  our  Kinv;  ami  Country. 


DINWIUDIE    PAPERS.  79 

MESSAGE  OF  GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  PROROGUING  THE 
ASSEMBLY. 

Gent,  of  the   Council,  Mr.  Speaker  and  Gent,   of  the  IIo.  of 
Burgesses  : 

The  Business  of  the  Session  being  concluded,  I  shall 
detain  You  no  longer,  Y'n  to  thank  You  for  the  Supply  You 
have  granted,  w'ch  I  will  endeavour  to  make  effective  of  the 
good  Purposes  for  w'ch  it  is  given.  I  have  tho't  fit  to  prorogue 
this  Assembly  to  the  third  Thursday  in  Apr.  next,  and  You  are 
accordingly  prorogu'd  to  y"t  Time. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  GOVERNOR  DeLANCEV  OF 
NEW  YORK. 

Sir: 

As  I  wrote  You  lately  by  an  Express,  I  desire  to  be  refer'd 
thereto,  I  prorogu'd  our  Assembly  this  day;  they  have  voted 
io,ooo[^]  for  Supporting  the  British  Int't  against  the  Invasions 
of  the  French,  &c.  In  consequence  thereof  I  shall  imediately 
endeavour  to  raise  6  Compa's  of  Men  to  march  directly  to 
Wills's  Creek,  the  head  of  the  Patowmack  River,  where  I  hope 
You  will  be  made  able  by  Y'r  Ho.  of  Assembly  to  give  us  a 
handsome  Aid  and  Assistance.  I  wrote  to  the  Cherokees  and 
Catawbas  to  send  some  of  their  Warriors  to  defend  their  hunting 
Grounds  on  the  river  Ohio;  as  they  have  formerly  promised 
their  Assistance,  I  am  in  hopes  they  will  now  comply,  that  we 
may  be  able  to  make  a  Defence  ag'st  the  French  and  their  Ind's. 
Next  May,  I  propose  meeting  some  Chiefs  of  the  different 
Nations  of  Ind's  at  Winchester,  where,  if  I  can  be  of  any  Service 
to  You  or  Your  Colony,  freely  Com'd. 

S'r,  Y'r  most  h'ble  Serv't. 

Feb'y  23rd,  1754. 


I 


80  UINWIDUIK    PAPERS. 


1,C)VI:K.N(>K  DINUIDDli:   ro  C.(>\  I.KNOK  liuKAIK)  SHAKl'i:" 

OF  MAKVLAND 
Sir: 

1  have-  rt-c'cl  the  l-'av  o  of  \"r  I. titer  of  the  loth  Curr't,  and 
observe  V'r  Ass'y  were  to  meet  the  25th.  and  hope  they  will 
chearfully  aid  the  intendetl  Expedition  aj^'st  the  Enemies  of  our 
Country.  I  j)rorogud  our  Assembly  this  Day.  They  have 
given  lo.ooo;^,  this  Money,  for  the  support  of  His  M'y's  right  to 
the  Lands  on  the  Ohio;  in  conse<juence  thereof  1  design  to  raise 
t'jve'or  si.x  Compas  of  Men  to  march  to  Wills 's  Creek  with  all 
prudent  {expedition,  but  I  dread  their  bein^  there  so  soon  as  I 
formerly  wrote  You,  but  I  hope  they  will  l>e  early  in  April,  and 
[I  ]  shall  be  j^lad  \*our  Forces  c'd  be  there  at  the  same  Time.  I 
have  wrote  to  the  Cherokees  and  Catawbas  Nations  of  Ind's  to 
the  So'w'd  of  this,  who  some  .Mo's  a^o  offer'd  a  Body  of  1000  of 
their  Warriors  to  go  to  the  Ohio.  I  have  by  Kxpress  order'd 
their  marching  to  the  Ohio  to  defend  their  hunting  Grounds,  and 
that  they  sh'd  be  supported  by  Forces  from  this  [Colony],  w'ch, 
if  they  comply  with,  1  am  in  hopes  we  shall  make  some  Figure 
there.  I  have  30  Cannon  from  the  Crown;  Ten  thereof  I  have 
orderd  to  be  mounted  on  the  Fort  to  be  erected  on  the  Ohio. 
In  May  next  I  shall  proceed  to  Winchester  to  meet  the  Chiefs  of 
several  Nations  of  Ind's,  and  to  deliver  them  a  Present  from  His 
M'y.  If  I  can  be  of  any  Service  to  \o\i,  or  the  Colony  happy 
under  Y'r  Com'd,  I  shall  chearfully  receive  Y'r  Directions.  I  am 
with  great  Sincerity 

^"r  V.\.  most  ohM't  h'hlr  st-rv't. 
Feb'y  23d.  [1754] 


*"Morati'i  I~>li;ir}>c  .irri\(.d  111  tlic  j>roviiKc  as  Ijuvcrnor.  August  10, 
'753.  servinjj  until  1769.  He  hat!  bven  appuinted  to  the  local  ^rade  of 
Lieutenant  r«»loiH-l  of  the  Hritish  Army  in  the  West  Indies,  which  |K»si- 
tion  he  held  until  177S.  He  had  seen  no  active  service.  His  character 
for  inteRrity  was  unimpeachahU-.  Init  his  ability  as  a  Governor  was 
mediocre,  and  t"-  "•■->-''ssed  but  little  military  capacity. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  81 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE   TO  GOVERNOR  JAMES  HAMILTON 
OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

S'r: 

I  lately  wrote  You  by  an  Express,  w'ch  please  to  be  refer'd 
to.  Since  that  our  Assembly  have  met  and  voted  io,ooo[^]  for 
suppressing  the  B.  Interest  and  these  Colonies  from  the  Insults 
and  Invasions  of  the  French,  &c.  In  Consequence  thereot  I 
shall  raise  6  Companies  of  Men  to  march  to  the  Ohio,  where 
I  propose  building  a  Fort,  and  have  sent  lo  Cannon  to  be 
mounted  there. '  As  I  am  engag'd  to  meet  the  Chiefs  of  the 
several  Tribes  of  Ind's  at  Winchester  next  May,  w'ch  the 
Cha's  attending  this  Expedition  to  the  Ohio  makes  our  As- 
sembly backward  in  loading  the  Country  with  more  Expenses, 
therefore  do  not  appoint  any  Com'rs  for  Albany.*'  I  hope  that 
will  be  allowed  an  Excuse  for  not  complying  with  the  directions 
of  the  B'd  of  Trade.  I  expect  Aid  from  Y'r  Colony  to  defeat 
tlie  intended  Invasion  of  the  French  on  the  Ohio,  w'ch  shall  be 
glad  to  have  confirm'd  by  a  Line  from  You.  Our  Forces,  I 
expect,  will  be  at  the  Head  of  the  Potowmack  [the]  latter  end  of 
Mar.  or  [the]  beginning  of  Apr.  I  rem'n  with  very  great 
respect 

Y'r  H'r's  most  ob'd't  h'ble  seiv't. 

23rd  Feb'ry,  [1754.] 

®The  Convention  assembled  at  Albany,  June  19,  1754,  and  was  com- 
posed of  delegates,  for  ability  and  fortime,  the  most  prominent  in 
America.  The  Colonies  of  New  York,  Massachusetts,  New  Hampshire, 
Connecticut,  Rhode  Island,  Pennsylvania,  and  Maryland  were  repre- 
sented. The  proceedings  were  important.  Not  only  was  "the  chain 
of  friendship  brightened  "  with  the  Six  Nations,  and  their  alliance  se- 
cured, but  a  significant  step  was  taken  in  the  march  of  political  rights. 
A  plan  for  the  union  of  the  Colonies,  presented  by  Benjamin  Franklin, 
on  the  loth  of  July,  was  adopted.  By  its  terms  the  General  Govern- 
ment was  to  be  conducted  by  a  President  appointed  and  supported  by 
the  Crown,  and  a  Council  of  48  members  chosen  by  the  representatives 
of  the  several  Colonies,  which  was  to  choose  its  own  speaker  and  was 
authorized  to  raise  and  pay  soldiers,  build  forts,  ecpiip  vessels  and  nomi- 
nate military  officers.  They  were  to  meet  at  Philadelphia  upon  the 
calf  of  the  President. 


82  1JIN\MI)1>II.    I-APERS. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIK  TO  JONATHAN  HKLCHER 
<  ■  -V  '  "\()K  OK  Ni:\V  ll-.KSl.V. 
Sr 

I  wrote  You  lately  by  .in  Mx|)ress  to  which  I  refer  You. 
Sincf  that,  our  Assembly  has  met  anti  voted  lo.ooo/^  toward  the 
Expedit'n  to  the  Ohio.  I  am  in  j^reat  Hopes  of  Aid  from  N'ou, 
w'ch  if  \"r  Asscnibly  have  (jualified  \'ou  to  raise  Men  to  assist 
the  comon  Cause,  I  sh'd  be  jjlad  if  Y'r  Forces  c'd  join  them  of 
I'ensylv'a  so  as  to  be  at  the  Place  of  rendezvous  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible.    I  am  with  very  ^reat  K  and  R., 

Y'r  K.\.  most  Obedt  hblc  Serv't. 
23d  Feb'ry.  [1754] 


GOV  KR  NOR  DINWIDDIF:  TO  I.OKD  I  AIR  FAX. 

Rt   Hi'.i.k: 

I  have  the  HcMi'r  (j1  \'r  Lct'r  [ol  J  llic  i  ith  Curr't  f* 
Majr  Washitijiton  and  am  sorry  the  first  Orders  I  jjave  in 
respect  to  the  Militia  sh'd  meet  with  such  disrespect  in  a  Co'ty 
uniler  ^"r  L'ds.  Com'd,  I  wish  You  had  made  a  Draft  of  50  Men 
and  taken  their  Names  and  deliver'd  them  over  to  Maj'r  \V.  and 
if  they  had  not  march'd  aj^reeable  to  his  Orders,  then,  the  Act 
of  Assembly  w'd  have  taken  Place  at;'st  them,  but  as  I  conceive 
they  were  spirited  L'p  and  encoura^'d  in  this  Breach  of  their 
Duty  by  some  of  their  Officers,  w'ch  I  sh'd  have  been  ^ImI  \"r 
I/ds.  c'd  have  pointed  them  out,  that  I  might  have  prosecuted 
them  according  to  Law.  As  the  Case  now  stands,  I  can  only 
say  they  are  unworthy  of  their  Comi.sss.  I  therefore  desire 
\'ou  will  please  to  take  the  Comi.sss  from  those  you  suspect, 
and  enclos'd  I  send  \'ou  six  HIank  Comiss's  to  be  fill'd  up  as 
You  see  proper,  and  [I]  hope  to  such  Persons  as  will  be  obedient 
to  Com'ds,  and  at  [the]  same  Time,  let  the  Delinquents  know  I 
am  much  offended  at  the  disrespect  shewn  to  my  Orders,  espe- 
cially at  this  criticil  Time.  I  have  the  Hon'r  to  subscribe 
inVM-lf 

\'  r  L'ds.  most  obed't  h'ble  Serv't. 

feb'ry  23rd,  1754. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  83 

GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  MAJOR  JOHN  CARLVLE. 

Feb'y  25th,  [1754-] 
Sir: 

I  hope  the  Cannon  and  other  Stores  came  safely  to  Y'r 
hands  from  Colo.  Hunter,  and  that  You  have  at^reeable  to  my 
former  Orders,  forwarded  the  Cannon  to  Wills's  Creek.  The 
sooner  they  are  there,  the  better,  as  1  w'd  gladly  hope  the  Forces 
will  be  ready  to  march  from  Y'r  Town  the  middle  of  next  Mo. 
As  Colo.  Fairfax  is  to  be  Comander  in  Chief  of  the  Forces,'"  I 
must  refer  You  to  him  for  the  Qu'ty  of  Provisions  You  are  to 
provide  and  I  desire  You  may,  as  soon  as  [they  are]  purchas'd, 
forward  them  to  Wills's  Creek,  that  there  may  be  no  disap- 
pointm't  to  the  Forces  when  they  get  there,  and  observe,  there 
must  be  pretty  many  Waggons  engag'd  to  carry  the  Stores  and 
Provisions  out  to  the  Ohio.  Have  proper  vouchers  for  Y'r 
different  Purchases  and  other  Cha's  attending  Y'r  Duty.  I  hope 
no   Delay  will  be  attributed  to  You. 

I  am  with  kind  respects, 

S'r,  Y'r  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  JAMES  DELANCEY,  GOVERNOR 

OF  NEW  YORK. 
S'r: 

I  wrote  You  by  Ex[)ress  three  Weeks  Since,  but  he  is  not 
yet  ret'd.  As  our  Assembly  voted  io,ooo[^]  for  the  present  Ex- 
pedit'n  to  the  Ohio,  I  have  Comiss'd  Officers  and  order'd  six 
Companies  to  be  rais'd  imediately.  I  am  in  hopes  they  will  soon 
meet  at  Alexandria  on  the  Head  of  Pot'o  River  and  that  they 
will  be  on  their  March  to  the  Ohio  the  latter  End  of  this  Mo.  or 
early  in  April.  The  orders  the  comand'g  Officer  has  from  me, 
are,  to  erect  a  Fort  imediately  on  the  Forks  of  Monongahela, 
w'ch  com'ds  that  River  and  Part  of  the  River  Ohio.  I  have 
sent  10  Pss.  Ordnance  and  other  Stores  proper  for  the  executing 

^"Of  the  Militia  from  the  vicinity  of  Alexandria. 


84  1>IN\\  IDIHK    PAI'KRS. 

the  above  I)fsi)^n,  but  wc  .shall  make  but  an  iiuiitfcrcnt  appear- 
ance without  the  Help  of  our  Nci^jhbourinjj  Colonies,  w'ch  I  ex- 
|>ect  ihev  will  at  this  Time  exert  Themselves  for  the  Good  of  the 
comon  Cause,  and  1  tlepeml  much  on  the  Assistance  of  the 
Colony  Vou  preside  over.  N'estcrday  the  enclos'd  Letter  from 
the  F.[arl]  of  Holdernesse"  came  to  my  Hands  by  w'ch  Vou  will 
please  to  observe  \'ou  are  directed  to  send  two  of  \'our  Inde- 
pendent Compa's  to  this  Dom'n  imediately  and  as  our  AtTairs  to 
defeat  the  Designs  of  the  I*rench  will  atlmit  of  no  Delay,  occa- 
sions my  sending'  this  by  I-.xpress  that  ^'ou  may  send  those 
Companies  with  all  prudent  Dispatch,  that  they  may  be  at  the 
Ohio  in  Apr.  I  am  of  Opinion  if  \'ou  hire  a  Sloop  to  bring 
them  by  Sea  to  Alexandria  at  the  Head  of  I'ot'o  River,  will  be 
the  quickest  and  easiest  Method  of  transporting^  them  here.  If 
this  meets  with  Vour  Appiobai'n  I  w"d  further  recomend  the 
sendjij  in  that  \essell  six  Mo's  Provis'n  of  each  Specie.  I  am 
told  from  Alex'a  their  March  will  be  about  150  Miles,  the  roads 
will  be  pretty  well  open'd  by  the  March  of  our  Forces,  Waggons 
&c.     On  return  of  this   Express  if  Vou  advise  me  of  the  Time 


"Kobfrt  D'.Arcy.  the  fourth  and  last  ICarl  of  Holdc-rne.sse,  succeeded 
to  Ills  father's  title  Jamiary  2t».  1721,  and  was  constituted  Lord  Lieu- 
tenant of  the  North  KidiiiK  of  Yorkshire  in  November,  1740;  appointed 
April.  1741,  one  of  the  I-ords  of  his  M.ijesty's  l)ed-thamber.  anti  in  1743 
was  present  with  (ieorKC  I  at  the  l)attle  of  Dittengen;  Emt>as.sador 
Extraordinary-  to  tlie  Republic  of  Venice  in  1744,  residing  there  two 
years.  He  was  sent  Minister  Plenipotentiary  to  the  .Slates  (leneral  in 
1749,  and  remained  in  Holland  until  May.  1751.  Hein;j  a  favcirite  of  the 
Kin^.  U|>on  the  breaking  up  of  the  .Ministry  in  June,  he  succeeded  the 
Duke  <if  lU-dford  as  .Secretary  of  .State.  In  October  he  was  sent  to  the 
Hague  with  letters  of  ctmdolence  on  the  decease  of  the  .Stadtholder, 
and  in  March,  1752,  w.is  appointed  one  of  the  Lords  justices  to  ailmin- 
i.ster  the  government  in  the  King's  absence.  Resigned  .xs  Mini.ster  in 
1757,  but  was  reinstated  in  less  than  a  fortnight.  In  March,  1761,  he 
was  given  a  pension  of  ^"4,000  a  year,  with  the  reversion  of  the  Cinque 
ports  for  life,  and  was  succeeded  as  .Secretary  by  the  Karl  of  Bute.  He 
married  in  1743  at  the  Hague.  Mary  Doublet,  the  daughter  of  a  Dutch 
Nobleman,  by  whom  he  had  two  sou.s  and  one  daughter.  Lidy  Amelia 
D'Arcy,  who  married  in  1773  Francis  (iodolphin,  Mar«|uis  of  Caermer- 
then,  afterwards  Duke  of  !,eeds,  from  whom  she  eloped  with  Captain 
John  Byron,  father  of  Lord  Bynin,  the  poet.  The  Earl  of  Holdemesse 
dierl  in  1778,  when  the  title  Iwcame  extinct. 


dinwiudip:  papers.  85 

the  two  Compa's  may  be  expected  at  Alex'a,  I  shall  take  the 
necessary  Care  of  providing  Carriages  for  their  Provisions,  &c. 
Flower  will  be  easier  Carriage  than  Bread.  I  am  fully  convinc'd 
when  You  consider  our  present  Situation  and  the  Threats  of  the 
French,  You  will  agree  with  me  that  no  Time  is  to  be  lost.  I 
wish  their  c'd  be  a  Faint  made  towards  Canada  by  Y'r  Colony 
and  N.  Engl'd  to  prevent  their  send'g  the  Number  of  Forces  from 
Quebeck  they  propose  to  be  at  Logstown  this  Spring,  w'ch  [I] 
am  of  Opinion  they  cannot  well  spare  and  keep  themselves  under 
proper  Protect'n,  but  you  are  a  better  Judge  of  their  Strength 
&c.  there,  than  1  am.  1  am  inform'd  the  French  Forces  from 
Canada  march  in  sight  of  Your  Fort  Oswego,  if  so,  the  Officer 
there  may  be  able  to  tell  their  Numbers,  w'ch  will  be  of  Service 
in  Keeping  our  People  on  their  Guard,  an  Express  therefore  on 
such  Information  will  be  of  Service,  with  the  Time  they  pass, 
w'ch  I  am  told  cannot  be  untill  the  Middle  of  Aprill.  I  need 
say  no  more  to  You  on  this  Head,  being  convinc'd  of  Y'r  Strong 
Attachm't  to  His  My's  Int't  and  the  Good  of  these  Colonies. 
Enclos'd  I  send  You  Maj'r  Washington's  Journal  to  the  French 
Comd't.     I  rem'n  with  very  great  respect 

Y'r  Hon'rs  most  obed't  h'ble  Serv't. 
Mar.  I  St,  1754. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  HORATIO  SHARPE  GOVERNOR 
OF  MARYLAND. 

S'r: 

The  Express  I  sent  to  the  No'thern  Colonies  is  not  Yet 
ret'd.  I  am  therefore  in  Pain  till  I  know  w't  Aid  we  may  expect 
from  them,  and  w't  Y'r  Assembly  have  voted  on  the  present 
Emergency,  not  doubting  of  Y'r  Endeavours  in  soliciting  the 
same.  I  rec'd  Letters  Yesterday  from  the  E.  of  Holdernesse 
with  a  Packet  to  the  Gov'r  of  N.  York,  ordering  him  to  send 
two  of  the  Independ't  Compa's  there,  to  this  Dom'n  to  march 
to  the  Ohio,  to  continue  at  the  Forts  I  propose  to  erect  at 
the  Forks  of  Monongahela,  but  as  new  rais'd  Forces  do  not 
incHne  to  mix  with  the  regulars,  I  keep  this  as  a  Secret  till  our 


86  DINWIDUIH    PAI'ERS. 

F"orccs  arc  march'd,  and  lu)pc  Now  will  tio  iht*  Same.  We  arc 
now  raising  six  Conipa.s  wch  I  expect  will  In-  at  Alex  a  the  20lh 
of  this  Mo.  and  from  thence  to  Willss  Creek  and  so  to  the  Ohio. 
I  have  sent  lo  Pss.  Cannon  ^c.  to  be  carried  out  and  order'd 
Provis'n  for  six  Mo's  with  VVa^j^ons  to  atteml  our  Small  regi- 
ment. The  Com'd  of  the  Whole  I  have  j^iven  to  Colo.  J.  Fry, 
a  man  of  jjood  Sense  and  an  able  Mathemat'n  and  I  hope  every 
Thinj^  will  be  conducted  with  Spirit  and  j^ood  Order.  I  shall 
be  i^lad  to  know  \''r  I'orces  will  be  reaily  lo  .March  for  I 
think  there  is  no  Time  to  be  lost,  as  the  French  will  be  very 
active  w'n  they  hear  of  our  .Motions.  Knclos'd  I  send  Vou 
Maj'r  W.'s  Journal  to  the  I-'rench  Com'd't.  We  are  in  much 
Distress  for  proper  Officers,  but  have  taken  all  possible  Care  of 
choosinjj  the  best  we  have,  but  not  so  well  accjuaint'd  with  the 
Arts  of  War  as  I  c'd  wish,  but  ;us  our  Cause  is  just,  I  hope  for 
the  Protecl'n  of  Heaven.  I  rem'n  with  very  ^reat  respect, 
^"r  I-x's  most  obed't  h'blc  .Scrv't. 
.Mar.   isl.  1754. 


GOVKRNOK    DI.WVIDDIi:   K)  (  K  )Vi: k.\(  »!<  H.XMII.TON  OF 
PKNN.SVI.VANIA. 

S'r: 

Having  Occasion  of  Sending  an  Fx press  to  .\.  \'ork  I 
trouble  \o\.\  with  this  to  accj't  ^'ou  we  are  raising  Forces  to 
proceed  to  the  Ohio,  to  prevent  the  Intent's  of  the  French  in 
settling  those  Lands.  I  am  in  Hopes  our  small  rcgim't  will  be 
at  .Alex'a  the  Head  of  Poto'k  River  by  the  20th  of  this  .Mo. 
from  thence  they  march  to  Wills's  Creek  and  so  to  the  Ohio. 
But  without  the  Aid  of  our  neighbouring  Colonics  we  shall 
make  but  a  small  Figure.  1  have  great  1  )epen<lencc  on  a  con- 
sider.ihlc  .N'mnS'T  iVoin  \"v  P.il.itin<-s  .md  '  i<  i  lu.iiis. '*     I  shall   be 

iiM       ^rfiiii'iii     Niiiii'iiM'iii     <ii      lt'liti^\i\.ilii.i     \^.i>     iii-»iillilcii     Ml     IO«S3 

under  the  leadership  of  Francis  Daniel  i'aslorins,  a  scholar,  upon  a  pur- 
ch.isc  by  him  from  I'enn  of  .s,7o«)  acres.  The  settlers  were  called 
Palatinates  because  they  came  from  the  I'.ilatinate  of  Cresheim  and 
Crefelt.  The  Frankfort  I^-»nd  Company  afterwards  settled  an  addi- 
tional purchase  «if  25,<xjrj  acres. 


DINVVIDDIE    PAPERS.  87 

glad  to  know  the  Supply  granted  by  Y'r  Assembly,  the  No.  of 
Forces  and  men  You  think  will  be  at  Wills's  Creek.  I  have 
ordered  six  Mo's  Provis's  for  those  rais'd  in  this  Colony,  with 
Waggons  to  attend  them  on  their  March.  I  send  You  enclos'd 
Maj'r  W's  Journal  to  the  Com'd't  of  the  French  Forces  on  the 
Ohio.  Y'r  Answer  on  return  of  this  Express  will  oblige, 
S'r,  Y'r  most  obed't  h'ble  Serv't. 
Mar.  ist,  [I754-] 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  GOVERNOR  BELCHER  OF  NEW 

JERSEY. 

S'r: 

Having  occasion  to  send  an  Express  to  N.  York,  I  trouble 
You  with  to  acqu't  You  we  are  raising  Forces  for  the  Expedition 
to  the  Ohio,  and  I  expect  our  small  regim't  will  be  compleated 
and  at  Alex'a  by  the  20th  of  this  Mo.  from  thence  to  Wills's 
Creek  and  so  to  the  Ohio.  As  the  Affairs  greatly  depends  on 
the  Aid  of  our  neighbouring  Colonies,  I  hope  that  under  Y'r 
Com'd  have  shown  their  Duty  by  Y'r  Assembly's  qualify' g  You 
to  raise  some  Forces,  if  so,  the  sooner  they  are  on  the  March 
the  better,  as  the  French  will  be  very  active  on  hearing  of  our 
Motions  and  Intent's.  As  You  have  been  so  long  distinguish'd 
in  the  Service  of  the  Crown,  I  c'd  use  no  Argum'ts  to  influence 
Y'r  Zeal  on  the  present  Emergency  for  the  Good  of  the  comon 
Cause.  I  send  You  Enclos'd  Maj'r  W's  Journal  to  the  French 
Com'd't. 

Wishing  You  Health  and  Prosperity  I  remain 

S'r,  Y'r  most  obed't  h'ble  Serv't. 

Mar.  ist,  [1754-] 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  WILLIAM  .SHIRLEY,  GOVERNOR 
OF  MASSACHUSETTS  BAY. 

S'r: 

I   wrote  You  some  Time  ago  with   a  detail  of  Maj'r  W's 
Message  of  the  Com'd't  of  the  French   Forces  on  the  Ohio  &:c. 


88  lUNWIDDlE    t'AI'KKS. 

Since  that  Lcl'r.  our  Assembly  has  voted  lo.ooo  [£],  to  support 
the  Expedil'n  propos'd  to  the  Ohio,  in  consequence  thereof,  I 
havf  C«>miss\l  ( )rticcrs  antl  [am]  now  raisinj^  six  Companies  to 
prt)CCfd  directly  to  the  Ohio;  and  with  them  I  send  lo  Pss.  of 
Ordnance  and  other  Stores  to  execute  the  Design  o(  buildinfj^  a 
I'ort  antl  supportinj^  his  M'y's  just  rij^ht  to  those  Lands,  but  with- 
out the  Aid  of  our  neij^hbourinj;  Colonies  we  shall  make  but  a 
small  tijjure.  As  the  Chief  of  the  French  Forces  are  expected 
from  Canada,  where  I  am  told  they  cannot  spare  many.  Is  it 
practicable  to  make  a  Faint  of  distjuietin^^  them  at  (Juebeck  by 
way  of  diverting;  them  from  sending  their  Forces  to  Ohio?  An 
Artair  of  this  kind  \\\\  be  of  essential  Service,  in  abridging  the 
Number  they  intended  on  this  Expedition,  but  as  I  am  a  Stranger 
to  V'r  Situat'n  with  them,  I  only  mention  this  for  Y'r  Consid- 
eration, for  they  have  given  out  they  will  invade  us  with  3,000 
regulars,  besides  their  Ind's.  w'ch  will  be  a  great  many  compar'd 
with  w't  we  can  raise;  however,  as  our  Cause  is  just,  I  trust 
on  the  Protect'n  of  God.  Fnclos'd  \'ou  have  Maj'r  W's  Journal 
to  the  Com'd't  of  the  French  F"orces.  I  shall  be  glad  to  be  fav'd 
with  a  Line  from  \'ou,  with  \"r  Advice  and  Opinion  of  the  above 
i'roposal.  1  rem'n  with  very  great  Esteem  ami  regard,  Y'r  Ex's 
most  Obed't  h'ble  Serv't. 

P.  S. — I  expect  our  Forces  will  be  at  the  Ohio  by  the  middle 
of  April. 

Mar.  ist,  [1754-] 


Instrucs  to  Joshua  Fry,  Esqr.,  Colo,  and  Com  iff  in  Chief  of  the 
V'irg'a  Regiment. 

.Mar.  1754. 
Sir  : 

The  {•"orccs  under  V'r  Com'd  are  rais'd  to  protect  our  fron- 
tier Settlements  from  the  incursions  of  the  French  and  the  Ind's 
in  F'dship  with  them.  I  therefore  desire  You  will  with  all  pos- 
sible Ex|K<lition  repair  to  Alexandria"  on  the  Head  of  the  Poto. 

^The  site  of  Alexandria  was  included  in  a  grant  of  6,cx»  acres  of  land 
fronting  the  Potomac  River,  Jind  extending  from  Hunting  Creek  to  the 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  89 

River,  and  there  take  upon  Vou  the  com'd  of  the  Forces  accord- 
ingly; w'ch  I  Expect  will  be  at  that  Town  the  Middle  of  next 
Mo.  You  are  to  march  them  to  Wills's  Creek,  above  the  Falls 
of  Poto,  from  thence  with  the  Great  Guns,  Amunit'n  and  Pro- 
visions You  are  to  proceed  to  Monongahela,  when  arriv'd  there, 
You  are  to  make  Choice  of  the  best  Place  to  erect  a  Fort  for 
mounting  y'r  Cannon  and  ascertain'g  His  M'y  the  King  of  G. 
B's  undoubt'd  right  to  those  Lands.  My  Orders  to  You  is  to  be 
on  the  Defensive  and  if  any  foreign  Force  sh'd  come  to  annoy 
You  or  interrupt  Y'r  quiet  Settlem't,  and  building  the  Fort  as 
afores'd,  You  are  in  that  Case  to  represent  to  them  the  Powers 
and  Orders  You  have  from  me,  and  I  desire  they  w'd  imediately 
retire  and  not  to  prevent  You  in  the  discharge  of  your  Duty.  If 
they  sh'd  continue  to  be  obstinate  after  your  desire  to  retire.  You 
are  then  to  repell  Force  by  Force.  I  expect  a  Number  of  the 
Southern  Indians  will  join  You  on  this  Expedit'n,  w'ch  with  the 
Indians  on  the  Ohio,  I  desire  You  will  cultivate  a  good  Under- 
standing and  Correspondence  with,  supplying  them  with  what 
Provisions  and  other  Necessaries  You  can  spare;  and  write  to 
Maj'r  Carlyle  w'n  You  want  Provisions,  who  has  my  Orders  to 
purchase  and  Keep  a  proper  Magazine  for  Your  dem'ds.  Keep 
up  a  good  Com'd  and  regular  Discipline,  inculcate  morality  and 
Courage  in  Y'r  Soldiers  that  they  may  answer  the  Views  on  w'ch 
they  are  rais'd.  You  are  to  constitute  a  Court  Martial  of  the 
Chief  of  Your  Officers,  with  whom  You  are  to  advise  and  consult 
on  all  Affairs  of  Consequence ;  and  as  the  Fate  of  this  Expedition 
greatly  depends  on  You,  from  the  Opinion  I  have  of  Your  good 


Little  Falls,  from  Sir  William  Berkeley,  Governor  of  Virginia,  to  Robert 
Howson,  in  October  1669.  In  the  same  year,  Howson,  for  a  considera- 
tion of  six  hogsheads  of  tobacco,  conveyed  these  lands  to  John  Alex- 
ander, who,  with  his  brothers,  Robert  and  Gerard,  had  emigrated  from 
Scotland.  A  tobacco  rolling-house,  as  orignally  termed,  from  the  mode 
of  transporting  the  hogsheads  through  the  country,  each  on  its  own 
periphery,  was  probably  soon  after  this  established  on  the  site  of  Alex- 
andria. It  was  known  in  time  as  Hunting  Creek  Warehouse,  then  as 
Belle-haven,  and  a  little  later  as  Alexandria,  by  both  of  which  last 
names  it  is  designated  in  the  present  text.  In  1749  it  was  governed  by  a 
board  of  trustees,  of  which  George  Washington  became  a  member  in 
1763.  It  was  incorporated  as  a  town  in  October,  1779.  In  1801  it  was 
ceded  to  the  general  government  as  a  portion  of  the  District  of  Columbia- 


90  UlNWiDUli:    I'APEKS. 

Sense  and  Conduct,  1  rtlcr  the  Management  o|  the  whole  to  You 
with  the  Advice  of  the  Court  Martial.  Sincerely  recommending 
You  to  the  Protect' n  ol  Gotl.  wishin|;>  Success  to  our  just 
Designs.  I  heartily  wish  You  larewell 


GOYERNOR  DINWIDDIK  To  .M.\J(JR  JOHN  CARLVLE. 

Sir: 

By  this  Shallop  You  will  receive  4  Chests  of  Arms,  2  Boxes 
[of]  Shott,  a  Chest  with  6  Tents,  and  some  Shott.  w'ch  take  the 
necessary  Care  of,  bein^  for  the  I-"-X|K'dii'n  to  the  Ohio.  If  any 
of  the  Officers  send  recruits  to  \"r  Town,  let  them  be  taken  care 
of  'til  the  Officers  come  to  ^'ou.  If  you  cannf)t  supply  Pro- 
visions sufficient,  [I]  wish  \'ou  [to]  jjive  timely  Notice,  that  w'l 
may  be  deficient  may  be  sent  from  this.  Consult  with  Colo. 
Fairfa.x  in  w't  may  be  doubtful  with  \nii. 
I  am, 

.S'r,  \"r  h'UU-  Serv't. 


GOYERNOR    DINWIDDIE    TO  GOVERNOR   jAME.S   OLEN.  OF 
SOI  rn  CAROLINA. 

.Mar.  5th.  1754. 
S'R  : 

I  have  just  now  rec'd  a  Letter  from  my  L'd  Holdernesse, 
acquainting  me  with  His  My's  Orders  to  take  under  my  Com'd 
two  Ind't  Companies  from  N.  York,  and.  as  the  Letter  .says,  one 
from  No.  Carolina.  This  I  look  upon  to  be  a  Mistake  of  the 
Clerks  of  the  Office,  as  there  are  no  Compa's  there,  and  that  one 
of  Y'r  Independ'l  Compa's  must  be  inlenfled.  However,  I  have 
sent  the  Letter  directed  to  Mr.  Dobbs  to  the  President  of  No. 
Carolina,  and  desir'd  him  to  .send  it  to  \"r  Lxc'y,  that  I  might  by 
all  means  prevent  any  ill  Effects  from  the  Mistake,  which  I  hope 
will  .Tppear  so  to  N'ou  at  first  .Sijjht,  and  y't  therefore.  You  will 
notwithstanding,  send  me  one  Compleat  Compa.  Time  enough 
to  join  the  other  two,  which  I  expect  here  in  the  Beginning  of 
April;  and  as  this  is  an  Affair  of  great  Urgency  and  Importance 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  91 

to  His  M'y's  Service,  I  think  one  of  the  King's  Ships  on  V'r 
Station  sh'd  be  directed  to  transport  the  Men  hither.  As  I  think 
this  Proceedure  so  necessary  to  the  Service,  I  very  much  wish  to 
find  Y'r  Exc'y  in  the  same  Sentim'ts  with  me  as  to  this  Letter; 
and  I  am  entirely  perswaded  that  Y'r  sending-  one  of  the 
Compa's  on  this  Occasion  will  be  very  much  approv'd  of  at 
Home,  as  the  Affair  will  not  admit  of  any  Delay.  I  have  wrote 
to  my  Lord  Holdernesse  the  Steps  I  have  taken  to  rectify  this 
Mistake,  and  as  I  do  not  doubt  of  his  Approbat'n,  I  shall  earn- 
estly expect  Y'r  Fav'o  in  complying  with  this  request  from 

S'r,  &c. 


GOVERNOR  DLWVIDDIE  TO  MATTHEW  ROWAN,  ESQ"R, 
PRESIDENT  OF  NORTH  CAROLINA. 
S'r: 

This  is  to  present  You  with  a  Letter  directed  to  the  Gov'r 
of  No.  Car'o,  but  w'ch  by  the  Purport,  I  believe  You  will  agree 
with  me,  was  design'd  for  the  Gov'r  of  So.  Car'o,  altho'  by 
some  Mistake  of  the  Clerk  in  the  Office,  it  is  not  properly  ad- 
dressed. 

I  have  wrote  to  Mr.  Glen  by  this  Express  in  regard  to  the 
Mistake,  and  told  him  of  my  request  to  You  to  forw'd  the 
Original  to  him,  w'ch  I  desire  You  will  be  so  good  as  to  com- 
ply with,  as  it  is  an  Affair  of  imediate  Consequence  to  His  M'y's 
Service.  I  have  directed  the  Express  to  wait  for  Y'r  Dispatches 
to  Mr.  Glen  and  I  hope  You  will  Expedite  him  as  much  as 
possible. 

I  am  very  desirous  to  know  what  Forces  we  may  Expect 
from  Y'r  Province,  [as]  our  Regim't  of  Volunteers  will  be  ready 
to  march  for  the  Ohio  by  the  20th  of  this  Mo,  and  I  shall  with 
great  Pleasure  hear  of  their  being  join'd  by  the  Auxiliaries 
from  Y'r  Province. 

1  am,  Hon'd  S'r, 

Y'r  most  Obedient  Servant. 

P.  S.  Enclos'd  You  have  Maj'r  W.'s  Journal  to  the  French 
Com'd't  on  the  Ohio. 


i 


'J2  DINWIUDIH    PAPKRS. 


COLONEL   t.K()K(.K   W  ASMlNt .  1 1  >N    K  >    <  .<  )\  l.KNOK 
DINUIDDli: 

Hon'ble  Sir: 

In  my  last  by  Mr.  Stuart  I  slifjhily  mentioned  the 
objection  many  hail  aj^ainst  F.nlistinK.  'to  wit),  not  knowing  who 
wa-s  to  be  I'ay  Master,  or  the  times  lor  Payment.  It  is  now- 
grown  a  pretty  general  Clamour,  and  some  of  those  who  were 
amongst  the  tirst  Knlisters.  being  needy,  and  knowing  it  to  be 
usual  lor  His  Majesty's  Soldiers  to  be  paid  once  a  Week,  or  at 
most  every  Fortnight,  are  very  importunate  to  receive  their 
Dur.  I  have  sooth'd  and  (juieteti  them  as  much  .is  possible 
under  pretence  of  receiving  your  Honour's  Instructions  in  this 
particular  at  the  Arrival  of  the  Colonel 

I  have  increas'd  my  number  of  Men  to  ab  t  23,  and  dare  ven- 
ture to  say  I  should  have  had  several  mere  if  the  excessive  bad 
weather  did  not  prevent  tluir  meeting  agreeable  to  their  Officer's 
Commands. 

We  daily  H.xperience  the  great  necessity  for  cloathing  the  Men 
as  we  find  the  generallity  of  those  who  are  to  be  enlisted,  are  of 
those  loose.  Idle  Persons  that  are  (juite  destitute  of  House  and 
Home;  and  I  may  truely  say,  many  of  them  of  Cloaths;  which 
last,  renders  them  very  incapable  of  the  necessary  Service,  as 
they  must  unavoidably  be  expos'd  to  inclement  weather  in  their 
Marches  <Jtc. ;  and  can  expect  no  other  than  to  encounter 
almost  every  difficulty  that's  incident  to  a  Soldier's  Life.  There 
is  many  of  them  \l-ithout  Shoes,  other's  want  Stockings,  some 
are  without  .Shirts,  and  not  a  few  that  have  Scarce  a  Coat,  or 
Waistcoat,  to  their  Hacks ;  in  short,  they  are  as  illy  provided 
as  can  well  be  conceiv'd,  but  I  really  believe  every  Man  of 
them  for  their  own  Credits  sake,  is  willing  to  be  Cloath'd  at  their 
own  Fxpence  :  they  are  perpetually  teazing  me  to  have  it  done, 
but  I  am  not  able  to  advance  the  money,  provided  there  was  no 
ris(jue  in  it.  which  there  certainly  is,  and  too  great  for  me  to 
run  :  tho'  it  would  be  nothing  to  the  Country,  as  a  certain  part 
of  their  I'ay  might  be  deducted  and  appropriated  to  that  use ; 
Mr.  Carlyle,  or  any  of  the  Merchant's  here  would  furnish  them 
with  prf>per  necessarys  if  there  was  a  certainty  of  any  part  of 
their  pay  stopt  to  re-imburse  the  Hxpence.     But   I   must  here  in 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  93 

time  put  a  kirb  to  my  requests,  and  remember  that  I  ought  not 
to  be  too  importunate  ;  otherwise,  I  shall  be  as  troublesome  to 
your  Honour  as  the  Soldiers  are  to  me :  there  is  nothing  but  the 
necessity  of  the  thing  could  urge  me  to  be  thus  free,  but  I  shall 
no  more  exagerate  this  afifair  to  your  Honour,  as  I  am  well 
assurd  whatever  you  think  for  the  Benefit,  or  good  of  the  Ex- 
pedition you  will  cause  to  have  done. 
I  am,  Hon'ble  Sir, 

Y'r  most  Ob't  H'ble  Serv't, 

G°.  Washington. 
Alexandria,  9th  of  March,    1754. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  LORD  HOLDERNESSE. 

Mar.  1 2th,  1754. 
R't  Hon'ble: 

My  last  to  You  of  the  29th  Jan'y  by  His  Maj's 
Sloop  Speedwell,  Capt.  Webb.  I  then  transmitted  Y'r  L'd's 
Maj's  W's  Journal  to  the  French  Com'd't's  forces  on  the  Ohio 
and  the  other  Papers  relative  thereto,  to  w'ch  I  beg  to  be 
referr'd.  I  also  acquainted  You  y't  I  had  call'd  the  Assembly 
to  meet  the  14th  of  Feb'y.  They  met  accordingly.  With  great 
Applicat'n,  many  Argum'ts,  and  with  much  difficulty  they  were 
prevail'd  on  to  vote  io,ooo[;^  in]  this  Currency  for  supporting 
the  Expedit'n  I  propos'd  [to]  the  River  Ohio.  In  Consequence 
thereof  I  appointed  Officers  to  enlist  300  Men,  to  be  at  the  Town 
of  Alexandria,  the  Head  of  Poto.  River,  by  the  20lh  of  this  Mo.; 
from  thence  I  order'd  them  to  escorte  the  Cannon,  Stores  and 
Provisions  to  the  Ohio,  w'ch  is  about  150  Miles  March  by  Land. 
I  further  directed  a  Fort  to  be  imediately  erected  at  the  Forks  of 
Monongahela,  w'ch  com'ds  that  River  and  Part  of  the  River 
Ohio.  His  M'y  was  pleas'd  to  order  me  to  raise  the  Militia  on 
Occas'n  to  support  His  just  right  to  the  Lands  on  the  Ohio,  but 
on  consulting  the  Council  and  other  Persons  of  weight  in  the 
Co't'y,  I  found  it  w'd  be  impossible  to  oblige  them  to  march  to 
the   Ohio,  as  it  is   uncertain  whether  these   Lands    are   in   this 


94  niNWIDDIK    I'APKRS. 

Doinn  or  bcloiij^inj^  Id  iV-nsylvania.  1  wish  there  ucre  an 
Order  for  running  the  Line  beiween  this  Dom'n  and  that  of 
Pensylvania.  However,  my  Lord.  I  think  .^oo  Men  rais'd  volun- 
tarily will  do  more  Service  than  Hoo  Men  of  the  Militia  forc'd  on 
the  Service.  I  imedialcly  wrote  to  all  our  neig'bourinjf  Colonies 
for  their  Aid  anti  Assistance,  but  the  Ivxpress  is  not  yet  rel'd, 
that  I  know  not  w't  Success  my  Applicat'n  to  them  may  meet 
with. 

My  Orilers  to  the  Com'd'jj  Officer,  shall  be  to  take  Possess'n  of 
all  the  Lands  the  Back  of  our  frontier  Settlem'ts  to  the  River 
Ohio,  in  the  Name  of  His  Majesty  the  King  of  ('..  13.,  and  if  any 
foreign  Force  appear  to  interrupt  them,  he  must  send  to  them  to 
retire:  but  if  they  persist,  to  prevent  their  building  of  Forts,  he 
is  in  that  Case  to  repell  Force  by  Force.  The  Settling  and 
securing  the  Lands  in  the  interior  Parts  of  this  large  Cont't,  par- 
ticularly those  on  the  back  of  this  Dom'n,  has  been  much  in  my 
Thoughts  ever  since  my  Arrival  at  my  Gov't,  and  be  assured, 
my  Lord,  every  Thing  in  my  Power  in  supporting  the  present 
Expedit'n  shall  be  done  with  Chcarfulncss. 

As  we  never  had  any  regular  Troops  or  Independ't  Compa's 
establish'd  here,  makes  me  much  in  want  of  proper  Officers,  how- 
ever I  have  taken  all  necessary  Care  to  Comiss'n  those  that  are 
the  most  expert  and  have  the  best  knowledge  of  Military  Affairs, 
but  the  Men  this  Dom'n  will  raise  and  those  of  our  neighbouring 
Colonies,  will  be  but  few  compar'd  with  what  the  French  threaten 
us  with  of  being  on  the  Ohio  this  Spring,  w'ch  in  some  Measure 
intimidates  our  People,  but  I  endeavour  to  laise  a  Spirit  of  Cour- 
age among  them.  Some  Mos.  ago  the  Cherokecs  and  Catawbas 
(two  considerable  Nations  of  Ind's  to  the  So.w'd  of  this)  offer'd 
me  looo  Men  in  Case  the  French  sh'd  offer  to  invade  their  hunt- 
ing Grounds  on  the  Ohio.  I  have  sent  an  Express  to  them  to 
send  what  Warriors  they  j)ossibly  can  spare  to  the  Ohio  the  Be- 
ginning of  April,  and  that  they  may  exfiect  a  Regiment  of  our 
Forces  to  join  them  at  that  Time,  w'ch  with  our  friendly  Ind's  on 
the  Ohio,  and  the  Twightwees,  on  whom  I  have  a  great  Depend- 
ence, w'n  met  in  a  Body.  I  hope  they  will  make  a  good  A|)pear- 
ance.  To  engage  them  I  have  promis'd  them  a  handsome  J*resent 
from  their  Father,  the  King  of  (].  B.  They  appear  to  profess  a 
Fr'dship  to  the  British  .Subjects  on  this  Cont't.  yet  they  expect  to 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  95 

be  p'd  as  Auxiliaries.  I  have  promised  them  and  hope  \'r  L'ds 
will  qualify  me  to  perform.  It  is  my  sincere  Opinion  that  a  real 
F'dship  and  true  Understand^  with  the  different  Nations  of  Ind's 
is  the  most  eligible  Method  to  secure  and  settle  the  interior  Parts 
of  this  Cont't,  and  the  Skin  and  Furr  Trade  is  to  be  conducted 
there  to  great  Advantage.  The  French  take  another  Method  to 
secure  these  Lands.  They  are  at  an  imense  Expence  in  building 
a  String  of  Forts  from  the  River  St.  Lawrence,  with  Intent'n  to 
carry  them  to  the  river  Mississippi,  without  any  View  of  settling 
the  Lands.  I  hope  we  shall  be  able  to  stop  their  Career,  but  I 
suppose  they  intend  these  Forts  as  Marks  of  Possess'n,'*  and 
to  raise  in  the  Ind's  a  regard  to  them  as  much  Superior  to 
the  British  Subjects  who  have  so  long,  I  think  shamefully, 
neglected  ascertaining  His  M'y's  rights  to  these  Lands,  granted 
to  him  by  the  original  and  native  Proprietors  of  the  Soil.  The 
Prize  the  French  have  in  their  View  is  certainly  valuable;  after 
w'ch,  if  they  are  allow'd  to  finish  their  Forts,  no  doubt  their 
Subjects  will  come  from  the  barren  Co't'y  of  Canada  and  make 
Settlem'ts  on  the  rich  soil  on  the  Banks  of  the  Ohio  and  en- 
deavour to  secure  to  themselves  the  valuable  Trade  of  Skins 
and  Furrs,  w'ch  that  Co't'y  affords  in  Plenty.  They  have  prose- 
cuted their  Scheme  of  building  Forts  to  the  Lake  Erie,  and  last 
Sumer  built  one  on  a  Creek  that  runs  into  the  Ohio,  and  this 
Summer  they  propose  building  many  others  on  that  river,  and 
their  chief  Rendezvous  to  be  at  Logstown,  imediately  back  of 
this   Dom'n,  w'ch   Lands  were  ceded  to   His   M'y  by  the  Six 


'*  It  was  the  practice  of  the  French  also  to  indicate  their  territorial 
rights  by  the  erection  of  crucifixes  and  the  interment  of  inscribed 
metallic  plates  along  the  water  courses.  One  of  the  last,  a  leaden 
plate,  in  dimensions  about  eiglit  by  twelve  inches,  and  one-eighth  of 
an  inch  thick,  witli  incised  inscription,  is  in  the  Cabinet  of  the  Virginia 
Historical  Society.  It  was  discovered  in  1846,  "a  few  inches  below 
the  surface  of  the  earth,  immediately  at  the  confluence  of  the  Great 
Kanawha  and  Ohio  Rivers,"  by  a  son  of  John  Beale,  Esq.  Tlie  inscrip- 
tion denotes  that  it  was  deposited  in  1749  by  "  Celeron,  Commandant  of 
a  Detachment  sent  by  the  Duke  of  Gallisoni^re,  Commandate  General 
of  New  France."  This  plate  is  pictured  by  De  Haas,  and  by  Craig  in 
his  Olden  Time.  A  similar  plate,  which  was  buried  by  Celeron  at  a 
Treaty  with  the  Senecas  in  1749,  is  depicted  in  O'Callaglian's  Doc. 
Hist,  of  Neiv  York,  vol.  vi,  p.  611. 


96  DlNWIDhM.    I'AI'ERS. 

Nations  at  Lancaster  in  the  Near  1744.  and  since  that  confirm'd 
by  two  subsequent  Treaties  with  the*  Indians  at  Lu^stown,  and 
last  N'car  these  Ind's  dcsir'il  nic  to  biiilil  two  Strong  Houses  or 
Forts  on  that  river.  My  Lord.  I  think  Iron)  ihc  above  short  and 
just  Narrative,  it  is  lull  Time  to  Stop  their  Carrier,  and  to  rouse 
from  our  supineness.  by  ascertaining;  His  M'y's  just  rights  to 
these  Lands;  For  I  cannot  conceive  the  French  can  advance  any 
rijjht  whatever  but  w't  they  assume  by  Conquest,  or  Marks  of 
Possess'n  by  building  of  Forts.  The  I'unds  of  this  Dom'n  are 
but  small  to  answer  the  Kxpence  ( that  with  the  j^reatest  Fru- 
gality) will  attend  this  Expedition,  but  as  it  is  a  national  Service, 
I  am  in  hopes  of  Assistance  from  Hrittnin ;  however,  I  shall  look 
forw'd  and  hope  for  Success. 

If  I  had  one  Regim't  of  Regular  Troops,  I  sh'd  not  doubt  of 
of  answering  our  Intcnt'n  of  building  Forts  and  prevent  the 
F'rench  settling  on  the  Ohio.  My  Lord,  the  Bounds  of  the  Pro- 
prietary Gov'ts  of  M'yl'd  and  Pcnsylv'a  arc  limitted  to  the 
Westw'd.  That  of  Pensylvania,  I  think,  is  five  Degrees  West 
of  the  Eastermost  Part  of  their  present  Settlem'ts.  M'yl'd  is 
not  so  extensive.  The  Lands  to  the  West  of  these  Boundaries, 
I  conceive  to  be  properly  in  his  Majesty's  Dom'n  of  V'irg'a,  w'ch 
will  make  it  very  extensive.  After  our  Assembly  were  prevail'd 
on  to  vote  io,ooo[;^],  I  thought  it  necessary  to  give  Fncour- 
agem't  to  the  People  to  enlist  with  Spirit,  to  grant  them  200,000 
Acres  of  His  M'y's  Lands  on  the  Ohio,  15  Years  without  pay- 
ing Ouit  rents,  Copy  of  the  Proclamation,  I  enclose  \ou.  The 
reason  I  went  on.  was  to  engage  the  People  that  went  on  the 
Expedit'n,  to  rem'n  there  and  make  Settlem'ts,  and  [I]  think  it 
better  to  give  that  Ouantity  to  our  People,  than  to  a  (juiet  Poss'n 
to  the  French  of  as  many  Millions  of  Acres,  and  I  therefore 
hope  it  will  meet  with  His  M'y's  royal  Approbat'n.  If  we  suc- 
ceed in  building  the  Forts  on  Monongahela,  I  propose  building 
two  other  Forts  on  the  Ohio,  one  of  w'ch,  a  good  way  tlown  the 
River  to  prevent  any  Communicat'n  from  Mississippi  to  that 
river.  I  have  ordered  Colo.  J  a  Fry  who  comands  in  Chief  on 
the  Expedit'n,  to  lay  off  one  Thous'd  Acres  of  Land  contiguous  to 
the  Fort  for  the  Use  of  the  Officers  and  Soldiers  that  do  Duty 
there,  and  to  be  call'd  the  (iarrison  Land.  And  as  this  is  the 
Time  to  ascertain  the  B.  right,  I  shall  be  as  expeditious  as  pos- 
sible in  giving  the  necessary  Orders.     When  three  or  four  Forts 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  97 

are  properly  finish'd,  I  think  fifty  Soldiers  in  each  will  be  sufti- 
cient,  and  that  will  greatly  encourage  our  friendly  Ind's  to  have 
a  strong  House  to  put  their  Women  and  Children  in  when  they 
go  Hunting  or  to  War,  and  at  [the]  same  Time  prevent  En- 
croachments on  His  M'y's  Lands.  I  am  much  of  Opinion  that  a 
greater  Number  of  regular  Forces  than  Y'r  L'ds.  mentions,  w'd 
be  of  much  Service  here  for  a  few  Years  till  we  thoroughly 
settle  the  Lands  to  the  Westvv'd  of  this  Dom'n,  but  this  I  sub- 
mit to  You.  My  Lord,  Y'r  two  Letters  of  the  i8th  Jan'y,  I  rec'd 
the  first  of  this  Mo.  This  Dom'n  has  no  regular  Forces  estab- 
lished here  ;  w'n  there  are  any,  I  assure  Y'r  Lords.  I  shall  take 
the  most  effectual  Measures  of  keeping  them  compleat,  and  that 
without  Favo.  or  Affect'n,  but  with  the  strict  regard  to  Truth. 
Y'r  Letter  to  Mr.  De  Lancey,  Lt.  Gov'r  of  N.  Y.,  I  sent  Express 
the  2d  of  this  Mo.,  and  I  desir'd  that  Gent,  to  use  all  possible 
Exped't.  in  transporting  the  two  Compa.  of  Soldiers  His  M'y 
is  pleas'd  to  put  under  my  Com'd,  and  shall  provide  proper 
Carriages  for  their  Provis's.  &c.,  and  to  be  by  them  escorted 
to  the  Ohio.  I  wish  I  had  many  more,  but  I  am  very  thank- 
ful for  this  season'able  and  necessary  Assistance. 

Y'r  Let'r  to  Mr.  Dobbs,  Gov'r  of  No.  Car.  to  supply  one 
Compa.  from  thence  must  be  a  Mistake  of  some  of  the  [clerks?]  in 
Y'r  L'd's  Office,  for  there  are  no  Indep't  Compa's  or  any  regular 
Forces  in  that  Province.  I  presume  that  the  Letter  was  intended 
to  Mr.  Glen,  Gov'r  of  So.  Car'o.  where  there  are  two  Indep't 
Compa's.  I  forw'd  Y'r  Let'r  to  the  Pres't  of  No.  Car'o.  (Mr. 
Dobbs  not  being  arriv'd)  and  desir'd  him  to  send  Y'r  Let'r  by 
my  Express  to  Mr.  Glen  of  So.  Car'o.  to  whom  I  wrote,  and  en- 
clos'd,  trouble  You  with  a  Copy  of  my  Let'r  to  him  and  no  doubt 
he  will  observe  the  Mistake;  and  I  expect  he  will  send  a  Compa. 
by  one  of  His  My's  Ships,  as  the  time  will  not  admit  of  any  Delay, 
and  I  hope  the  Steps  I  have  taken  in  the  Affair  will  meet  with 
Y'r  L'd's  approbat'n.  I  am  sorry  to  lie  under  Y'r  L'd's  Censure 
for  Neglect  of  not  answering  Y'rs  ^  the  Man  of  War,  dated  in 
August.  I  assure  Y'r  L'ds.  I  acknowledg'd  the  receipt  of  that 
Letter  by  Capt.  Teage  dated  17th  of  Nov'r,  w'ch  I  think  was  the 
first  Ship  for  London,  and  I  beg  to  assure  You  I  shall  on  that 
Head,  or  any  other,  duely  obey   Y'r  Com'ds.     I  must  observe, 

these  Indep't  Compa's  will  be  sent  to  the  Ohio,  and  I  think  it  will 
7 


98  UINWIDDIK    I'Al'KRS, 

be  necessary  to  supply  ihcin  with  Provis's.  for  some  Time  till 
ihey  can  make  a  proper  Settlemt.  I  sh'd  be  enabled  to  draw 
Bills  for  their  Pay  and  Provis's.  w'ch  I  hope  Vou  will  please  to 
consider,  and  j;ive  Directs  therein.  Anil  in  Discharge  of  my 
Duty  and  any  Ct)m'ds  I  may  have,  I  shall  in  every  Thinj^  en- 
deavour to  approve  myself  with  j^reat  Intej^riiy  and  Truth. 
Rt  llonble, 

V'r  Lds  most  Ob'd't  and  faithf'l  h'ble  Serv'l. 
p'  Cap't  Lane. 


GOVKRNOK  Dl.NU  IDUIK   IX)  THK  LUKIJ.S  OK  TK.XDK." 

-Mar.   12,  1754. 
R't   IIon'im.e: 

My  Last  to  \'v  L'ds  was  the  2yth  of  Jan'ry,  by  His  My's 

Sloop  Speedwell,  Capt.  Webb.     I  then  transmittt^d  Vou,  Maj'r  W's 

Journal  to  the  Com'd't  of  the  I'lench  I-orces  on  the  river  Ohio, 

and  the   Papers   relating  thereto,  to  them,  I  bej^  to  be  referr'd. 

Our  Assembly  met   the    14th  of  Jan'y,   with  great   Perswasions, 

many  Argum'ts  and  much  Trouble,  they  were  prevail'd  on  tf)  vote 

io,ooO;{^  for  protectinji  our   Frontiers ;   that  Bill  was  so  clojij^'d 

with  unreasonable  regulat's  and  Kncroachm'ts  on  the  Prerogative, 

that  I,  by  no  means,  w'd  have  given  my  Assent  to  it  if  His  .My's 

Service   had  not   imcdiately  call'd   for  a  Supply  to  support  the 

Expedt.  I  have  in  view,  to  support   His  My's  just  rights  to  the 

Lands  on  the  Ohio.     They  plead  Precedents  in  raising  Money  in 

this  Method,  w'ch  I  found  was  so  in   my  Predecessor's  Time  in 

raising   Money   for   F"orces  to  go   on   an    ICxpedit'n  to   Canada. 

This  I  urgd  sh'd  not  be  a  Prcced't  as  it's  contrary  to   His   My's 

Int't,  however,  as  the   K.xigency  of  the  pres't  Affair  c'd  not  be 

Otherways  su[)plied,  I  was  oblig'd  to  submit,  and  for  that  reason 

I  hope  I  shall   stand  excus'd.     The   Bills  are  not  fairly  Ingross'd 

that  I  cannot  now  transmit  them,  but  shall  soon,  and  then   make 


i  ..I  I^rds  of  TraiU  i.  .  the  Ministr>'  of  the  Duki  ...   ..«  «tastle 

March,  1754,  were  Lords  Ilalifnx,  first  Ix>r(l,  Hon.  R.  HerfK-rt,  An- 
drew .Stone,  James  Oswald,  Lord  KtlKCombe,  James  Grenville,  John 
Pitt  and  T.  Pelliam. 


DINVVIDDIE    PAPERS.  99 

my  further  observat's  thereon.  In  Consequence  of  this  Supply,  I 
have  appointed  Ofticers  to  raise  six  Compa's  of  Volunteers,  to  be 
at  Alexandria,  the  Head  of  Polo.  River,  by  the  20th  of  this  Mo. 
They  shall  have  my  Orders  to  escort  the  Cannon,  Stores,  Provis's, 
&c.,  to  the  Ohio,  To  erect  a  Fort  on  the  Fork  of  Monong^ahela, 
w'ch  com'ds  that  river  and  Part  of  the  Ohio.  Lord  Holdernesse 
has  been  pleas'd  to  order  two  of  the  Compa's  at  N.  Y.  to  be  sent 
hither,  and  I  have  wrote  to  the  neighbouring  Colonies  for  their 
Aid  and  Assistance,  w'ch  with  our  F'dly  Ind's,  I  am  in  Hopes  we 
shall  make  a  tolerable  Appearance  on  the  Ohio  this  sumer  to 
defeat  the  Designs  of  the  French.  I  wish  for  a  Regiment  of 
Regular  Forces  w'ch  w'd  be  of  great  Service,  as  the  French 
threaten  Us  with  having  1500  or  two  Thous'd  regulars  at  Logs- 
town  this  Sumer,  besides  Ind's. 

I  have  wrote  to  the  Catawbas  and  Cherokees  (two  powerful 
Nat's  of  Ind's)  to  send  as  many  of  their  Warriors  [as]  thev  pos- 
sibly can  spare  to  the  Ohio,  by  the  Middle  of  April,  w'n  I  expect 
they  will  be  join'd  by  our  Forces;  to  encourage  them,  I  promis'd 
them  a  Present  from  their  Father  the  King  of  G.  B.,  and  I  hope 
for  Y'r  L'd's  Assistance  to  enable  me  to  perform  that  Promise. 
Every  Thing  in  my  Power  to  ascertain  His  M'y's  undoubted 
right  to  the  Lands  on  the  Ohio  shall  be  done  with  Earnestness 
and  due  Dispatch.  Y'r  L'd's  Letter  of  i8th  Sept'r  was  forw'd 
me  by  Mr.  DeLancey,  L't  Gov.  of  N.  York;  that  Gent,  appointed 
an  Interview  with  the  five  Nat's  at  Albany  the  Beginning  of  June 
next.  I  laid  Y'r  Letter  before  our  Assembly,  as  we  are  at  great 
Expence  on  this  Expedit'n;  and  that  I  am  to  meet  many  Chiefs 
of  the  different  Nat's  of  Ind's  at  Winchester  in  Ma)^  next.  They 
w'd  not  comply  in  sending  Com'rs  to  Albany,  and,  indeed,  the 
Chiefs  of  the  Ind's  I  expect  to  meet  at  Winchester  will  be  a  very 
great  national  Service,  and  [I]  think  the  So'ern  Indians  are  more 
to  be  courted  than  the  five  Nat's,  being  ten  Times  their  Number; 
yet  it's  very  necessary  to  keep  a  strict  F'dship  with  them  all,  w'ch 
I  shall  constantly  endeavour  to  support.  This  Ship  being  clear'd 
for  sailing,  straitens  me  in  Time,  but  [I]  desire  to  assure  You 
that,  with  great  Deference  and  due  respect,  I  am, 
R't  Hon'ble, 

Y'r  L'd's  much  Obliged,  Obedient 

and  faithful,  humble  Servant. 


100  DINWIUDIK    I'APERS. 

C.OVKKNOK  DINWIDDIi:  TO  TMK  KAKI.  ol-   HA  1.1 1* AX" 

Mar.  I  2th,  1754. 
R't  Hon'ble: 

Wf    have  Ijail  several  Ships  from   Londo.  but  I 

am  m»l  honcl  with  a  l.ine  from  V'r  L'ds.  1  am  now  to  accj'l  Vou 
y'l  our  Assembly  have  voted  io,ooo[/  in]  this  [Dominion's] 
Currency  lor  |)rolecting  our  back  Scttlem'ts,  and  I  have  ap- 
pointed Orhcers  to  raise  six  Compa's  of  Volunteers  to  march  to 
the  Ohio  river,  to  escort  the  Cannon,  .Sic.  to  the  IMace.  and  they 
have  my  Orders  to  erect  a  l"ort  imctliately.  Loul  Holdtrnesse 
has  orderd  two  of  the  Indepcndi  Compa's  at  N.  V.  to  march  in 
here,  to  be  uniler  my  Com'd,  w'ch.  with  the  Aid  and  Assistance 
of  our  neij^hbourinji  Colonies  ami  our  friendly  Ind's,  I  hope  we 
shall  be  able  to  make  jjood  our  (iround  a^st  the  French  Incur- 
sions, as  I  am  very  earnest  anti  hearty  in  this  Kxpedit'n.  I  shall 
do  every  Thinj^j  in  my  Power  to  extrcute  it  with  all  possible  Dis- 
patch, but  I  wish  I  had  more  rejjulars,  for  the  French  give  out 
that  they  will  come  to  Lo^stown,  on  the  Ohio,  this  .Sumer,  with 
1500  or  2000  regular  Forces,  besides  their  Ind's;  but  I  am  really 
of  Opinion  they  cannot  spare  so  many  from  Canada.  As  I  wrote 
to  Vr  L'ds.  pretty  fully  some  Time  Since,  with  my  Opinion  on 
the  Affairs  in  this  Part  of  the  World,  I  fear  my  Seniim'ts  did  not 
meet  with  V'r  Approbai'n,  as  I  have  no  Answer  to  my  Letters, 
or  did  I  venture  to  write  to  the  B'd  thereon,  as  I  then  thought  it 
w'd  come  from  \"r  L'ds.  as  Y'r  own  ( )pinion  and  have  a  proper 
Influence.  I  am  in  pain  to  know  the  result  of  our  House  of 
Burgesses'  Address  to  His  M'y  in  regard  to  the  Pistole  Tax.  and 
their  extraordinary  resolves  thereon.  I  prorogu'd  them,  expect- 
ing to  have  some  Directs  in  regartl  to  these  resolves.  I  am 
sorr>'  to  tind  them  very  much  in  a  Republican  way  of  Thinking, 


"GetirKf  .MontaKiie.  second  Earl  of  Halifax,  succeeded  to  the  title 
uiKin  the  «leatlj  ««f  liis  father  (ieorKe,  first  Karl,  in  1739;  married  Anne, 
daughter  of  William  Kichards,  antl  becoming  possessed  through  her  of 
the  estates  of  Sir  Thomas  Dunk  of  Ton^jes.  in  Kent,  he  assumed  the 
surname  of  Dunk:  Lord  Lieutenant  of  Ireland.  March,  1761;  Hrst 
l^rd  of  Trade,  May,  1762;  First  Lord  of  the  Admiralty  in  June,  and  in 
October.  1762,  one  of  the  Secretaries  of  State,  died  in  1771,  ami  the 
title  became  extinct.  Halifax  counties.  North  Carolina  and  VirRinia, 
were  named  in  his  honor. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  101 

and  indeed  they  do  not  act  in  a  proper  Constitutional  way,  but 
making  Encroachments  on  the  Prerogative  of  the  Crown,  w'ch 
some  former  Gov'r  submitted  too  much  to  them,  and  I  fear  with- 
out a  very  particular  Inst'n  it  will  be  difficult  to  bring  them  in 
Order.  As  their  Acts  are  not  yet  Ingross'd  for  Transmit'n  to 
Y'r  B'd,  I  cannot  point  out  properly  w't  I  have  reason  to  compl'n 
of  in  regard  to  them,  but  shall  soon.  I  do  not  incline  to  write  to 
the  B'd  on  the  Affairs  I  presum'd  to  lay  before  You  'till  I  receive 
Y'r  Opinion  thereon ;  but  sure,  after  this  Expedit'n,  if  the  Ind's 
give  Us  the  Assistance  I  have  desir'd  and  expect  from  them, 
they  will  expect  a  Pres't  of  Goods,  and  I  have  to  encourage 
[them,]  promis'd  them  a  Pres't  next  Year.  I  ventur'd  to  trouble 
You  with  a  short  Line  from  a  fix'd  Opinion  of  Y'r  great  Con- 
cern for  His  M'y's  Int't  in  the  interior  Parts  of  this  Cont't,  and 
flattering  myself  with  Y'r  F'dship  and  Patronage,  I  beg  leave  to 
assure  You  I  will  always  endeavour  to  approve  myself, 
Y'r  L'ds.  much  Obliged, 

Obedient  and  faithful  h'ble  serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  JNO.  HANBURY,  ESQ'R." 

M'ch    i2th,   [1754.] 
Dear  Sir  : 

Y'r  Let'r  of  the  24th  Dec'r,  ~p^  Capt.  Robinson,  I  duely 

rec'd,  and  am  much  oblig'd  for  the  Hints  You  give  me  of  w't 

passed  at  the  Council.     I  did  not  care  to  be  too  solicitous   with 


"John  Hanbury,  a  wealthy  and  influential  merchant  of  London  was 
very  popular  with  the  planters  of  Virgir.ia,  with  whose  consignments 
and  mercantile  affairs  he  was  extensively  entrusted.  He  was  one  of 
the  original  grantees  in  the  Ohio  Company.  In  religious  tenets  he  was 
of  the  Society  of  Friends.  His  brother  and  partner  in  business,  Capel 
Hanbury,  in  a  letter  of  June  23, 1758,10  Robert  Pleasants,  Curies,  James 
river,  Virginia,  enclosed  the  following  obituary,  doubtless  from  a  news- 
paper of  the  day : 

"22nd  June,  1758:  Died  in  Coggeshall,  in  Esse.x,  Mr.  Jno.  Hanbury  of 
London,  Merchant,  not  more  eminent  for  his  Diligence,  Punctuality  and 
Success  in  Trade,  than  truly  Amiable  for  the  unaflected  Simplicity  of 


lU2  liINWlDDIE    I'APKRS. 

the  lid  of  Trade  ab'l  Prcsenis  and  Indcpend'i  Compa's,  but  as 
L'll  [ialiiax  Motumrs  me  with  a  Personal  Correspondence  with 
him,  I  wrote  him  my  Thoujjlits  in  a  free  and  open  manner, 
jiidj^inj;  that  Atf.iirs  of  that  kind  as  from  himself  w'd  have  been 
much  more  ehj^ible  and  of  j^reatcr  weight  than  from  me,  but  this 
to  V'rseh',  and  wn  Vou  see  him  he  probably  will  open  the 
Scheme  of  my  Proposals.  I  find  I  am  to  correspond  entirely 
with  Lord  Holdernesse  in  regard  to  my  i)resent  Operal's,  and 
accordingly  have  wrote  him  now  a  very  long  Letter,  w'ch  he 
likely  may  show  you.  Our  Assembly  met  on  the  14th  I'lto..  w'n 
with  great  Applicat'n,  many  Arguments,  and  every  Thing  I 
possibly  c'd  suggest,  they  at  last  voted  io,ooo[j^]  for  protecting 
our  Frontiers.  In  Consequence  thereof,  I  have  commiss'd  proper 
Officers  and  1  expect  to  have  six  Compa's  of  Volunteers  at  Alex- 
andria, the  Head  of  Poto.  river,  by  the  20th  of  this  Mo. :  from 
thence  they  are  to  escort  the  Cannon,  Amunit'n  and  Provisions 
to  the  Ohio,  where  I  have  order' d  a  Fort  to  be  imediatcly  built. 
I  assure  \'ou  I  have  had  a  very  up-hill  Work  of  it,  for  our  Peo- 
ple have  not  a  proper  Opinion  of  the  Consetiuence  of  the  Ind'n 
Nat'n,  and  [arej  indifferent  in  settlinj^^  the  Lands  on  the  Ohio.  In 
a  Committee  of  the  whole  House,  a  IViend  of  \  "r's  pretended  to 
ascertain  the  Right  of  the  French  to  these  Lands  from  Mons'r 
I)e  Lisle's  Maps.  Vou  may  ccjiiceive  how  I  fir'd  at  this,  that  an 
Lnglish  Legislature  sh'd  presume  to  doubt  the  Right  of  His 
Majesty  to  the  interior  Parts  of  this  Cont't,  the  back  of  His 


his  .Manners,  the  Chearfuhiess  of  his  Conversation  and  the  Integrity  of 
His  Heart,  in  domestic  Life  his  .Memory  must  be  revered  as  a  kind 
.Master,  a  tender  Parent  and  a  faithfull  IVietul.  in  llie  busy  World  he 
merited  invariably  that  extensive  Confidence  reposed  in  him  and  from 
the  (ireat,  the  native  Dignity  of  his  Address  (Sincere  yet  affable,  plain 
but  not  rude  I  fretjuently  won  that  Attention  to  his  Advice  or  .Solicitation 
which  artiliri.TJ  Politeness  cringes  f(»r  in  Vain.  Deception  indeed  was 
not  his  Talent,  for  he  Lived  and  died,  an  Honor  to  the  I'riiicipies  of  his 
Education,  to  his  Profession  as  a  Merchant  and  to  his  .Species  as  a' 
Man." 

From  a  communicatifm  to  Governor  Dinwiddie  in  the  Letter  Book  of 
James  Aliercromby,  before  referred  to,  it  appears  that  John  Hanbury 
died  of  the  Palsy.  The  style  of  the  mercantile  house  of  F {anbury  was 
successively,  John  Hanbury,  Jolin  &  Cape!  Hanbury,  and  Capel  it  Os- 
gofxl  Hanbury. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  103 

Dom's;  how  this  French  Spirit  sh'd  possess  a  Person  of  His  Dis- 
tinct'n  and  Sense,  I  know  not.  However,  that  is  pretty  well  got 
over,  and  I  look  forw'd  with  the  small  sum  they  have  voted,  with 
the  Assistance  of  our  neighbouring  Colonies  and  our  friendly 
Ind's,  I  am  in  Hopes  of  defeating  the  Designs  of  the  French,  and 
if  I  can  effect  the  building  of  two  Forts,  may  give  us  a  proper 
Possess' n  of  these  Lands.  The  treatm't,  I  have  met  with  from  our 
House  of  B.  has  been  very  disrespectful,  and  nothing  but  the  Dis- 
charge of  the  Duty  I  have  in  view  of  ascertaining  and  possessing 
His  Majesty's  Lands  on  the  Ohio  c'd  support  me  under  their 
unjust  Clamours  and  Reflect' s.  Ever  since  the  former  Meeting 
of  that  Ho.  w'n  they  made  some  remarkable  resolves,  the  Peo- 
ple have  been  much  inflam'd,  and  with  republican  Principles 
endeavour  to  act  very  inconstitutional,  and  the  money  now  voted, 
if  it  was  not  on  this  present  Emergency,  where  His  M'y's  Ser- 
vice imediately  requires  it,  I  sh'd  not  have  given  my  Assent  to 
the  Bill.  You  judge  very  properly  in  not  divulging  w't  I  writt 
You.  L'd  Holdernesse  has  order' d  two  of  the  Independ't 
Compa's  at  N.  York  to  march  in  here  to  be  under  my  Com'd, 
and  I  hope  for  one  from  So.  Caro.  If  they  come  as  order' d,  I 
shall  fix  them  in  the  Fort  at  the  Ohio,  if  we  be  so  lucky  as  to 
have  them  built  this  Sumer.  Que[ry,]  Sh'd  not  I  have  a  sepe- 
rate  Com'o.  to  take  on  me  the  Com'd  of  them?  and  an  Agent 
be  appointed  for  them,  that  I  may  know  how  to  draw  upon  for 
their  Subsistance  &c.  for  I  am  of  Opinion  they  must  be  sup- 
plied with  Provis's  for  some  Time.  If  the  Agency  is  left  to  me, 
I  leave  you  to  nominate  any  Friend  of  Y'r's,  or  if  You  will  take 
the  Trouble  Y'rself,  or  if  after  enquiry  of  the  above  at  tother 
End  of  the  Town,  do  the  necessary  therein  as  you  think  right. 
I  by  no  means  think  it  proper  to  shew  Y'r  Letters  to  any  Per- 
son here,  for  excepting  a  very  few,  I  c'd  not  venture  to  divulge 
any  Thing  of  Consequence.  However,  if  Mr.  Randolph's  So- 
licitat's  in  regard  to  the  Pistole  Fee,  meets  with  the  Treatm't  I 
expect,  the  People  here  may  probably  be  bro't  to  think  more 
reasonably  and  with  more  Moderat'n.  Poor  Lasselle's  Death, 
is  a  fatal  Loss  to  the  Atto'y  in  His  Negotiat's,  as  I  hear  that 
Man  was  to  be  engag'd  to  solicit  his  Affairs  with  the  Ministry. 
Their  Motive  for  this  Step,  I  suppose  was,  believing  him  to  be 
my  Enemy,  and  that  he  w'd  go  great  Lengths  to  hurt  me.     If 


104  DINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

SO.  pK>or  People,  I  pitty  their  Ignorance  and  narrow,  ill-natur'd 
Spirits.  Now,  Sir,  as  His  My  is  plciis'd  to  make  me  a  military 
Otticcr,  please  send  for  Scott,  my  Taylor,  to  make  me  a  pniper 
Suit  of  Kej^imentals  to  be  here  by  His  M'ys  Birth  Day.  I  do 
not  much  like  (.iayety  in  Dress,  but  1  conceive  this  necessary.  I 
do  not  much  care  for  Lace  on  the  Coat,  but  a  neat  limbroider'd 
Buttonhole,  tho'  \'ou  do  not  deal  that  way.  I  know  N'ou  have  a 
a  j^otxl  Taste,  that  I  may  shew  my  Friend's  Fancy  in  that  Suit 
of  Cloths:  a  jjood  lac'd  Hatt  and  two  p'r  Stock* jjs,  one  silk, 
the  other  fme  Thread. 

I  think  I   have  nothing  more   to  write  \'ou  at   pres't,  but  my 
kind  Love  and    respects  to  all  the   Branches  of   V'r  agreeable 
Family,  and  that  I  always  am  in  great    Truth, 
Dr  Frd. 

\'r  affect' o.  h'bleServ't. 

P.  .S.  I  have  wrote  to  L'd  Hoi.  to  qualify  me  to  draw  Bills  for 
the  Pay  of  the  Indcpeiid't  Compa's  and   their   Provis's.     Please 

call  on  him  ti>  h.i\c  this  pr()p«Tlv  oLiMisIiM. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIR  TO  JOHN  CLKVEL.ANI),  SFXRETARY 
To  'nil'.   iUJ.\KI)  OI--  .\l)MIK.\l.TV. 

.Mar.  I  2th.  [1754.] 
Sir  : 

\  r  two  Letters  I  reed,  ihc  tir.st  in  answer  to  my  Let'r  to 
their  L'ds,  recomending  two  .Shi|js  of  War  on  this  Statu  and  y't 
of  M'yl'd.  It's  true  we  have  no  Pirates  on  this  Coast  as  yet,  and 
[I]  hope  we  shall  not.  but  if  that  sh'd  be  the  Case,  it  will  be  too 
late  to  write  home.  What  I  mention* d  to  their  L'ds.  was  the 
great  Produce  of  these  two  Colonies,  w'ch  Produce  gives  me 
great  Duties  to  the  Revenue,  and  we  are  an  open  Co't'y  without 
F'ortificat's.  I  have  done  my  Duty,  and  their  L'ds.  are  to  do 
what  they  think  proper.  Vrs  of  the  14th  Deer  I  reed  with  a 
List  of  Passes  You  say  are  not  accounted  for.  I  gave  ^"r  Letter 
to  the  Person  that  usually  issued  these  Papers,  and  enclos'd  You 
have  his  Answer.     I    wish   it  was   in  my  Power  to  serve   ^'ou 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  105 

therein,  but  if  still  due,  the  Ex'ors  of  S'r  Wm.  Gooch  only  are 
liable  to  acc't  for  them.  I  desire  You  will  send  me  30  Passes, 
and  Mr.  Jno.  H[anbury]  will  pay  You  for  those  you  last  sent  me. 
There  are  no  Books  belonging  to  S'r  Wm.  Gooch  left  here,  y't 
I  cannot  give  You  any  Acc't  of  the  Passes  You  say  remains 
unp'd.  I  sh'd  think  it  no  Trouble  if  I  c'd  serve  You  in  this 
Affair. 

I  am, 

S'r,  Y'r  most  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  GOVERNOR  SHARPE. 

Mar.  3rd,  [1754.] 
Sir: 

I  rec'd  Y'r  Letter  of  the  27th  Ulto.,  about  a  hour  ago.  How 
any  Person  c'd  presume  to  ascert  that  we  were  to  raise  no  Forces, 
I  know  not.  We  have  already  rais'd  pretty  many,  and  expect 
the  Six  Compa's  to  be  rais'd  in  this  Dom'n,  will  be  at  Alex' a  by 
the  20th  of  this  Mo.  My  Orders  to  the  Comd'g  Officer  of  our 
Regim't  is  to  march  imediately  to  the  Ohio,  and  on  the  Forks  of 
Monongahela  to  erect  a  Fort,  and  if  any  foreign  Force  sh'd  come 
to  molest  them,  I  order' d  him  to  act  on  the  Defensive,  and  to  de- 
sire them  to  retire  from  His  My's  of  G.  B's  Lands,  w'ch,  if  they 
refuse,  he  is  directed  to  repell  Force  by  Force ;  this  is  agreeable 
to  my  Orders  from  Britain.  The  time  of  the  Forces  being  em- 
bark'd  is  uncertain,  but  [I]  hope  if  we  can  build  the  Fort  soon 
and  defeat  the  designs  of  the  French,  it  may  not  be  long,  but  I 
think  many  of  our  Forces  propose  remaining  there  under  the 
Encouragem't  given  of  Land  free  from  Quit-rents  for  fifteen 
years,  w'ch  Encouragem't  is  to  be  general  to  all  the  Forces  on 
the  Expedition.  I  am  sorry  Y'r  Assembly  are  backw'd  in  their 
Supplies,  as  it  is  a  Com'd  from  His  M'y,  and  at  [the]  same  Time 
the  Peace  and  Protec'n  of  all  the  Colonies  depend  on  our  vigo- 
rous supporting  the  Rights  of  the  Crown  to  the  Lands  on  the 
Ohio,  so  contiguous  to  our  back  Settlem'ts,  and  at  [the]  same 
Time,  I  beg  they  will  consider  if  we  do  not  make  a  Push  at  this 


106  DINWIDDIE   PAPKRS. 

Time,  we  shall  loose  all  the  Ind's  now  in  our  Friendship:  the 
conse<|ucnce  thereof  may  prove  fatal.  I  wrote  you  by  an  Ex- 
press Yesterday,  to  w'ch  I  desire  to  Ix*  refer" d,  and  to  assure  You 
I  am  with  very  ^reat  Esteem. 

\"  I   I.x's  most  obed't  h'l>le  >«(  iv  t. 

P.  S. — l--.\cuse  Hurry,  as  I  was  earnest  to  dispatch  \  r  1-x- 
press,  who  has  been  here  but  two  Hours.  I  expect  a  iarj^e  num- 
ber of  Cherokecs  and  Catawbas  at  the  Ohio  [the]  Beginning  of 
April ;  having  sent  them  an  Express  to  that  Purpose. 


GOYERNOR  DINWIDDH-:  TO  COLO.  ( .Ko.  W.VSHINGTO.N. 

•Mar.  15th,  1754. 
Sir: 

\'r  two  Letters  of  the  ^d  and  7th  Curr't  I  rec'd,  and  the 
enclos'd  from  Messrs.  Trent  and  Cresap.  I  am  surpriz'd  from 
their  Letters  tliat  the  French  are  so  Early  expected  down  the 
Ohio;  w'ch,  I  think,  makes  it  necessary  for  You  to  march  what 
.Soldiers  You  have  enlisted,  imediately  to  the  Ohio,  and  escort 
some  VV^aggons,  with  the  necessary  Provisions.  Colo.  Fry  to 
march  w'th  the  others  as  soon  as  possible.  I  shall  send  three 
.Sloops  with  Recruits  from  ^'ork,  James  River,  and  the  Eastern 
Shoar,  so  that  I  hope  the  Number  of  Men  will  be  fully  Com- 
pleated.  By  the  first  of  these  Sloops,  I  shall  .send  24  more  Tents, 
w'ch  is  all  that's  to  be  had  here.  Picks,  Cutla.sses,  or  Halberts, 
none  in  the  Magazine;  so  the  Officers  must  head  their  Comp's 
with  small  Arms.  I  have  no  Objection  to  the  Soldiers  being  in 
an  uniform  Dress,  on  the  Head  You  propose,  but  I  am  pur- 
swaded  \'ou  have  not  Time  to  get  them  made,  unless  to  be  sent 
after  N'ou.  In  that  Ca.sc,  Care  sh'd  be  taken  of  buying  the  Cloth 
at  the  cheapest  rate. 

The  .Soldiers  arc  to  be  p'd  from  the  day  they  were  enlisted  'til 
the  day  they  march,  after  that  every  two  Mo's,  to  be  p'd  by  Mr. 
Carlyle  at  Alex'a  on  producing  a  Certificate  from  the  Comd'g 
Officer  and  their  Capt.,  wch  Certificate  will  be  a  Voucher  to  Mr. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  107 

Carlyle,  and  he  will  be  supplied  accordingly.  Mr.  Muse"  was 
with  me  this  day,  and  will  soon  be  at  Alex' a.  I  have  appointed 
him  Major  at  ids.  "^  day,  and  enclos'd  You  have  Com'o.  Lieut. - 
Colo,  pay,  I2S.  6d.  ''j^  day  Without  any  Trouble  of  Comanding 
a  Comp'a.  I  have  sent  to  the  Treasurer  for  Money,  if  he  disap- 
points me,  I  shall,  nevertheless,  send  You  some  imediately,  w'ch 
You  may  Expect  in  24  Hours  after  this  Messenger.  I  recomend 
to  You  Dispatch  to  be  with  Capt.  Trent,  if  possible,  before  the 
French  comes  down  the  river.  Send  a  runner  before  You  for 
Intelligence,  that  You  may  not  meet  with  any  Surprize.  I  hope 
the  Colonies  to  the  No'w'd  will  assist  Us. 

His  M'y  has  order" d  two  Independ't  Comp's  from  N.  Y.  and 
one  from  Carolina  to  come  here,  to  be  under  my  Com'd.  I  have 
sent  Expresses  for  their  imediate  coming  here;  w'n  they  arrive,  I 
propose  sending  them  out  to  the  Ohio.  I  w'd  gladly  hope,  as 
Capt.  Trent  has  begun  to  build  a  Fort  at  Allegany,  that  the 
French  will  not  imediately  disturb  us  there  ;  and  w'n  our  Forces 
are  properly  collected,  we  shall  be  able  to  keep  Possession  and 
drive  the  French  from  the  Ohio.  I  hope  the  Cherokees  and 
Catawbas  are  there  by  this  Time.  I  intreat  You  to  be  diligent  in 
Y'r  March  ;  take  w't  Officers  You  see  proper  that  are  at  Alex' a, 
and  keep  up  a  good  Discipline  'till  Colo.  Fry  joins  You.  He  has 
my  Orders  to  choose  a  Court  Martial,  to  peruse  the  Articles  of 
War,  and  select  from  them  such  [as]  the  Court  may  think  proper 
for  the  discipline  of  the  Men. 

Pray  God  preserve  You  and  grant  Success  to  our  just  Designs. 
I  am  most  Sincerely,  S'r, 

Y'r  Friend  and  h'ble  Serv't. 


'*  Major  George  Muse,  from  Caroline  county,  afterwards  promoted  to 
Lieutenant-Colonel.  He  received  his  proportion  of  the  200,000  acres  of 
land  granted  by  Governor  Dinvviddie's  proclamation  of  February  9th, 
1754.     He  was  also  one  of  the  four  District-Adjutants  of  X'irginia. 


108  DINWIDUIK    PAI'KRS. 


Sir 


GOV KR NOR  DINWIDDIK  TO  COl.O.  W  M    FAIRFAX. 

Mar.   I5lh.  [1754]. 


\  r  kind  and  friendly  Lii'r.  f'  Henry  Stuart,  I  reed.  Vou 
are  .sensible  of  the  uphil  Work  I  have  had  in  pulinjij  in  ICxecu- 
tiun  His  M"y"s  C«>m"ds.  anil  \'oii  know  the  reason  that  prevented 
the  Supply  in  Nov'r,  wch  refusal  was  not  only  a  )^reat  Stop  to 
our  Harly  As.sistance  of  our  friendly  Ind's,  in  order  to  defeat  the 
desi).jns  of  the  French.  The  Refu.sal  at  that  Time  was  attended 
with  a  further  ill  Consequence,  by  preventinjj  I'ennsylv'a  from 
actin^j  with  a  proper  Spirit,  sayinj^.  if  our  Colony  did  not  enter 
heartily  into  it,  they  c'd  not  be  e.vpected  to  yjrant  Supplies;  but 
as  I  sent  Expresses  after  the  last  Assembly,  to  acquaint  all  the 
Colonies  of  the  \'ote  of  our  Assembly,  I  hope  they  will  follow 
the  Example,  having  wrote  very  pressinj^ly  on  the  Subject;  but 
I  fear  we  shall  he  too  late.  The  first  of  this  Mo.  I  have  Let'rs 
from  L'd  Holdernesse,  with  an  Order  for  two  Independ't  Com- 
pa's  from  N.  \.,  and  one  from  Carol,  to  march  hither  to  be  un- 
der my  Com'd  The  day  after,  I  sent  Express  to  New  \'ork,  and 
desird  the  (iov'r  to  forw'd  those  two  Compas  imediately  by 
Sea,  and  to  proceed  to  Alex' a,  from  thence  I  shall  order  them  to 
the  Ohio  :  to  the  same  Purpose  I  sent  I'.xpress  to  Carolina,  but  the 
Time  of  their  being  here  is  uncertain,  and  I  fear  [will  bej  too  late, 
if  the  French  come  down  the  (Jhio  as  soon  as  is  reported.  If  so, 
we  must  collect  all  the  Forces  we  can.  in  order  to  tlispossess  them 
ol  their  Settlemt,  «.S:c.  If  thinj^s  had  succeeded  aj^rceable  to 
\  r  Advice  and  mine,  we  sh'd  have  been  there  before  this  Time- 
I  have  order'd  Colo.  Washington  to  march  as  many  Men  as  he 
can  collect  together,  the  rest  to  follow  with  Colo.  Fry  and  Maj'r 
Muse.  I  have  three  People  enlisting  on  James  River,  York,  and 
the  Eastern  Shoar;  their  Men  will  be  up  next  Week  by  Water. 
I  have  been  very  much  faiigucl,  but  if  I  c'd  accomplish  w't  I 
have  in  \"iew.  I  sh'd  not  grudge  any  Trouble.  I  call'd  a  Council 
yesterday,  they  seem  concern' d  at  the  di.sappointm't  of  the 
Money  from  the  Treasurer,  and  I  sent  an  Express  to  him  ime- 
diately to  see  if  he  c'd  furnish  the  Money  agreeable  to  my  War- 
rant to  Colo.  Fry:  his  Answer  is  that  he  c'd  not  borrow  the 
Money  at  Wms'b'g  or  York,  but   that  he  had   wrote  by  Mr, 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  109 

Washington  to  a  Gent,  at  Fredericksb'g  to  lend  the  Money  and 
keep  the  Warr't,  \v"ch  sh'd  be  p'd  with  Int't,  but  that  Mr.  W. 
has  not  wrote  him.  If  he  has  not  rec'd  the  Money,  he  sh'd  have 
ret'd  me  the  Warr't;  speak  to  him  on  the  Head.  However,  to 
give  some  Life  to  the  Affair,  I  have  borrow' d  ^300,  w'ch  I  send 
You,  to  supply  Colo.  Washington  with  part,  and  the  rest  to  Colo. 
Fry,  and  if  you  can  borrow  ^300  more  with  You,  it  shall  be  p'd 
at  the  Court.  I  wish  it  was  in  my  Power,  I  w'd  advance  the 
Whole.  Maj'r  Carlyle  has  not  wrote  me,  but  Colo.  Hunter  says 
he  order' d  some  Beef  and  Pork,  w'ch  I  desir'd  him  to  send  up; 
he  did  not  mention  Flower,  w'ch  I  presume  he  has  sufficient  at 
Com'd.  My  Philosophy  is  put  on  the  Rack  to  support  myself 
under  the  Disappointm't,  but  Patience  is  a  Virtue  I  must  en- 
deavour to  exercise  for  some  time.  You  see,  I  give  You  the 
Trouble  of  this  small  Sum  to  be  manag'd  for  best  Advantage; 
the  Officers  recruiting  here  have  also  been  supplied  by  me. 
Write  me  by  return  of  this  Express.  My  wife  joins  me  [in]  kind 
respects  to  You  and  Y'rs.  I  always  am  most  cordially, 
S'r,  Y'r  aff.  h'ble  Serv't. 
P.  S.  I  am  sorry  to  hear  from  the  No' w'd  that  the  Twightwees 
are  ret'd  to  the  French,  and  taken  up  Arms  ag'st  Us.  I  shall  be 
glad  to  hear  it  contradicted. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  COLO.  JOSHUA  FRV. 

Mar.  i8th  [1754]. 
Sir: 

I  hope  this  will  meet  You  at  Alex' a.  To  the  former  Instruct' s 
I  gave  You  here  I  order  You  after  You  have  chose  Y'r  Court 
Martial  to  read  over  the  Articles  of  War,  and  select  out  of 
them  such  as  You  think  proper  for  the  regular  discipline  of 
Y'r  small  Regim't.  After  that,  have  them  read  at  the  Head  of 
each  Compa.  that  the  soldiers  may  know  the  Punishm't  they 
may  expect  on  the  Breach  of  their  Duty.  Union  in  Council, 
and  Union  in  the  Execut'n  of  Orders  is  the  certain  means, 
with  the  Blessmg  of  God,  to  give  Success  to  any  F^xpedit'n,  I 
therefore  earnestly  recomend  Unanimity  and  a  proper  Discipline. 
As  Capt.  Trent  wrote  to  Colo.  Washington  the  Necessity  of  a 


Ho  DINWlDDIi:    I'AI'I  Ks. 

Rf-inlorccini  lo  his  CDinpa.  on  llit*  Ohio,  I  clesircl  him  to  march 
what  Uthccrs  and  Soldiers  lie  had  ready,  imediately  to  his 
Assistance,  wch  I  su|)|)ose  he  has  done  before  V'r  Arrival. 
The  rest  »)l  the  I'"orces.  w'n  collected  into  a  HckIv,  I  tlesire  \o\x 
will  marshall  them  into  iliflerent  Compa's.  the  List  of  the  Orticers 
Comissd  by  me  You  have  here  enclos'd.  This  week  all  the  recruits 
rais'd  here  antl  [on]  the  I-".;istern  Shoar,  will  embark  in  Sloops 
and  be  with  N  on  soon.  After  you  have  lUtnc  the  Necessary  in 
lixinjj  the  Officers  and  Soldiers  into  proper  Compa's  N'ou  are 
to  march  llum.  with  all  convenient  Speed,  to  Wills's  Creek,  and 
as  1  expect  the  Cannon  and  Provisions  will  be  there  before  ^'ou 
reach  that  Place,  ^'ou  are  to  escorte  them  out  to  the  Ohio  for  the 
Use  intended  by  my  former  Instruci's  to  N'ou,  but  I  desire 
^'ou  to  send  a  Runner  or  Messen^'er  before  N'ou,  that  You  may 
not  be  surpriz'd  by  the  Knemy.  Colo.  Washinjjton  wrote  me 
the  Soldiers  desir'd  to  be  in  an  uniform  dress;  the  Charge 
thereof  to  be  stop'd  out  of  their  Pay  agreeable  to  the  Method  in 
His  M'y's  Army,  to  w'ch  I  have  no  ()bjcct'n.  if  it  does  not 
occasion  delay,  but  we  are  already  late  in  our  March.  I  earnestly 
recomend  all  possible  dispatch.  I  know  not  yet  w't  Supply  of 
men  we  may  expect  from  our  nei^hborinjf  Colonies ;  but  His 
My  is  pleas'd  to  order  two  of  His  Independt  Compa's  from  N 
Y..  and  one  from  Carolina,  to  march  hither  imediately  to  be 
under  my  Com'd.  I  sent  an  Express  the  2d  of  this  Mo.  for  them, 
w'n  they  arrive  I  shall  order  them  out  to  re-inforce  You  at  the 
Ohio.  Money  is  scarce,  and  I  have  been  much  disappointed  by 
the  Treasurer,  who  says  he  has  none,  nor  can  he  borrow  any. 
However,  I  have  supplied  the  OHicers  recruitinj^  here  with  about 
100  Pistoles  and  sent  ^^300  to  Colo.  Fairfax  to  supply  Colo.  W. 
with  some,  and  the  rest  for  You.  I  desir'd  that  Gent,  if  he  c'd 
borrow  sf»mc  more  M'y  at  Alex'a  for  the  pres't,  it  slid  be  p'd  at 
the  Court.  The  Soldiers  will  want  a  little  Rum  in  their  March, 
and  some,  accordinjr  to  the  Labour,  w'n  N'ou  come  to  the  Ohio. 
You  must  therefore  speak  to  Mr.  Carlyle  to  send  the  Qu'ty  ^'ou 
may  think  proper.  1  send  You  4  blank  Como's  for  Knsiji^ns  and 
Adjut't   and   Q,   Master,     ^'oung    Mr.    Mercer"   and    Mr.    Hro- 

"John  Kenton  Mercer,  a  Lieutenant  in  Capt.jin  Rol>ert  .Stewart's  Com- 
pany, son  (jf  John  Mercer,  of  .Marlb<iroUKh.  .Stafford  county,  (compiler  of 
Mercer's  Abridgemenl  0/  the  Laws  0/  I  'irgima.)  and  a  younKcr  brother 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  Ill 

naugh*"  have  applied  for  two  [of]  these  Com'o's.  I  recom'd  them 
to  Y'r  Fav'o.  \'ou  will  observe  there  are  five  Capt's  and  six 
Lieut's.  As  C't  Trent  has  a  d'ble  Comp'a.  You  cannot  fix  the 
Lieut's  till  you  come  to  the  Ohio,  and  if  you  divide  his  Comp'a. 
the  eldest  Lieut,  has  a  right  for  Capt's  Com'o. ;  but  as  he  is  a 
dutchman  and  canot  speak  good  English,  I  think  you  [had]  better 
prefer  the  next  to  him.  Colo.  Washington's  Bro.*'  must  have  a 
pair  of  Colours,  but  not  a  Lieut's  Com'o.  as  the  Lieut's  are  already 
compleated.  Maj'r  Carlyle  has  a  particular  Acc't  of  the  Cannon, 
and  their  different  Inplem't[s],  the  small  Arms,  Powder,  Shott, 
&c.,  w'ch  he  will  furnish  you  with  Copy  of  I  sent  up  30  Tents, 
w'ch  dispose  of  as  You  see  proper.  I  cannot  recollect  any  Thing 
further  at  pres't,  but  my  sincere  Prayers  for  Y'r  Protect' n  and 
Success.     Believe  me  to  be  in  great  haste, 

S'r,  Y'r  Friend  and  h'ble  Serv't. 

P.  S. — Mons'r  Peronie®''  is  strongly  recomended  to  me  by  sev- 
eral of  our  Gent.  I  shall  be  glad  You  can  let  him  have  a  Com'o, 
One  de  Keyser  was  mentined  by  Colo.  Fairfax  for  Adjut't  and 
Q'r  Master.  I  hear  he  is  a  dancing  Master  and  not  acquainted 
with  the  Exercise,  if  so,  not  eligible  for  that  Appointm't. 

of  Colonel  George  Mercer,  was  born  August  31,  1735.  Attained  the 
rank  of  Captain;  killed  and  scalped  by  the  Indians  April  18,  1756,  at 
Edward's  Fort,  on  the  Warm  Springs  Mountains  whilst  in  command  of 
a  scouting  party  of  one  hundred  men. 

^"William  Bronaugh,  promoted  Captain,  and  was  allotted  in  1771,6,000 
acres  of  land  under  Governor  Dinwiddle's  proclamation  of  F^ebruary 
19.  1754-  This  survey  was  made  by  Washington,  and  his  autograph  re- 
port of  it,  rendered  Lord  Dunmore,  Governor  of  Virginia,  is  in  the 
Cabinet  of  the  Virginia  Historical  Society. 

*'John  Augustine,  a  younger  and  favorite  brotlier  of  Wasliingtun.  It 
does  not  appear  that  he  was  commissioned. 

^^  William  Chevalier  de  Peyronie  was  a  French  Protestant,  settled  in 
Virginia  and  highly  esteemed.  At  Fort  Necessity*  he  was  ensign,  and 
being  desperately  wounded,  obtained  leave  to  wait  upon  the  Assembly  to 
petition  for  some  reconipence  for  his  personal  losses  of  clothing,  &c.  On 
30th  August,  1754,  the  Burgesses  voted  liim  their  thanks,  and  especially 
desired  the  Governor  to  promote  him,  and  he  accordingly  received  a 
Captain's  commission  to  date  from  August  25th,  1754.  He  was  killed 
July  9th,  1755,  at  the  defeat  of  Braddock.  Sargent's  History  of  Brad- 
dock's  Expedition,  p.  328. 


11:2  DINWIDDIE   I'APERS. 

COVKkNoK  DINW  IDDIK  To  MAJOR  CAKl.YLK. 

Mar.  iSth,  1754. 
Sir: 

Y'rs  of  the  9th  came  to  my  Hands  a  little  after  I  had  sent 
Mr.  Finne,  Kxpress.  It  is  impossible,  in  the  Manajijem't  of  the 
Trust  repos'd  in  \ou,  for  me  to  give  Kxplicit  Instruct's,  as  many 
Things  may  occur  that  I  cannot  think  of,  therefore  left  to  \"r 
own  discretion,  with  the  Advice  of  Colo,  Fairfax.  The  Waggons 
\'ou  send  up  with  Provisions,  &c,,  if  not  escorted  by  the  Soldiers, 
must  have  a  trusty  Person  to  see  them  deliver* d,  and  the  Pay 
you  mention' d,  I  think  very  reasonable.  I  hope  the  Cannon  will 
be  at  Wills' s  Creek  before  Colo.  PVy  marches,  that  he  may  Es- 
corte  them  out.  I  am  sensible  \"r  Time  will  be  greatly  Fn- 
hanc'd  on  this  Fxpedit'n,  and  \'ou  must  be  accordingly  paid  ; 
the  first  will  be  attended  with  difficulties,  but  in  a  short  time  will 
become  familiar.  You  mention  fresh  Waggons  at  Wills's  Creek, 
are  they  to  be  had  so  far  up  the  Country?  I  sh'd  be  sorry  to 
have  any  Disappointm't ;  pray  explain  this  to  me.  Colo. 
Hunter,  I  suppose,  has  forw'd  the  Provis's  You  order'd,  and 
hope  \'ou  have  plenty  of  Bread  kind,  that  we  may  not  be  under 
any  Inconveniency  on  that  Head.  Colo.  Fry  will  order  some 
Rum,  w'ch  must  be  carried  out  in  Waggons.  I  am  with  respect, 
S'r,  Y'r  most  h'ble  serv't. 


Colo.  Joshua  Fry,  Com'd'r  in  Chief,   15s.  ~p*  day  and    ioG;{^  "^ 
Ann.  for  his  Table. 

Geo.  Washington,  Flsq'r,  Lieut.  Colo.,         12s.     6d. 

Muse,  Major,  10. 

Wm.  Trent,  Captain,  S. 

Adam  Stephen,*  do.  s. 


■^  .Adam  Stiphcii  succeeded  to  the  command  of  Fort  Cumberland 
with  the  rank  of  Lieut.  Col. ;  commanded  expedition  to  South  Caro- 
lina against  the  Creek  Indians,  and  was  later  placed  at  the  head  of  troops 
for  defending  the  frontiers  of  \'irginia,  with  the  rank  of  Brigadier  (»en- 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  113 

Robert  Stobo,'*  do.  8. 

Peter  Hogg,  do.  8. 

And'w  Lewis,*^  do.  8. 

eral.  At  the  commencement  of  the  Revolution  he  was  Commissioned 
a  Colonel ;  promoted  a  Brigadier  General  in  the  Continental  service, 
Sept.  4,  1776,  and  Major  General,  Feb'y  19,  1777.  He  behaved  gallantly 
at  the  battle  of  Brandyvvine,  but  yielding  to  a  bad  habit,  fell  into  dis- 
grace at  Germantown  ;  was  found  guilty  of  intoxication  and  dismissed 
from  the  Army  in  1778.  He  died  near  Winchester,  Va.,  in  Nov'r,  1791, 
leaving  a  landed  estate  which  was  the  subject  of  protracted  legal  con- 
test among  his  heirs. 

®*  Robert  Stobo,  was  born  in  Glasgow  in  1727,  of  respectable  parent- 
age; settled  in  Virginia  about  1742  as  a  merchant ;  appointed  Captain 
in  1754,  surrendered  July  3,  1754,  with  Van  Braam  at  Fort  Neces- 
sity as  hostages  for  the  fulfilment  of  the  articles  of  capitulation ; 
whilst  a  prisoner  at  Fort  Duquesne  he  made  a  plan  of  the  works  and 
sent  it  to  the  commanding  officer  at  Wills's  Creek.  His  correspondence 
fell  into  the  hands  of  the  French  at  the  defeat  of  Braddock,  and  he  was 
in  consequence  treated  with  unusual  severity ;  upon  a  third  attempt,  he 
succeeded  in  escaping  from  Quebec  in  1758,  and  joined  the  English  at 
Louisburg.  He  accompanied  the  E.xpedition  to  Quebec  and  was  most 
useful  in  his  knowledge  of  localities.  Returning  to  Virginia  he  sailed 
in  1760  for  England,  and  on  June  5th  was  made  Captain  in  the  15th  Foot 
(Amherst's  Regiment) ;  served  in  the  West  Indies  in  1762  ;  returned  to 
England  in  1767  and  left  the  army  in  1770,  dying  soon  after.  He  pos- 
sessed a  fertile  genius  and  an  indomitable  spirit,  but  was  very  eccentric; 
an  acquaintance  of  Hume  and  a  friend  of  Smollet  to  whom  it  is  said 
he  sat  for  the  character  of  Lismahago  in  "  Humphrey  Clinker." 

^  Andrew  Lewis,  son  of  John  and  Margaret  (Lynn)  Lewis,  (pioneer 
settlers  of  Augusta  county,  Va.,)  was  born  in  Ulster,  Ireland,  in  1720; 
Major  in  the  regiment  of  Washington  at  the  surrender  of  Fort  Neces- 
sity ;  in  the  company  of  his  brother  Samuel,  at  Braddock's  defeat ; 
commanded  the  Sandy  Creek  Expedition  in  1756,  and  in  the  unfortunate 
expedition  of  Major  Grant  in  1758,  was  made  prisoner  and  taken  to 
Montreal.  In  the  same  year  he  was  a  commissioner  to  treat  with  the 
Six  Nations  at  Fort  Stanwix ;  made  a  Brigadier  General  in  1774,  and 
commanded  the  Virginia  troops  at  the  Battle  of  Point  Pleasant,  Oct. 
10,  gaining  a  victory  over  the  most  formidable  Indian  force  which  ever 
opposed  the  whites  in  Virginia ;  a  representative  of  Botetourt  county 
in  the  Virginia  Assembly  and  a  member  of  the  Conventions  of  March 
and  June,  1775 ;  commissioned  Colonel  and  promoted  Brigadier  Gen- 
eral, but  declined  Ap'l  5, 1777.  He  drove  Lord  Dunmore  from  Gwynne's 
Island,  and  was  on  duty  in  the  lower  part  of  the  .State  where  he  con- 
tracted a  fever,  of  which  he  died  Sept.  25tli,  1781,  at  the  residence  of 


•J 

DINW  lUDIi: 

;    I'Al'KRS. 

Jacob  \'anbraam. 

Lieut. 

4 

(ieo.  MerctT,"* 

do. 

4 

Thus.   Wavjcner." 

d(.. 

4 

William  Poison.' 

do. 

4^ 

Capt.  Tall)«>tt,  in  Ficilford  Cd.,  and  was  interred  on  tlje Thursday  follow- 
inR,  the  27th  inst.,  "beside  his  ytniUKer  son  Charles,"  in  the  burial 
jjround  on  liis  home  farm  on  Roanoke  river.  .\  movement  has  recently 
lieen  insti^jateil  by  Col.  J.  Marshall  McCue,  of  Aujjusta  Co.,  for  the  re- 
moval of  the  reuKiins  to  the  cemetary  at  .Salem,  \'a.,  and  their  due 
marking  by  a  substantial  monnnu-iit.  .Sanniel,  Thomas  and  Charles, 
bn)thers  of  tieneral  .Xntlrew  Lewis,  were  severally  tlisiinyjuished  in 
the  annals  of  \'irjjinia,  and  h.ive  been  worthily  re|)resented  in  succeed- 
ing generations. 

••George  Mercer,  son  of  John,  of  "  .Marlborough,"  was  born  June  23d, 
1733;  educated  at  William  and  .Mary  College ;  promoted  to  Captain,  and 
assigned  as  aid  to  Washington  ;  with  General  Hradtlock  at  the  time  of 
his  being  wounded,  and  complimented  for  his  bravery;  accompanied 
Washington  fr«>m  Williamslnirg  to  Hoston  on  the  missi«)n  to  (ieneral 
Shirley  in  l)ehalf  of  the  rank  of  \'irginia  «>nicers;  elected  to  the  Mouse 
of  Burgesses  May  18,  1761,  (the  date  of  the  election  of  Washington  to 
like  position);  sent  to  England  about  1763,  a.s  the  agent  of  the  Ohio 
Company,  of  which  his  father,  John,  was  Secretary;  returned  to  \'ir- 
ginia  in  1765  as  Collector  for  the  Crown,  under  the  .Stamp  Act,  but 
found  that  measure  so  obnoxious  that  he  declined  to  act ;  going  to 
England  again,  he  was  appointed,  Sept.  17,  176S,  through  the  inlluence 
of  Lord  Hillsborough,  Lieut. -Ciovernor  of  North  Carolina,  but  relin- 
quished the  oflice  very  soon  afterwards— by  tradition,  upon  the  death, 
on  May  30,  1768,  of  his  wife  at  Richmond,  Va.  He  married  Aug.  8th, 
1767,  at  Scarboro*,  England,  .Mary,  daughter  of  Christopher  Neville,  of 
Lincoln.  He  returned  to  England  prior  to  the  Revolutionary  War,  and 
died  there  in  .April,  1784,  without  issue. 

"^Thomas  Waggener  is  believed  to  have  been  a  member  of  a  family 
of  respectability  and  early  seating  in  Rappahann<»ck  county.  He  was 
a  Captain  at  the  defeat  and  death  of  Jnmonville,  May  2Sth,  1754.  'I'ld 
was  slightly  wounded.  He  had  previously  served  under  Governor 
.Shirley  in  the  projected  Canada  e.xpedition  of  1746.  He  received  the 
thanks  of  the  House  of  Burgesses  for  his  gallantry  at  Fort  Necessity. 
Others  of  the  name  also  served  during  this  peri«)d.  Ensign  F-)dmund 
Waggener  was  killed  at  the  defeat  of  Braddock,  and  Captain  Andrew 
Waggener  received  lands  under  the  proclamation  of  Governor  Din- 
widdie. 

"William  l'ouls«in  was  probably  a  .Scot,  who  had  been  concerned  in 
the  Rebellion  of  1745;    since,  early  in   17.S.S,  he  writes  to  James   Burd, 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  115 


John  West,  Jun'r,® 
John  Savage,^" 
Craick," 


do. 

4. 

do. 

4^ 

Surgeon. 

4^ 

complaining  bitterly  of  a  report  that  assigned  him  in  that  affair,  "  such 
a  low  station  as  I  detest  as  much  as  the  author  of  such  a  falsehood." 
He  received  the  thanks  of  the  Virginia  Burgesses  in  1754  for  good  con- 
duct and  was  promoted  Captain  to  date  from  July  21st;  killed  at  the 
defeat  of  Braddock,  and  an  annual  pension  of  ^25  was  bestowed  on 
his  widow.  His  son  John,  commissioned  a  Lieutenant  in  the  60th  regi- 
ment (of  which  Gage  was  Commandant,  and  Gates,  Major,  May  5,  1756; 
served  in  the  Revolution  as  Captain  from  July  i,  1777,  to  May  12,  1779, 
when  he  was  promoted  Major  of  the  8th  Virginia  Regiment ;  a  prisoner 
from  Oct.  5,  1779,  until  exchanged  Nov.  2,  1780  at  Elizabethtown,  N.  J., 
when  he  returned  to  his  home  in  Accomac  county,  Va.  He  subse- 
quently rejoined  the  army  and  served  until  the  end  of  the  war. 

®^John  West  served  through  the  war,  receiving  in  1771  his  allotment  of 
lands  under  the  proclamation  of  Governor  Dinwiddle. 

^The  last  note  is  applicable  to  John  Savage. 

^^  Dr.  James  Craik  was  born  at  Orbigland,  Scotland,  in  1730;  died  at 
"  Vancluse,"  Fairfax  county,  Va.,  February  6,  1814;  graduated  at  Edin- 
burgh; emigrated  to  the  West  Indies  and  subsequently  to  Virginia, 
practicing  his  profession  in  Norfolk,  Winchester,  and  Alexandria ;  effi- 
ciently served  in  positions  of  trust  during  the  Revolution  ;  active  in 
1777  in  unveiling  the  conspiracy  to  remove  Washington  from  the  Chief 
Command  ;  in  1781  Director  of  the  hospital  at  Yorktown,  Va. ;  married 
in  1760  Marianne,  daughter  of  Colonel  Charles  Evvell,  and  his  wife 
Sarah,  daughter  of  Colonel  Edwin  and  Sarah  (Ball,  half  sister  of  Mary, 
the  mother  of  Washington)  Conway,  and  sister  of  Charles,  the  father  of 
Colonel  Benjamin  S.  (President  of  William  and  Mary  College)  and 
Lieutenant-General  Richard  S.  Ewell,  lately  of  the  Confederate  States 
Army.  After  the  Revolution,  Dr  Craik  settled  near  Mount  Vernon, 
was  intimate  with  General  Washington,  and  one  of  his  attendant  physi- 
cians in  his  last  illness.  A  son  of  Dr.  Craik,  George  Washington  Craik. 
was  the  private  secretary  of  Washington  during  his  second  Presidential 
term.  He  married  a  Miss  Tucker,  of  Alexandria,  and  was  the  father  of 
the  late  James  Craik,  D.  D.,  LL.  D.,  of  Louisville,  Ky.,  who  died  June 
9,  1881,  in  the  76th  year  of  his  age. 


lit;  DINWIDUIE    PAPERS. 


r.i  .\  t  k\..k'   1  .INWIDDIK  K)  (.DVMKNOk  SHAKI'K  OK 
MAKVLANI). 

Mar.  2«lh,  1754. 
Sir: 

As  1  havf  wr<»tf  N  on  two  Ltitcis,  w  ch  rcin'n  unanswcr'd, 
I  much  c.x()cct  \"r  Assembly  have  j^rantid  Wm  Mcmey  to  raise 
Forces  on  our  present  Kxpeihlion.  I  have  a  Letter  from  (iov'r 
Hamilton,  wch  j^ives  me  Hopes  that  their  Assembly  rw'ch  meets 
the  2cl  of  next  Mo.  1  will  >»ive  an  aj^reeable  .Supply.  I  think  the 
Men  rais'd  here  will  Ik.'  at  Alex" a  this  Week,  in  their  Way  to 
Wills' s  Creek  and  the  (3hio.  I  shall  be  jjlad  to  hear  ihey  were 
join'd  by  \"r  Men,  as  1  have  a  particular  Instruction  from  His 
M'y  to  build  two  Forts  on  the  Ohio,  and  by  all  means  to  prevent 
any  Persons,  not  his  Subjects,  to  settle  on  his  Lands  on  that 
River.  The  Pay  given  to  our  Forces  are  15s.  to  Colo.,  12s.  6d. 
Lieut.  Colo.,  los.  the  .Maj'r,  Ms.  to  Capt's,  4s.  to  Lieut's,  3s.  to 
Hnsign-S,  4s.  to  the  Docl'r,  and  8d.  f'  day  to  the  private  Men. 
In  order  to  have  them  in  an  Uniform,  they  allow  a  deduct' n  from 
their  Pay  to  purchase  a  Coat  and  Breeches  of  red  Cloth.  I  have 
order'd  six  Mo's  Provisions  of  all  Kinds  to  be  carried  out  with 
them.  I  hope  to  be  favour'd  with  an  ajjreeable  Letter  from  You 
on  return  of  the  Kxpress  I  sent  to  N  N'ork. 
I  remain  with  j^reat  regard  and  l^steem, 

\'r  Lx.  most  Ob'dt  h'ble  Serv't. 


'."\I:KN(JK  DINWlDDil-:  to  (.()\1.KN()K   Di.LANCKV  ok 
NKW  YORK. 

Mar.    2 1  St,    1754. 
Sir: 

Since  writing  the  above,  w  ch  1  sent  you  by  Lxprcss.  I  rec'd 

Vrs  of  the  isth  Feby.  The  Orders  I  have  from  His  M'y,  by  a 
full  Instruction,  are  to  prevent  the  French  and  their  Ind's  from 
settling  on  his  Lands  on  the  Ohio,  and  to  build  two  or  three 
Forts  on  that  River,  and  he  has  been  Pleas' d  to  send  me  30  P.ss. 
of  Cannon,  and  all  other  Implemts  therewith,  to  be  mounted  on 
the  above  Forts  w'n  built,  and  Ho  His.  (iun  Powder.  As  to  con- 
certing Measures  with  the  other  Gov'ts,  the  Time  will  not  admit 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  117 

of  it,  as  what  is  to  be  done  must  be  imediately,  and  His  M'y's 
Orders  to  the  different  Governors  is  for  a  mutual  Supply,  w'ch  I 
think  is  w't  each  Assembly  will  grant,  to  qualify  the  Gov'r  to 
raise  Men,  &c.,  for  the  Good  of  the  Comon  Cause.  I  have  Coni- 
ission'd  Officers  to  raise  six  Compa's,  w'ch  I  expect  will  be  com- 
pleated  this  Week,  and  they  are  to  march  to  the  Ohio  to  support 
an  Officer  now  there,  in  building  a  Fort  at  the  Forks  of  Monon- 
gahela.  As  to  settling  the  different  Quotas  of  each  Gov'r  w'd 
take  up  much  Time,  that  the  present  Intention  of  the  French 
will  not  admit  of  I,  therefore,  hope  Vou  will  do  what's  in  Y'r 
Power  to  assist  Us  with  as  many  of  Y'r  People  as  possible.  The 
Plan  of  Operation  is  no  more  than  to  take  Possession  of  the 
Land  in  the  King's  Name,  and  build  Forts  agreeable  to  His 
Comands,  and  each  Colony  to  pay  and  Victual  their  own  Men. 
"We  allow  a  Colo.,  15s.,  Lieut.  Colo.,  12s.  6d.,  Maj'r,  los.,  Capt., 
8s.,  Lieut's,  4s.,  Ensigns,  3s.,  Surgeons,  4s.,  Private  Men,  8d.  ^ 
Day,  with  Victuals;  they  allow  a  Deduct' n  from  their  Pay  to  put 
them  in  an  uniform  Dress.  I  hope  to  see  at  least  two  of  the  Chiefs 
of  the  Five  Nations  at  Winchester  in  May,  as  the  Design  of  that 
Meeting  is  to  make  a  Peace  between  the  Northern  and  Southern 
Ind's,  after  which  to  make  a  strict  Alliance  between  them  and 
the  whole  British  Subjects  on  this  Cont't.  I  hope  I  need  not  re- 
peat to  You  the  absolute  Necessity  of  Y'r  imediately  ordering 
two  of  Y'r  independ't  Compa's,  agreeable  to  His  M'y's  Order, 
formerly  sent  You  by  Letter  from  Lord  Holdernesse,  for  this 
Place,  as  I  expect  one  from  Carolina,  and  if  you  send  them  in 
Sloops  with  six  Mo's  Provisions,  will  be  very  convenient,  as  the 
Sloops  may  call  at  Hampton  to  take  in  a  Pilot  to  carry  them 
directly  up  to  Alex' a,  the  Head  of  Poto.  River,  and  pray  send 
me  a  muster  Roll  with  them.  Or  if  Y'r  Station  Ship  can  bring 
one  of  the  Companies,  as  it's  for  the  King's  Service,  I  suppose 
You  will  think  it  very  proper.  I  thank  You  for  the  Examinat'n 
of  Stephen  Coffer.  I  have  nothing  now  to  add  but  that  I  am 
with  very  great  respect 

S'r,  Y'r  Hon'rs  most  ob'd't  h'ble  serv't. 

P.  S.    By  Let'r  from  Gov'r  Hamilton,  I  am  in  great  Hopes  of 
a  handsome  Supply  from  that  Province. 


118  DINWIDDIK    I'APKRS. 


GOVKRNOK   DINWIDDIi:  T()  (-.()VF:RN()R   H ANtll.TON  OF 
rKNNSVLVANIA. 

Mar.   2 1  St. 
Sir: 

Your  former  Letter  of  the  25th  o(  Fel>'ry  ^jave  me  much  con- 
cern for  V'r    ill   state  of  Health,  but  [I  hear]   You  are  now  well 
recover' d  and  shall  be  j^lad  to  hear  of  a  full  Contirnial'n  thereof. 
Our  Assembly  in  Nov'r  last  spent  a  great  deal  of  their  Time  in 
complaining  of  my  taking  a  Pistole  Kee  for  Signing  and  Sealing 
all  Talents  for  Land.     This  Fee  was  agreeable  to   my   Instrucl's 
establish' d  by  the  unanims  Consent  of  the  Council  and  approv'd 
by  the  Lords  for  T[rade]  and  I*[lantationsJ,  however,  they  were 
so  violently  warm  thereon  that  they  have  address'd  His  M'y  on 
this  trifling  Fee  and  sent  a  Person  Home  on  purpose  to  negotiate 
this  Aflfair.    They  made  several  illnatur'd  and  uncomon  Resolves 
w'ch  occasion' d  my  proroguing  them  with  some  Marks  of  Anger. 
Y'r  private  Letter  of  the  13th  Curr't,  I  have  duely  reed,  and  am 
much  misled  by  our  Surveyors,  if  the  Forks  of  Monongahela  be 
within  the   Limits  of  Y'r   Proprietor's  Grant.      I  have  for  some 
Time  wrote  home  to  have  the  Line  run,  to  have  the   Houndaries 
properly  known,  that  I  may  be  able  to  appoint   Magistrates  on 
the  Ohio,  (if  in  this  Gov't,)  to  keep  the  Traders  and  others  in 
good  Order,  and  I  presume  soon  there  will  be  Comrs  appointed 
for  that  Service.     In  the  mean    Time,  that  no  Hindrance  may  be 
given  to  our   intended   Expediln,   I  think  it's  highly  reasonable, 
if  these  Lands  are  within  \"r  Prcjpriefor's  (irant  that  the  Settlers 
thereon  sh'd  pay  the  Ouit   Rents  to   Mr.   Penn  and   not  to  His 
M'y,  and  therefore,  as  much  lies  in   my  Power,  I  agree  thereto, 
after  the  time  granted  them  by   my    Pr(jclamat'n   to   be  clear  of 
Ouit  Rents,  ceases,  but  surely,  I  am   from  all   hands  a.ssur'd   the 
Logstown  is  far  to  the  Westw'd  of   Mr.   Penn's  Grant.     I  did 
not  care  to    promise  every   private  Man  a  certain   Ouantity   of 
Land  as  I  fix'd  it  agreeable  to  their  Ikhaviour  and  Recomendat'n 
of  their  Court  Martial  and  to  raise  an  Lmulat'n  among  them.     I 
shall  do  all  in  my  Power  to  prevent  the  Injury  ^'ou  justly  observe 
on  former  Kncouragem'ts  of  the  like  kiiul.     I   am  of  Opinion  if 
we  succeed  that  the  new  Settlers  will  be  the  greatest  Harrier  and 
therefore  the  Land  divided  among  Numbers  will  be  much  more 
Eligible.     I  shall  be  in  Pain    til   I  hear  from   You   of  the  Result 


DINWIDDIE   PAPERS.  119 

of  Y'r  Assembly.  The  March  from  Y'r  Province  to  Wills' s  Creek 
I  think  much  [a]  easier  and  shorter  distance  than  from  this 
[place].  I  enclose  You  the  act  passed  last  session  for  ^^  10,000 
w'ch  I  am  asham'd  of  as  it  is  much  clogg'd,  nothing  but  the 
Emergency  of  our  Present  Affairs  w'd  have  allow'd  me  to  pass 
it.  I  also  send  You  my  Speeches  and  their  Addresses  to  me 
last  Sessions. 

I  am  with  very  great  respect  and  Esteem, 

S'r,  Y'r  Obed'th'ble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  GOVERNOR  HAMILTON,  OF 
PENNSYLVANIA. 

Mar.  2ist,  [1754.] 
Sir: 

Last  Night  I  rec'd  Y'r  Letter  of  the  13th  Curr't  by  Y'r 
Express.  I  am  sensible  of  the  Endeavours  You  in  course  must 
have  taken  with  Y'r  Assembly  for  a  mutual  Supply,  agreeable  to 
His  M'y's  Com'ds  to  all  the  Gov'rs  on  this  Cont't,  and  it  gives  me 
much  Concern  and  Surprize  that  the  Gent,  of  Y'r  Assembly  sh'd 
be  so  backward  in  qualifying  you  to  resist  the  Invasions  of  the 
French  on  His  M'y's  Lands  on  the  Ohio,  w'ch,  if  once  they  have 
a  quiet  Settlem't  there,  the  Incursions  of  these  People  with  their 
Ind's  on  our  present  Settlem'ts,  will  be  constantly,  and  attended 
with  Robberies  and  Murders,  w'ch  was  the  Case  last  Year  w'n 
some  of  their  Ind's  Came  to  our  Frontiers,  Murder'd  a  Man,  his 
Wife  and  five  Children,  Robbed  them  of  all  they  had,  and  left 
their  Bodies  to  be  tore  in  Pieces  by  the  wild  Beasts.  This  is  no 
more  than  may  be  annually  expected  from  them.  His  M'y's 
Orders  to  me  are  to  prevent  their  Settling  on  his  Lands  on  the 
Ohio,  and  further  orders  me  to  build  two  or  three  Forts  on  that 
River,  not  doubting  but  the  Neighbouring  Gov'rs  will  assist  me 
to  put  these  his  Com'ds  in  due  execution. 

He  has  further  order' d  two  of  the  Independ't  Compa's  at 
N.  York,  and  one  from  Carolina,  to  be  sent  hither  to  be  under 
my  Com'd.  I  have  accordingly  sent  Expresses  to  these  Colonies 
to  send  these  Compa's  with  all  possible  Dispatch.  W'n  arrived, 
I  propose  sending  them,  with  the  Forces  rais'd  here  and  the 


120  DINWIDDII.    PAPKKS. 

nei^hbourinjj  Colonics,  to  the  (Jhio.  Our  Assembly  were  very 
backward  in  raisinjf  Money,  and  the  Sum  rais'd  is  not  half  w't  I 
expected,  but  in  C«)n)pliance  with  llis  M'ys  Ortlers  1  am  willinj^ 
to  do  all  in  my  Power  to  erect  a  Fort.  In  Jan'ry  I  Comission'd 
VVm.  Trent  to  raise  lOO  Men.  He  has  j^ot  70.  and  has  bej;un  a 
Fort  at  the  Forks  of  Mononjjahela.  His  My  sent  me  out  30 
Pss.  Cannon,  4  Pt)un<lers,  and  all  other  necessary  Implem'ts.  with 
80  H'ls  Ciun  Powder.  I  havt;  sent  of  the  (iuns  and  h  of  their 
Implem'ts  to  Alex'a,  from  thence  to  be  transported  to  Wills's 
Creek,  and  so  to  the  Ohio  in  Wa^jjons.  They  are  a  little  too 
heavy,  therefore  I  only  sent  10.  to  see  if  they  can  be  properly 
carried  out.  And  I  am  of  Opinion  w'n  our  Assembly  comes  to 
think  seriously  of  the  Im[)ortance  of  this  Kxpedil'n,  they  will, 
on  their  next  Meetinjj,  ^rant  a  much  larger  Su|)ply,  w'ch  w'd 
have  been  more  Elij^ible  to  have  done  it  at  once,  but  [I]  hope  the 
small  Sum  now  ^iven  will  be  no  Precedent  to  ^"r  Assembly,  but 
that  they  will  shew  themselves  loyal  Subjects,  and  consider  His 
M  y's  Lands  are  likely  to  be  invaded,  and  that  the  Invaders  will 
not  rem'n  quiet  there,  but  constantly  harrass  our  Settlem'ts  on 
our  I-rontiers.  We  are  in  i^rcat  want  of  proper  Officers,  but 
have,  from  the  best  Informat'n  and  Recomendat's,  Comission'd 
the  best  I  c'd  meet  with.  The  Chief  Com'd  is  invested  in  Colo. 
Joshua  Fry,  a  Man  of  very  jjood  Sense,  and  one  of  our  best 
Mathemet't's.  The  Number  of  Men  to  be  rais'd  now  is  only  300, 
besides  those  Capt.  Trent  has  rais'd,  and  now  on  the  Ohio.  If 
we  can  only  erect  a  Fort  or  two,  as  a  .Mark  of  Possession, 
[it]  will  be  doing  something;  but  I  am  much  cramp'd  by  the 
narrow  Dispositions  of  our  Assembly.  The  Time  the  Men 
are  to  be  kept  in  Pay  c'd  not  be  determin'd.  I  sent  up 
300  small  Arms  to  this  small  Regim't,  with  Powder  and 
Shott,  [and]  30  Tents.  They  propose  to  be  in  an  uniform, 
by  having  a  red  Coat  and  Breeches,  w'ch  they  arc  willing  the 
ch'ge  she!  be  stop'd  out  of  their  Pay.  I  have  ordcr'd  six 
Months  Provisions,  viz't:  Beef,  Pork,  and  Flower,  but  this  ^u'ty 
must  be  increas'd,  as  we  must  supply  our  friendly  Ind's  with 
Provisions,  as  the  Supply  is  to  be  carried  out  to  the  Ohio,  I 
leave  the  Proportion  (to  be  given  to  each  Man  i  to  the  Comand'g 
Officer.  I  order'd  a  (Ju'ty  of  Rum  to  be  sent  out,  to  have  some 
on   their   March,  and  w'n   they  come  to  Work   in   erecting  the 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  121 

Forts  to  allow  a  Quart  of  Rum  to  every  four  Men  ^  Day.  The 
Guns,  &c.,  to  be  transported  as  above.  The  Men  receive  each  a 
Pistole  on  their  enlisting  and  8d.  "i^  day  Pay.  The  Colo.  15s., 
Lieut.  Colo.  I2S.  6d.,  Maj'r  los.,  Capt's  8s.,  Lieut's  4s.,  Ensigns 
3s.  ^  Day,  Surgeon  4s.,  Serg't  2s.,  Drum'r  is.  I  have 
wrote  the  Catawbas  and  Cherokees  to  join  our  Forces  on  the 
Ohio  in  April  next.  I  promis'd  them  a  Present  from  their 
Father,  the  King,  next  Year.  They  must  have  Provision  and 
Arms,  but  I  did  not  engage  them  any  Clothing,  the  Messenger  I 
sent  to  them  is  not  yet  ret'd.  I  shall  be  glad  if  we  can,  this 
Sumer,  erect  two  Forts,  w'ch  if  effected,  I  propose  leaving  the 
three  Independ't  Compa's  to  remain  in  them  all  Winter.  We 
have  not  above  350  Small  Arms  remaining  in  our  Magazine, 
some  thereof  I  believe  must  be  sent  to  the  Ind's,  and  I  know  of 
none  to  be  sold  here.  I  think  the  above  is  a  full  Answer  to  Y'r 
Queries,  and  I  am  of  Opinion  if  we  cannot  effect  building  the 
Forts  before  the  French  come  down  the  Ohio,  that  in  that  Case, 
w'n  our  whole  Forces  are  collected  together,  we  sh'd  make  a 
Push  to  dispossess  them  of  any  Settlement  they  sh'd  presume  to 
make  there.  Y'r  Calculation  is  very  right  in  regard  to  the  small 
sum  granted  by  our  Assembly,  but  hope  they  will  at  next 
Meeting  increase  that  Sum  by  a  further  Vote.  Our  Forces,  to 
be  sure  will  be  much  inferior  to  the  French,  unless  the  other 
Colonies  are  more  liberal  and  Sanguine  than  ours  has  been. 
And  You  know  the  Uncertainty  of  dependence  on  the  Ind's,  but 
I  always  had  much  dependence  on  the  Supply  from  Your  Pro- 
vince, and  1,000  Men  from  you  w'd  give  great  Life  to  the  Expedi- 
tion, and  in  that  Case  [we]  sh'd  [have]  reason  to  expect  Success. 
I  am  in  Hopes  the  Men  enlisted  here  will  be  at  Alex' a  this  Week 
and  as  Capt.  Trent  has  wrote  earnestly  for  some  Men  to  be  sent 
out  to  his  Aid,  I  wrote  last  Monday  to  march  w't  Forces  were  at 
Alex' a  imediately  for  the  Ohio  to  join  him,  and  order' d  them  to 
send  a  Runner  before  them  that  they  may  not  be  surpriz'd.  If 
our  Assembly  had  granted  even  this  little  sum  of  ioooo[^]  last 
Nov'r,  I  think  it  more  than  probable  that  a  Fort  might  have 
been  finished  before  this  Time,  but  I  c'd  not  then  prevail  with 
them,  w'ch  occasion'd  my  Proroguing  them  with  some  Anger.  I 
have  had  a  very  uphill  Affair  to  manage,  and  indeed  I  never  met 
with  so  much  Trouble  in  any  Thing  I  had  the  Managem't  of,  as 


1--  I'INW  II.DII.    r.M'KKS. 

thih.  I'lay  lit  mc  know  as  s«.K)n  .is  porisiblc  iht*  (tc'tcriiiiiiat'n  of 
V'r  Assembly,  w'ch  il' tlu-v  .ict  w'nU  Spirit  will  Iw  v«tv  threat 
Kncourajjcm'i  lo  ours. 

I  renin,  with  vtry  ^;rtat   nspcci, 

S  r,  \"r  most  obcdt  h  bic  Scrv't. 


r,(>\  KKNOk  DINW  IDDIK   Po  MA  riUKW  ROWAN,  PRESIDENT 
(»!•   NURIH  CAROLINA 

Mar.   23rd,  [1754] 
Sir: 

Vour  kind  favo.  of  the    loth  Mar.   by   Mr.   Ashe,**  I  duely 

reed.     It  ^ives  mc  much   Pleasure  to  observe  the  Loyalty  and 

Readiness  of  your  A.ssembly  in  raisiii)^   Money  for  the  (iood  of 

the  Common  Cause.     (Jur  Assembly  were  much  divided  and  a 

Spirit  of  Content' n  amonj,'  them,  that  they  voted  only  io,ooo[/^] 

for  the  imediate  raising  300  Men  to  join  and  escort  a  Compa.  of 

"John  Ashf  was  Inim  at  Grovely,  on  the  Ca(>e  Fear  river,  1720.  and 
with  his  brother  ((iovernor  .Samuel  Ashe),  and  a  sister,  was  left  an 
orphan  at  a  tender  ajje.  He  was  educated  at  Boston,  was  heir  to  a 
larjje  estate,  and  soon  became  distin^^uished  as  an  orator,  stati-snian 
and  popular  leatler.  He  inheriletl  a  hatred  of  oppression,  and  was  im- 
bued with  a  spirit  that  led  him  to  espouse,  with  ardor,  the  cause  of  the 
|>eople  against  the  arbitrary  exactions  of  government. 

His  jjr.mdfather,  John  .Ashe,  an  influential  nu-mber  of  the  .S4iuth 
Carolina  Assembly,  had  been  enKaKc<i  in  lon^  an«l  bitter  contrr)versy 
with  the  fiovemors  of  that  Colony —  particularly  in  rej;ard  to  the  meas- 
ure depriving  dissenters  <if  the  right  to  sit  as  legislators:  .jnd  his  father, 
John  Ikiptista  .Ashe,  (.S|H-aker  of  the  North  Carolina  .Assembly.)  ha<l 
violently  opposed  the  oppressions  of  Governor  litirrington  in  North 
Carolina,  with  the  eventual  r.viiti  ,.t  ■-  <  ..mplishiuK  his  abdication  and 
flight  from  the  Colony. 

Among  the  coterie  of  gintx  im  n  on  tne  Cape  Fear,  distinguished  for 
their  elegance  and  culture,  no  less  than  for  their  intrepidity  and  patriot- 
ism, none  entered  life  better  equip|H-d  or  more  highly  gifted  than  young 
Ashe,  and  none  played  a  niore  intportant  p.irt  in  the  grave  m.ttlers  that 
came  to  test  their  fortitude. 

As  speaker  of  the  Assembly  he  op|M»sed  with  great  resolution  the 
enforcement  of  the  Stamp  Act,  and  leading  the  people  to  the  Cover- 


UINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  123 

lOO  Men,  now  at  the  Ohio  building  a  F"ort  agreeable  to  His 
M'y's  Coni'd's  to  me.  but  I  do  not  doubt  of  their  raising  a  much 
larger  Sum  for  the  general  Service.  These  Men  I  expect  will 
be  at  Alexandria,  the  Head  of  Potomack  River,  next  Week,  w'n 
they  are  directed  to  march  imediately  to  the  Ohio.  That  Part 
of  the  River  where  they  are  order' d  to  build  a  Fort  is  in  Dis- 
pute, whether  it  is  in  their  Gov't  or  in  the  Proprietary  Grant  of 
Mr.  Penn,  of  Pensylv'a,  however,  it's  deem'd  the  Property  of 
the  Crown  of  G.  B.,  and  for  the  Safety  of  His  M'y's  Colonies  on 
this  Cont't,  it's  absolutely  necessary  to  prevent  the  French  from 
settling  or  building  Fortesses  there.  And  as  it  is  for  the  general 
Safety  of  the  Whole,  the  Forces  rais'd  in  each  different  Colony^ 
is  to  be  Paid  and  maint'd  in  Provisions  by  them.  I  have  pro- 
vided six  Mo's  Provisions  for  the  men  now  rais'd,  and  those 
from  the  No'ern  Colonies  will  bring  their  Provisions  with  them. 
The  Pay  of  our  Officers  and  soldiers  is  as  follows.  The  Colo. 
15s.  Lieut.  Colo.  i2s.  6d.,  Maj'r  los.,  Capt.  8s.,  Lieuts.  4s.,  En- 
signs 3s.,  Doct'r  4s.,  and  the  Private  Men  8d.  p*  Day.  To  bring 
them  into  an  uniform  dress  of  a  red  Coat  and  p'r  Breeches,  they 


nor's  mansion,  required  Governor  Tryon  to  deliver  up  to  him  the  Stamp 
Master,  who  was  taken  to  the  market-house  and  made  to  swear  never 
to  receive  or  distribute  a  single  stamp. 

In  consequence  of  retaliatory  measures.  Governor  Tryon  being  at 
Fort  Johnston,  at  the  entrance  of  the  Cape  Fear,  Ashe  informed  the 
Governor,  in  writing,  that  he  would  "accompany  the  people  and  take 
possession  of  the  Fort  because  of  the  particular  restrictions  imposed 
on  the  port  of  Wilmington."  The  odious  restrictions  were  speedily 
removed. 

In  the  spring  of  1775  he  embodied  troops  at  Wilmington  and  so 
alarmed  Governor  Martin  that  he  tied  from  the  town  and  took  refuge 
on  board  a  British  vessel  off  Fort  Johnston  ;  later,  in  July,  witii  Colonel 
Waddell,  he  seized  P^ort  Joiniston,  and  under  the  eye  of  the  Governor, 
destroyed  it,  applying  the  torch  with  his  own  hand.  He  projected  the 
first  Colonial  Congress  held  ( 1774)  in  subversion  of  the  constituted  au- 
thorities of  the  Colony — and  was  a  strenuous  promoter  of  all  the 
patriotic  measures  of  that  period :  none  of  his  contemporaries  being 
more  advanced  or  wielding  a  greater  influence  in  the  Colony  than  him- 
self. 

During  the  war  he  served  in  both  civil  and  military  station;  was  caj)- 
tured  in  1780,  confined  in  Wilmington  by  Major  Craig;  took  the  sniall- 
po.x,  and  after  being  broken  in  health,  was  released  only  to  die  in  17S1. 


124  DINU  IltUlK    I'AI'KRS. 

allow  a  Sioppaj^f  lo  be  made  out  of  their  Pay.  Provisions  of 
Flower,  pork  ami  Heel"  to  be  .i;iven  them  at  the  Discretion  of  the 
Com'tl'j^  (Jtficer,  and  Rum,  a  little  on  their  March,  and  a  Quart 
for  every  four  Men  w'n  at  Work  on  the  Ohio,  with  Encouraj^em't 
of  Land  to  every  I'erson  accortlin^  to  their  Merit,  free  of  Rights 
or  Ouit  Rent  lor  15  ^'ears.  The  pay  that  Mr.  Ashe  tells  me 
Your  I'rivate  Men  are  to  have,  Surprizes  me.  I  wish  you  c'd 
prevail  with  the  Officers  and  Stjldiers  to  be  at  the  same  I'ay  as 
our  Forces,  but  I  fear  if  they  know  the  Pay,  they  will  be  backw'd 
in  coming,  but  this  I  must  leave  to  Your  Prudence.  As  to  Pro- 
visions, if  \'ou  write  me,  I  shall  take  care  to  provide  w't  You 
may  Order,  and  as  I  fear  the  Fxpence  will  be  large  either  for 
\'our  I'rovince  or  our's  to  bear,  we  must  in  a  proper  Manner 
repres't  it  home  and  depend  on  His  M'y's  Cioodness  for  reim- 
bursem't.  As  the  Ministers  are  very  earnest  on  this  Expedit'n  I 
doubt  not  of  their  good  Otitices  in  being  rep'd.  Cannot  \'ou 
order  a  Qu'ty  of  Pork  for  \'our  Forces.  I  am  glad  \'our 
Regim't  comes  under  the  Comd  of  Colo.  Innes,  who's  Capacity, 
Judgment  and  cool  Conduct,  I  have  a  great  Regard  for.  And 
w'n  he  comes  here  [I]  shall  do  all  I  can  to  help  him.  The  March 
of  \"r  People  by  Land  will  be  long  and  very  fatiguing,  I 
recomend  their  coming  by  Sea  to  Hampton,  w'n  shall  have 
Sloops  U)  carry  them  to  Ale.x'a,  thus  I  advise  the  Indepcnd't 
Compa's  from  N.  ^'ork  and  Carolina  to  be  transported,  and  if  Y'r 
Station  Ship  is  with  \\m,  I  think  as  it's  for  the  Service  of  the 
Crown,  he  sh'd  bring  round  to  Hampton  as  many  as  he  can  ac- 
comodate, and  for  other  Vessells  they  may  be  press'd  on  this 
emergent  Occasion.  This  my  (Opinion  I  submit  to  N'our  Judgm't. 
The  (iov'r  of  Pensylv'a  sent  me  an  Fxpress  last  Week  w'n  he 
was  in  hopes  to  prevail  with  the  Assembly  to  qualify  him  to  send 
1,000  Men  and  I  doubt  not  of  the  other  Colonies  sending  their 
proper  Ouotas  agreeable  to  the  Supplies  voted  by  their  Assem- 
blies, w'ch  as  yet,  I  am  not  inform'd  of,  but  the  greatest  Dispatch 
is  absolutely  necessary  as  the  I'Vench  is  expected  down  the  Ohio 
next  Mo.  1  have  nothing  further  to  add,  but  that  my  sincere 
Wishes  for  Success  in  this  Expedit'n  attends  it, 
I  am,  with  very  great  regard  and   Esteem, 

Y'r  Hon'r's  most  h'ble  Serv't. 


I 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  125 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  MR.  ROWAN,  PRESIDENT  OF 
NORTH    CAROLINA. 

Mar.   23,  [1754]. 
S'r: 

Since  closing  my  Let'r  of  this  date,  I  have  exaniin'd  into 
our  Magaz'e,  and  find  we  have  only  300  small  Arms  remain'g, 
that  I  hope  You  will  be  able  to  supply  Y'r  Regim't  in  Your  own 
Colony.  We  allow  no  Bedding  to  the  Soldiers,  but  send  Tents 
with  them ;  we  are  also  deficient  in  them,  but  I  propose  having 
some  made.  I  found  our  Magazine  very  short  of  Warlike  In- 
strum'ts,  not  having  any  Cutlasses,  but  Bayonets  for  the  Arms. 
I  remain,  with  very  great  Esteem, 

Y'r  Hon'rs  most  humble  Serv't. 

P.  S.  Our  Forces  are  not  to  be  p'd  agreeable  to  the  Act  of 
Assembly  in  pay'g  the  Militia,  but  as  Volunteers,  w'ch  accord- 
ingly as  in  my  Other  Letter,  their  Pay  is  establish'd. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  COLONEL  JAMES  INNES.^^ 

23d  Mar.,  [1754]- 
Dear  James : 

Y'r  Kind  Let'r  of  the  12th  Curr't  I  rec'd  by  Mr. 
Ashe,  and  I  am  very  glad  that' I  shall  have  the  Pleasure  of  seeing 
You  at  the  Head  of  a  Regim't  of  750  Men.  I  intended  You  the 
Chief  Com'd  of  our  Forces,  but  the  few  now  rais'd  were  to 
march  directly  to  the  Ohio,  that  [I]  was  oblig'd  to  Com'on  the 
Ofiicers.  Y'r  Age  is  nothing,  w'n  You  reflect  on  Y'r  regular 
Method  of  living.  It  gives  me  Pleasure  that  You  are  to  be  on 
the  Expedit'n,  and  I  hope  You  will  soon  recover  [from]  your 
present  Complaint.  As  for  the  Expectat's  of  the  People  here,  I 
always  have  regard  to  Merit,  and  I  know  Yours  and  You  need 


*^James  Innes,  a  native  of  Scotland,  and  a  citizen  of  New  Hanover 
county,  N.  C.  He  had  served  in  1740,  it  is  believed  as  a  Captain,  in  the 
unsuccessful  expedition  against  Carthagena,  commanded  by  Colonel 
William  Gooch,  Lieutenant-Governor  of  Virginia. 


120  DINWIDDIK    I'AI'ERS. 

not  mind  or  Icar  any  Reflfcis.  Tht*  Ik-arcr  appears  to  be  a  very 
discrci't,  well  behav'cl  (n-ni.,  anil  I  tloubt  not  will  make  a  K"<>d 
Ofticer,  and  the  I'lncoiira^m't.  N'ou  >jive  in  prel'crnnjj  those  that 
raise  their  Compa's  first  to  liif  Senior  Com'o.,  is  right.  We 
allow'd  a  Pistole  listinj^  Money  to  each  Man  besides  their  Pay, 
but  I  refer  Vou  to  my  Let'r  to  \'our  Presid't.  The  very 
Thouj^ht  \'ou  write  me,  occur'd  to  me,  and  a  Monih  ago  I  wrote 
to  [the]  (iov'rs  of  N.  \'ork  and  Ne*-  luigland  to  make  a  Faint 
towarils  Canada,  to  divert  their  sending  the  Number  of  Forces 
mention'd;  wluther  they  will  put  it  in  Practice,  I  cannot  say.  Dis- 
patch is  ab<-olutely  necessary,  and  [I]  hope  You  will  bring  ^"r 
Forces  by  Sea,  and  I  heartily  wish  to  see  \'ou  and  them.  1  think 
Y'r  Com'd  from  me  must  be  by  a  Com'o.  superior  to  any  I  have 
yet  granted.  \'ou  know  my  regard  and  Ksteem  for  Vou.  My 
Wife.  Lise,  and  the  Child,  jtjin  me  in  sincere  respects  to  You  and 
Mrs.  IniK's.  and  believe  me,  I  am, 

S'r,  V'r  aftect'o.  h'ble  Serv't. 

P.  S.  lli^  .NPy  sent  30  Pss.  Cannon,  4  Powndcrs,  with  all 
necessary  Implem'ts.  They  are  heavy,  therefore  [I]  have  sent 
only  ten  up  to  be  carried  in  Waggons  to  the  Ohio;  if  they  be 
easily  transported  1  shall  send  the  other  twenty.  No  Cowhorns 
or  hand  Granades  here. 


govp:rnor  dinuiddik  to  governor  sh.arpe.  of 
.mar  vi. .and. 

Mar.  25th,  1754. 
Sir  : 

\"rs  of  the  iith  Curr't  I  ducly  rec'd  and  am  heartily  sorry 
Y'r  Assembly  will  not  assist  with  Forces  to  repell  the  unjustifiable 
Encroachm'ts  of  the  French.  I  am  obliged  by  His  M'y's  Cf)mds 
to  endeavour  the  building  of  two  Forts  on  the  Ohio,  but  I  fear 
the  small  Force  rais'd  here  will  not  be  suflicient.  The  Presid't 
of  No.  Caro.  writes  me  th.it  their  .Assembly  have  voted  ;{j  2,000 
Proclamat'n  Money,  and  that  they  are  enlisting  Men  accordingly 
and  thinks  they  will  raise  750.  The  Gov'r  of  Pensylv'a  thinks 
he  will  be  able  to  prevail  with  the  Assembly  to  grant  a  handsome 
Supply.     Their  House  are  to  sit  down  the  2d  of  next  Month.     I 


DINVVIDDIE    PAPERS.  127 

have  rais'd  300  Men,  w'ch  with  a  Comp.  under  Capt.  Trent's  Com'd 
now  at  the  Ohio,  is  all  I  can  purpose  to  raise  from  the  small 
Sum  given  by  our  Assembly,  but  I  doubt  not  they  will  increase 
the  Sum  hereafter.  I  am  thorowly  convinc'd  of  Your  Assid- 
uous Endeavours  with  Your  People,  but  there  is  no  resisting  an 
ill  founded  Prejudice.  If  they  w'd  look  forward  and  consider 
the  dismal  Consequences  that  must  follow  the  Settlem't  of  the 
French  so  near  our  Frontiers,  they  certainly  w'd  chearfully  assist 
with  a  proper  Supply,  as  it's  easier  to  prevent  their  Settling  than 
to  dislodge  them  w'n  settled,  besides  they  ought  to  shew  them- 
selves good  Subjects  in  complying  with  His  M'y's  Com'ds  for  a 
mutual  Supply,  as  the  Dignity  of  the  Crown,  His  M'y's  just  right 
to  these  Lands,  and  the  Safety  of  all  these  Colonies  much 
depends  on  this  Expedition,  But  You  or  I  can  do  no  more  than 
to  press  the  Necessity  thereof,  which  I  am  convinc'd  You  have 
done  in  the  strongest  Manner, 

I  remain,  with  very  sincere  respect, 
Y'r  Excell'y's, 

Most  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  GOVERNOR   GLEN,  OF   SOUTH 

CAROLINA. 

15th  Apr.  [1754]- 
Sir: 

Y'r  two  Letters  of  the  14th  and  25th  Mar.  I  duely  rec'd. 
Y'r  Observat's  on  the  French  Transact's  in  this  part  of  the 
World  are  very  right,  and  the  Consequences  You  draw  in  regard 
to  their  securing  the  many  Nat's  of  Ind's  to  their  Int.  is  very 
just,  and  exactly  agreeable  to  my  Opinion,  and  that  no  Time  is 
to  be  lost  in  preventing  their  further  Invasion  on  his  M'y's  Lands, 
is  w't  I  have  much  at  Heart,  and  is  the  Foundat'n  of  my  Earnest- 
ness in  Complying  with  His  M'y's  Com'ds  to  build  two  Forts  on 
the  Ohio  River.  The  Steps  I  have  taken  in  conformity  thereto, 
is,  that  in  Jan'ry  last,  I  sent  out  a  Compa.  of  80  Men  to  the 
Forks  of  Monongahela,  where  they  have  clear'd  the  Land,  and  I 
hope  by  this,  begun  the  Fort.     Since  that   I  have  sent  two  De- 


128  DINWIDDIK    PAI'KRS. 

tachmcnts  of  150  Men  each  to  support  them,  and  I  expect  3  or 
4CXJ  Men  from  No.  Carolina  to  follow  them  in  a  Fortnight's  Time, 
w'ch  with  thf  thrcT  Intk-pcntl't  Compa's,  the  Assistance  of  the 
Northern  Colonics,  and  the  Junct'n  of  our  friendly  Ind's,  I  am  in 
Hopes  will  put  me  in  some  Capacity  to  prevent  the  French  ex- 
tcndinj;  the  Scttknj'is  t)n  thai  River,  and  1  shall  be  very  yjlad  to 
hear  \''r  Gov't  goes  into  the  mutual  Assistance  recommended  by 
the  E.  of  Holdcnessc,  as  His  M'ys  Com'd's  to  each  Colony  on 
this  Cont't,  and  if  Vou  cannot  conveniently  raise  Men,  ike,  if 
You  can  su|)ply  me  with  Money,  I  doubt  not  but  [I]  can  raise 
Men  sutiticient  here,  agreeable  to  the  Aid  Nour  Assembly  may 
vote  for  a  Supply  on  this  critical  Juncture,  and  I  believe  [I]  can 
procure  some  Small  Arms  for  them,  if  N'ou  (jualifie  me  to  make  a 
Purchase  of  them,  but  I  hope  \'ou  will  join  with  me  that  no  Time 
is  to  be  lost,  as  I  suppose  [thej  French  are  now  on  their  March 
towards  the  Ohio.  \"r  Assc-mbly's  Complyance  will  shew  the 
French  the  Connect'n  of  the  British  Colonies  against  their  inva- 
sions. The  Assembly  of  Pennsylvania  is  now  Sitting,  and  from 
the  Gov'r's  Let'r  to  me  I  have  good  reason  to  expect  a  hand- 
som[e]  .Supply  from  them.  V'r  proposal  of  a  Cieneral  Meeting 
of  all  the  Gov'rs,  no  doubt  would  be  of  great  Service,  both  as  to 
Reprisentat's  Home  and  a  true  knowledge  of  the  Strength  of 
each  Colony,  but  as  to  their  proportioning  the  quota  each  is  to 
supply,  wou'd  have  no  Weight  with  my  Assembly,  as  they  are  too 
headstrong  to  be  under  any  Direct'n  but  from  their  own  Opinions 
and  Arguments.  W't  Influence  \o\i  may  have  over  \'r  As- 
sembly I  know  not,  but  I  frankly  tell  ^'ou  1  have  none  over 
this  here,  further  than  arguing  on  the  necessity  and  leaving 
the  Ouantum  to  them  and  I  rec'd  His  M'y  s  Directs  for  a  mutual 
Supply  to  be  no  other  than  our  Endeavours  with  the  Assemblies 
to  vote  Supplies  for  His  .Service.  I  must  further  observe,  let 
\"r  proposal  be  ever  so  eligible  for  an  Interview  and  meeting 
of  the  several  Gov'rs.  this  is  a  very  improper  Time,  first  as  the 
French  are  on  their  March,  we  should  be  active  in  our  Supplies 
to  prevent  their  further  Kncroachments,  by  an  imediate  Force  to 
stop  t'neir  Proceedings.  .Secondly,  My  Meeting  the  Ind's  at  Win- 
[chesterj  the  20th  of  May,  will,  in  all  probability,  prevent  my  return 
hither  till  the  End  of  June.  Thirdly.  The  GovV  of  N.  York  has 
a  Meeting  with  the  Six  Nat's  at  Albany  (by  Order  from  Home,  to 


I 


DINVVIDDIE    PAPERS.  129 

deliver  them  a  Present)  on  the  12th  of  June.  Lastly,  It  cannot 
be  well  expected  that  Mr.  Shirley,  the  Gov'r  of  N.  Eng'd,  w'd 
come  here,  w'ch,  I  believe,  is  a  Journey  of  800  Miles.  For  these 
reasons,  I  believe  You  will  think  with  me,  that  the  Time  and 
Place  You  mention  canot  be  comply'd  with.  But  to  bring  our 
Affairs  with  the  Ind's  into  a  better  regulat'n,  I  have  sent  home  a 
Scheme  to  the  L'ds  of  Trade,  w'ch  I  conceive  will  answer  all  the 
Views  You  propose.  If  approv'd  of  at  Home,  I  shall  give  You 
due  Notice  thereof.  I  am  obliged  to  You  for  the  Care  You  have 
taken  in  ordering  the  Independ't  Compa.  here,  w'ch  I  daily  ex- 
pect, tho'  not  yet  arriv'd,  and  am  glad  [of]  the  Acc't  You  give  of 
them.  It  is  impossible  for  me  as  yet  to  describe  to  You  the  dif- 
ferent Tribes  of  Ind's  or  their  Number  of  Gun-men,  but  after  the 
Meeting  at  Win.  I  hope  to  be  able  to  give  You  a  particular  Acc't. 
My  Invitat'n  is  to  the  Six  Nat's,  the  different  Tribes  of  Inds  on 
the  Ohio  River,  The  Twightwees,  a  large  Nat'n  of  Ind's  to  the 
So'w'd,  that  inhabit  between  the  Ohio  and  Lake  Erie,  The  Chero- 
kees,  Catawbas,  and  Chickasaws,  and  if  we  meet  and  come  to  a 
proper  Treaty,  I  shall  be  very  glad  to  include  the  Creeks  and  all 
other  Ind'n  Nat's  in  Fr'dship  with  Britain  and  these  Colonies. 
If  I  possibly  can  perswade  some  of  the  Chiefs  to  come  from 
Win.  here,  I  sh'd  be  glad,  but  as  You  know  them  better  than  I 
do,  I  suppose  You  will  think  that  very  uncertain,  and  more  so,  if 
their  People  sh'd  be  wanted  to  defend  their  hunting  Ground  on 
the  Ohio.  I  can  give  You  no  better  Acc't  of  the  French  Force 
than  w't  You  have  in  Maj.  Washington's  Journal.  I  have  no 
View  at  pres't  of  dislodging  them  from  the  Forts  they  have  un- 
justly built  on  His  M'y's  Lands,  w'ch  may  be  consider'd  here- 
after. At  pres't,  in  obedience  to  His  M'y's  Com'ds,  [I]  want  to 
build  two  Forts,  as  a  Possess'n,  and  for  a  safe  retreat  on  Occa- 
sion. His  M'y  has  sent  me  30  Cannon,  four  Pounders,  mounted 
on  proper  Carriages,  w'th  all  Implem'ts,  properly  fitted,  and  80 
Bis.  Gun-powder.  Ten  of  the  Cannon  I  have  sent  out  to  be  car- 
ried to  the  Fort  now  building,  with  }s  of  the  Stores  belonging  to 
the  whole,  and  if  they  can  carry  them  properly  over  the  Mount's, 
the  other  shall  be  sent  after  them.  We  have  no  Coe-horns,  Mor- 
tars or  shells,  and  as  we  are  not  going  to  attack,  but  build  Forts, 
they  are  not  so  imediately  wanted.  The  Distance  from  this  to 
the  Place  I  propos'd  building  the  Forts  is  about  400  Miles.     I 


130  DINWIDDIK    J'AI'KRS. 

think  I  can  supply  Provisions  for  more  Men  than  I  have  any 
I'rospect  ol  raisinj;.  Tho'  there  is  no  doubt  of  raising  a  j^reat 
Nunil>er  of  Men  here,  and  in  No.  C?ar.  You  have  enclos'd  an 
Acc't  of  the  Pay  I  have  esiabhsh'd  for  our  Forces,  and  I  supply 
them  with  Arms,  and  eacli  Colony  must  do  the  same.  I  cannot 
tell  the  (Juty  of  Arms  in  other  Colonies.  There  now  remains  in 
our  Magazine  ab't  400,  some  of  them  I  must  lend  to  No.  Caro- 
lina. Hereafter.  I  hope  to  be  able  to  give  a  proper  Acc't  of  the 
Number  and  Situat'n  ot  each  Tribe  of  Ind's,  but  I  once  more  de- 
sire to  enforce  the  absolute  Necessity  of  a  Supply  from  Y'r  Pro- 
vince. I  am  sorry  Y'r  People  sh'd  suggest  my  keeping  them  in 
the  Dark,  and  [that  I]  enlighten  other  (ient.  1  declare  1  havebetn 
open  to  them  all,  in  giving  them  all  the  Intelligence  in  my  Power, 
and  my  Letters  to  \'ou  corres[)ond  with  w't  I  wrote  the  other 
Cients.  And  I  cannot  help  saying,  I  am  surpriz'd  at  Y'r  Back- 
wardness, as  I  really  had  great  Uependance  of  a  handsome  Sup- 
ply from  \'ou,  but  if  they  disappoint  the  Kxpectat's  of  His  ^^y, 
in  giving  a  mutual  .Supply,  I  must  be  easy  as  to  myself,  as  the 
present  Designs  of  the  French  effect  all  the  Colonies,  it's  just  and 
natural  to  expect  each  of  them  sh'd  exert  themselves  with  a  pro- 
per .Spirit  at  this  Time.  Y'r  Answer  by  this  Express  will  much 
oblige 

Y'r  Fx's  most  obed't,  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVKRNOK  DINWIDDIK  To  MATIIKW  KOWAN,  I'RKSIDKNT 
(JF  NORTH  CAROLINA. 

I5lh  Apr..  [1754  ] 
Sir: 

I  c'd  not  let  slip  the  good  Oj)j)'ty  of  Colo.  Innes  in  paying 
my  Respects  to  You.  He  and  I  havetalk'd  the  Affairs  fully  over 
in  regard  to  the  Ff)rccs  from  \"r  Colony,  and  fl]  therefore  refer 
You  to  him  ;  and  I  desire  to  assure  You  that  I  shall  do  every 
Thing  in  my  Power  for  the  Service  of  No.  Carolina,  as  I  am  very 
much  pleas'd  with  their  readiness  in  granting  .Supplies  on  this 
emergent  Occasion;  and  I  rem'n  with  great  respect, 
Y'r  Hon'r's  most  h'ble  Serv't. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  131 


GOVERNOR   DINWIDDIE   TO  THE   KING,»*  HEAD  MEN,  AND 
WARRIORS  OF  THE  CATAWBAS. 

Apr.  19th,  1754. 

I  rec'd  Y'r  L'r  of  the  5th  Apr.  by  Abr.  Smith.  I  sh'd  not 
have  urg'd  Y'r  going  to  protect  Y'r  hunting  Grounds  on  the 
Ohio,  if  I  had  not  been  duely  informed  of  the  Designs  of  the 
French  and  their  Ind's  full  Intent's  to  settle  Forts  and  take  Pos- 
sess'n  of  all  that  Land,  and  in  Course  to  make  Slaves  of  our 
friendly  Indians.  To  prevent  their  Designs,  I  have  sent  out  a 
good  Number  of  our  Forces  to  the  Ohio  to  support  the  Ind'n 
Nat's  in  Fr'dship  with  us,  and  I  thought  proper,  by  my  former 
Message,  to  desire  You  to  march  some  of  Y'r  Warriors  to  join 
our  People.  You  see  they  have  come  near  You  by  killing  two 
of  your  People,  for  I  am  convinc'd  they  were  French  Ind's,  as 
the  Six  Nat's  are  at  Peace  with  You.  I  sent  for  some  of  Y'r 
Chief  Men  to  Winchester  to  Partake  of  a  Present  from  Y'r  Father, 
the  K.  of  G.  B.,  and  You  need  not  fear  any  thing  whilst  among 
Y'r  Brothers,  the  Engl.,  and  I  expected  they  w'd  come  with  a 
proper  Attendance.  I  have  been  oblig'd  to  send  what  Guns, 
Powder  and  Bullets  I  c'd  possibly  spare  to  the  Ohio,  for  Y'r 
Bros.,  the  Eng.,  and  our  f'dly  Ind's,  where,  if  you  had  thought 
proper  to  send  some  of  Y'r  Warriors,  we  w'd  have  taken  particu- 
lar Notice  and  Care  of  them.  At  present  I  cannot  send  any  to 
the  Place  of  Y'r  residence,  but  shall,  at  all  Times,  be  ready  to 
serve  You  in  every  Thing  in  my  Power.  The  Pres't  at  Win- 
chester will  be  divided  among  the  different  Tribes  of  Ind's  there 
pres't.  I  shall  be  at  Winchester  to  deliver  the  Pres't  ab't  the 
20th  of  next  Mo.  You  know  the  great  distance  You  are  from 
Us,  w'ch  makes  it  impossible  at  this  Time  to  send  You  Powder 
and  Bullets,  but  if  some  of  Y'r  Chiefs  come  to  Winchester,  w'ch  is 
nearer  to  You  than  this  Place,  You  shall  be  supplied,  but  at  pres't 
I  am  earnest,  and  very  busy  in  sending  Ammuit'n  to  the  Ohio,  to 
defend  and  protect  Y'r  hunting  Grounds.     Some  of  Y'r  Warriors 

'*The  King  of  the  Cherokees,  a  little  earlier,  was  Outacite,  or  Wootas- 
sitie.  He  entered  into  a  treaty  with  Governor  Francis  Nicholson,  of 
South  Carolina,  in  1721. 


182  DINWIDDIK    I'APKRS. 

may  be  at  Winchester  by  the  time  inent'd,  where  I  shall  be  very 
^lad  to  see  them,  and  be  assur'd,  I  shall,  at  all  Times,  have  a 
great  rejjard  for  the  brave  Catawbas :  and  am  sincerely, 

\"r  lining  Brother. 

I*.  S. — I  shall  be  glad  if  some  of  the  Chickesaws  also  come  to 
W..  w'ch.  pray,  give  tluin  Notice,  as  I  cannot  at  pres't  write 
them,  being  much  hurried. 


OOM.K.NdK      Dl.NW  IDDlh       lU      1  UK     l-..\ll'l.ROK.    Kl.NG     OF 

CHUTi:."^  AND  WARRIORS  0\-   THK  C.RKAT  .NATION  OF 

I  I  IK  rilKROKKES. 

/?.  D.,  G.  of  V.  and  )"r  Bro.,  -.vishcth   You  Health  and  Happi- 
ness : 

I  reed  \''r  L'r  of  23rd  of  Mar.  by  A'ra.  .Smith.  I  sh'd  not, 
&c.,  to  (as  in  the  L'r  to  the  Catawbas)  You  see.  I  sent  to  invite 
Y'r  Emperor,  etc.,  to  some  of  Y'r  Warriors.  Your  Kmperor  de- 
sired some  lime  ago  to  come  to  see  me;  I  referr'd  inviting  him 
till  this  Time,  and  thought  his  coming  to  Winch,  w'd  have  been 
very  agreeable.  The  Pres't  from  ^"r  Father,  the  King  of  G.  B., 
is  now  at  Fredericksburg,  in  its  way  to  Winchester,  and  if  Y'r 
Emperor,  or  some  of  \"r  Chief  Men  and  Warriors  come  there 
any  Time  ne.xt  Mo.,  I  shall  be  glad  to  see  them  and  shew  my  re- 
gard for  them. 

I  am  \'x  afiect'o.  Brother. 

Apr.  19th.  [1754] 
V.  .S. —  1  sh'd  be  glad  if  some  of  the  Chickesaws  al.so  come  to 
Winchester,  w'ch   [you]  may  give  them   Notice  [of,]  as  I  cannot 
at  present  write  them,  being  much  hurried. 


"Oconostota,  a  chieftain  of  Rrcat  influence,  is  styled  at  this  period 
"  Prince  of  Chote,"  and  the  "  Great  Warrior  of  the  Cherokee  Nation." 


PINWIDDIE   PAPERS.  133 


GOVERNOR   DINWIDDIE  TO  WAYHOCKE,  KEHOWE,»«  TEL- 

FOWE  KEHOVVE,  CORRONAH  TOXSO,  SKYONNACO 

KEHOWE,  WARRIORS  OF  THE  CHEROKEES. 

I  sh'd  not  have  urg'd  Y'r  going  to  the  Ohio,  if  I  had  not 
been  advis'd  that  the  French,  with  their  Ind's,  are  coming  down 
that  river  to  build  Forts,  and  take  Possession  of  all  that  Land, 
and  in  course  will  endeavour  to  make  Slaves  of  all  our  f 'dly 
Ind's.  To  prevent  their  Designs,  I  have  sent  out  a  good  Num- 
ber of  our  Forces  to  support  the  Ind'n  Nat's  in  F'dship  with  Us, 
and  I  thought  proper  by  my  former  Message  to  desire  Y'r  As- 
sistance, and  that  You  w'd  join  our  People. 

I  invited  the  Emperor  to  meet  me  at  Win[chester]  to  par- 
take of  a  Pres't  from  Y'r  F'r  the  K.  of  G.  B.,  where  I  shall  be 
very  glad  to  see  him  or  You,  that  I  may  have  an  Opp'ty  of  shew- 
ing my  great  regard  for  Y'r  Nat'n.  I  have  been  oblig'd  to  send 
w't  Guns,  Powder  and  Bullets  I  c'd  spare,  to  the  Ohio  for  Y'r 
B's  the  Engl,  and  our  f'dly  Ind's,  where,  if  You  think  proper 
to  march.  You  will  find  all  Necessaries  and  be  taken  particular 
Notice  of.  I  assure  You  I  cannot  at  pres't  send  any  Stores  to 
the  Place  of  Y'r  residence,  but  shall  at  all  Times  be  ready  to 
serve  You  in  every  thing  in  my  Power,  and  believe  me,  in 
great  Truth,  Y'r  lov'g  Bro. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  THE  EARL  OF  HOLDERNESSE. 

Apr.  27th,  1754. 
R't  Hon.: 

My  last  to  You  was  the  19th  Mar.  to  w'ch  I  beg  to 
to  be  refer'd,  and  in  my  Duty,  I  desire  to  acqu't  Y'r  L'ds.  of  my 
Proceedings  since.  In  Consequence  of  the  little  Mo[ney]  given 
me  by  our  Assembly,  to  qualifie  me  to  execute  the  Com'ds  of  His 
M'y  in  taking  Possession  of  the  Lands  on  the  River  Ohio  in  his 
Name   and  building  two   Forts,    I   have  Comiss'd  Officers  and 

*®  Fiftoe  appears  as  the  Chief  of  the  town  of  Keowie,  in  South  Caro- 
lina, at  this  period. 


134  DINU  IDDII.    PAPERS. 

enlistetl  300  Men;  150  of  them  march  for  the  Ohio  the  lolh  of 
this  Mo.  and  the  others  march'd  the  20th  to  escorte  10  Cannon 
and  other  necessary  Stores  and  Provis's,  w'ch,  with  the  Conipa. 
of  70  Men  tliat  1  sent  out  in  Feb'ry,  I  hope  will  be  able  to  build 
two  Forts  on  that  River  this  Sumer.  No.  Caro.  have  rais'd  300 
Men,  who  are  now  on  their  March  tt)  join  them.  M'yl'd  and 
Pensylv'a  liave  not  as  yet  given  any  Supplies,  but  I  hope  they 
will  be  convinc'd  of  the  Necessity  of  K'^''">i  their  Aid.  Mr, 
Sharpe,  the  Gov'r  of  M  yl'd  has  acted  with  great  Spirit  in  en- 
deavouring to  perswade  them  of  the  Necessity  at  this  Time  to 
join  our  Forces  with  a  proper  Number  from  their  Province,  and 
I  have  reason  to  think  Mr.  Hamilton,  the  Gov'r  of  Pensylv'a,  is 
also  very  earnest  with  his  Assembly,  and  I  hope  will  succeed.  In 
conformity  to  \"r  Let'r  I  wrote  to  the  Ciov'rs  of  N.  \'ork  and  So. 
Caro.  for  those  Indcjiendent  Compa's.  Mr.  De  Lancey  of  N. 
York  writes,  that  two  of  their  Compa's  shall  be  sent  with  all 
Expedit'n.  Mr.  Glen  writes  me,  one  Compa.  from  thence  shall 
be  sent  and  that  I  may  expect  them  the  6th  of  this  Mo,,  but  none 
of  them  yet  ajipears,  w'ch  gives  me  Concern  ;  however,  I  shall 
with  great  Farnestness  and  l)isj>atch  proceed  with  w't  Forces 
that  are  already  on  their  March,  to  execute  his  M'y's  Com'ds 
in  every  Point,  as  much  as  possibly  can  be  done,  as  I  have  that 
Duty  and  Business  very  much  at  Heart,  and  beg  leave  to  assure 
You,  that  I  [am]  with  dutiful  respects, 

R't  Hon.,  \"r  L'ds.  most  obed't  hble  Serv't. 

P.  S.    I  am  now  preparing  to  meet  the   Heads  of  the  different 
Tribes  of  Ind's  at  Win.  to  d'r  his  M'y's  Present  to  them. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDII-:  Tu  THK  K.AKL  OF  H.XI.IIAX. 

Apr.   27th  [1754-] 
R'T  Hon: 

The  Acts  pass'd  last  Assembly  are  not  fairly  engross 'd, 
that  I  do  not  now  write  to  Y'r  L'd's  Hoard.  Hut  I  presume  to 
trouble  You  with  this  to  acqu't  Y'r  L'ds.  that  tho'  I  have  His 
M'y's  Orders  to  raise  the  Militia  of  this  Dom'n,  from  the  Advice 


DINVVIDDIE    PAPERS.  135 

of  the  Council  and  Others,  I  found  they  w'd  not  have  answer'd 
the  Intention  of  raising  them,  as  I  c'd  not  compell  them  to  march 
to  the  Ohio ;  and  if  forc'd,  w'd  have  been  of  httle  Service,  and 
indeed  in  the  Winter  there  is  no  marching  of  forces  in  this 
Country,  from  the  many  Rivers  and  Morasses,  w'ch  in  the  Winter, 
from  the  great  rains  and  Snows  are  impassable.  However,  in 
the  Mo.  of  Feb'ry,  I  order'd  a  Compa.  of  Seventy  Men  to  march 
out  and  take  Possess'n  of  a  Place  on  that  river  to  build  a  Fort ; 
they  are  now  on  the  spot,  and  [I]  hope  have  clear'd  the  ground 
accordingly.  I  have  Com'o'd  Ofhcers,  and  rais'd  300  Men;  150 
thereof  began  their  March  to  the  Ohio  the  loth  of  this  Mo.,  the 
other  150  march'd  the  20th.  No.  Caro.  raises  300  Men,  and  they 
are  on  their  March  to  join  ours.  M'yl'd  and  Pensylv'a  have  not 
as  yet  voted  any  Supplies,  tho'  Mr.  Sharpe,  the  Gov'r  of  M'yl'd, 
has  acted  with  great  Spirit  in  endeavouring  to  perswade  his 
Assembly  of  the  Necessity  of  a  Supply  at  this  Time,  and  is  in 
Hopes  of  bringing  them  to  a  Compliance  with  His  M'y's  Com'ds 
for  a  mutual  Supply.  E.  of  Holderness's  Letters  to  the  Gov'r  of 
N.  York,  for  two  Independ't  Companies,  and  Gov'r  of  So.  Caro. 
for  one  Compa.,  were  imediately  forw'd'd  to  them.  The  Gov'r 
of  N.  Y.  writes  he  will  forw'd  his  two  Compa's  with  all  Expedi- 
tion. Mr.  Glen,  of  So.  Caro.  writes,  the  Compa.  from  that  Pro- 
vince will  be  here  the  Beginning  of  this  Mo.,  but  none  of  them 
yet  appears;  however,  with  the  little  Force  I  have,  [I]  shall  en- 
deavour to  obey  the  Com'ds  of  His  M'y,  in  building  two  Forts 
on  the  River  Ohio  this  Sumer,  if  I  am  not  interrupted  by  the 
French.  I  am  inform'd,  about  400  of  their  Forces  are  on  the 
River  Ohio  about  60  Miles  distant  from  the  Place  I  propose  to 
build  one  Fort.  I  beg  to  assure  Y'r  L'ds.  that  I  have  this  Duty 
much  at  Heart,  and  every  Thing  in  my  Power  to  put  [it]  in  Exe- 
cut'n  shall  be  done  with  all  possible  Dispatch,  but  the  Tardiness  of 
our  neighbouring  Colonies  is  a  great  Obstruction  to  the  Expedi- 
tion. I  have  done,  and  shall  do  every  thing  in  my  Power  for  the 
Service.  I  am  now  preparing  to  go  to  Win.,  a  Town  far  back 
on  our  Frontiers,  to  deliver  His  M'y's  Present  to  the  Chiefs  of 
the  different  Tribes  of  Ind's.  I  appointed  them  to  meet  me  on 
the  20th  of  next  Mo.  I  hope  Y'r  L'ds.  will  excuse  the  Freedom 
and  Trouble  I  give  You  with  this  L'r;  it's  from  a  sincere  Opinion 
I  have  of  Y'r  great  regard  for  the  settling  the  interior  Parts  of 


136  DINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

this  Rreal  Conl't,  the  back  of  the  British  Dom's.  A  Line  from 
V'r  L'tls.  will  jjivc  me  j^ri-at  Joy.  and  I  always  am.  with  profound 
res|)ect, 

Ri  Hon.,  Y'r  L'cls.  most  obed't  h'ble  Serv't. 


tioM.KNoK    DINWIDDII".     To    IlII.    i:.\KI.   ()I-    ( .KKNXILLK." 

27th  Ai)r..  [1754.] 
R'tHon: 

Enclosed  I  send  you  two  L'rs  that  came  under  my 
Cover  from  V'r  Agent  Mr.  Corbin.*"  That  Gent,  sent  me  [/J558, 
9s.  2d.  [in]  this  Currency,  for  w'ch  I  enclose  y'r  L'ds  my  own 
Draft  on  Messrs.  J.  &  C.  Hanbury  for  [/J429.  1 1  St'^,  w'ch  at  30 
■f*  C't.  is  equal  to  the  above  Sum,  and  I  shall  at  all  Times  be  proud 
of  serving  Y'r  Int't  in  this  Part  of  the  World,  but  as  our  Hills 
here  are  precarious  as  to  their  being  p'd,  made  me  .send  you  my 
own  Draft.  I  am  now  strongly  engag'd  in  sending  l-orces  to  the 
O.  River  to  take  Possess'n  of  the  Lands  there  in  His  M'y's 
Name;  from  this  Colony  370  Men  are  march'd  out.  No.  Car'o 
have  rais'd  3cxj  Men,  who  are  on  this  March  to  join  them.  The 
Colonies  to  the  No'w'd  of  this  have  not  as  yet  granted  any  Sup- 
plies tho'  strongly  press'd  thereto  by  their  Gov'rs.  I  hope  they 
will  be  prevailed  on  to  grant  a  mutual  Supply  agreeable  to 
His  M'ys   Com'ds.     I    shall  do  every  Thing  in  my   Power  to 


"John  Carteret,  Earl  Granville,  the  remaining  proprietor  of  North 
Carolina,  and  after  wlKim  (iranville  and  Cartarel  counties  were  named, 
was  appointed  one  of  the  l<»r(Is  of  the  bcd-chaml>er  upon  the  accession 
of  GeorK«-  I.  and  was  conslitutcd  in  17 16,  Lord  Lieutenant  and  rw.T/oj 
rotulorum  of  the  county  «)f  Devon.  In  1719  he  w.us  accredited  em- 
bassador exraordinary  to  the  court  «»f  Sweden;  in  1721  was  niatlc 
principal  .Secretary  of  Slate ;  and  from  1724  to  1730.  Lord  Lieutenant 
of  Ireland.  He  was  thrice  one  of  tlic-  Lords  Justices.  durinR  the 
occasional  absence  of  the  King,  and  was  Knight  of  the  Ciarter.  He 
died  January  2,  1763.  leaving  one  son.  Robert,  who  succeeded  him,  and 
at  whose  death,  in  1776,  the  title  became  extinct. 

"Francis  Corbin.  a  member  of  thr  Ctnuicil  of  North  Carolina. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  137 

forw'd  this  Expedition  and  if  not  interrupted  by  the  F.,  I  hope 
to  be  able  to  build  two  Forts  on  that  river  this  Sumer. 

I  beg  to  assure  you  that  I  am  with  great  Deference  and  h'ble 
respects. 

R't  Hon.,  y'r  L'ds.  most  obed't  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  J.  ABERCROMBY. 

Apr.  26th,  [1754]. 
Dear  Sir: 

Y'r  L'rs  of  Jan'ry  29th,  Feb'ry  i8th,  and  do.  23rd,  I 
rec'd  last  Night,  and  observe  their  Contents.  I  find  that  You 
have  gone  throw  the  Offices,  and  that  my  Fr'ds  think  my  Case 
is  entirely  in  my  Favo.,  w'ch  gives  me  some  Satisfact'n,  but  shall 
rem'n  uneasy  till  its  finally  ended,  and  I  must  confess  to  You,  if  I 
had  [known]  that  this  Affair  w'd  have  created  so  much  Uneas's 
to  me,  and  Trouble  to  my  Fr'ds  at  Home,  I  w'd  not  have  taken 
that  Fee;  but  w'n  it  was  Establish'd  by  the  Council  here,  and  ap- 
prov'd  by  the  L'ds  for  Trade,  I  c'd  not  in  hon'r  to  the  Board, 
submit  to  the  unjust  Clamours  of  our  Ho.  of  Burgesses,  who,  by 
the  Opinion  of  S'r  Dudley  Ryder,"®  had  no  Cognizance  of  it. 
As  this  was  Prior  to  any  Direct's  in  regard  to  the  Encroachm'ts 
of  the  French  on  our  Frontiers,  it  c'd  not  be  any  Foundat'n  for 
the  Ho.  of  Burgesses  not  giving  due  Obedience  to  his  M'y's 
Com'ds  for  a  mutual  Supply  ag'st  the  common  Enemy.  I  never 
had  so  troublesome  [a]  Duty  to  perform.  In  the  Mo.  of  Febr'y 
last,  I  sent  out  a  Compa.  of  80  Men  to  take  Possession  of  the 
Lands  on  the  Ohio,  and  to  begin  the  building  of  a  Fort,  but 
every  Person  knows  that  without  Money,  little  is  to  be  done  in  that 
way.     However,  by  many  Argum'ts,  and  all  the  Int't  I  c'd  make, 


*'Sir  Dudley  Ryder,  an  eminent  English  lawyer,  was  born  in  1691.  He 
was  of  an  ancient  Yorksliire  family,  and  liberally  educated  ;  appointed 
Solicitor  General  in  1733,  and  in  1736  advanced  to  the  office  of  Attorney 
General;  in  1754  made  Lord  Chief  Justice  of  the  King's  Bench,  and 
was  about  to  be  elevated  to  the  peerage  as  Lord  Ryder,  baron  of  Har- 
rowby,  in  Leicestershire,  but  died  while  the  patent  was  being  prepared, 
May  25,  1756. 


138  DINWIUDIK    PAI'KRS. 

the  Assembly  were  prevail'd  on  to  ^rant  lo.oooj^  to  raise  Men  to 
protect  our  Frontiers,  and  I  iniediately  tliereon  gave  Como.  and 
Orders  to  raise  Six  Conipa's  of  50  Men  each.  150  o(  these  rais'd 
for  us,  niarch'il  for  the  Ohio  the  Be^jiiuiinj^  of  this  Mo.,  and  the 
rest  niarch'd  last  Week,  who  were  to  join  the  ist  detachm't  sent 
out.  No.  Caro.  have  rais'd  i2,ock)[/J  Proclamation  Mo(ney], 
and  have  listetl  between  3  anil  400  Men,  who  are  now  on  their 
March.  The  two  I'roprietary  Gov'ts  have  done  Nothing.  His 
My  has  order'd  two  Independ't  Compa's  from  N.  York  and  one 
from  So.  Car.  but  neither  of  tiicm  are  yet  arriv'd  here;  w'n  they 
do,  [Ij  shall  order  them  out  to  the  (^hio,  and  1  may  witho't  Vanity 
say  that  no  Person  c'd  do  more,  or  [be]  more  earnest  in  obeying 
His  M'y's  Com'ds,  but  w't  can  be  e.\|)ected  from  the  tiiflinj^j  sum  of 
io,ooo[;/,"]?  However,  without  rej^ard  to  tliat,  I  have  done  all  in 
my  Power  for  the  .Service  of  the  Hxpedit'n.  I  wrote  pretty  fully 
by  the  Man  of  War,  but  [as]  we  are  a  very  extensive  Co't'y,  I  c'd 
not  call  the  Assembly  sooner  than  the  14th  of  Feb'ry,  w'ch  was 
after  that  Ship  sail'd.  I  did  all  I  cd  with  them  w'n  met,  but  they 
are  a  very  stubb(»rn  conceited  people.  V'r's  of  the  i.Sth  Feb'ry 
informs  me  of  \"r  hnv'^  retain'd  the  Att'o.  and  Solicit'r  Cien'l,  with 
.Mr.  Hume  Campbel,'*  and  Mr.  Jno.  Sharpe,  as  Solicit'rs  w'ch 
I  nuich  approve  of,  tho'  I  was  in  Hopes  You  w'd  have  procur'd 
a  .Sij^ii  Manual.  I  am  j^reatiy  oblig'd  to  the  Noble  L'd  in  Arling- 
ton Street  for  his  Directs  to  You,  and  am  glad  of  \"r  presenting 
a  Pet't.  to  the  B'd  of  Trade  in  my  Name,  and  as  You  have  taken 
up  the  (".round  by  these  regular  Steps,  I  hope  Success  will  attend 
it,  whether  before  the  King  and  Council,  on  any  of  the  Points  You 
mention.  I  shall  be  easy  as  we  have  so  good  Council.  As  for 
Probates  of  Wills  and  L'rs  of  Administral'n,  I  desire  to  give  up, 
therefore  take  no  .Steps  in  regard  to  them.  As  to  the  Compl't 
of  Ciratuilies'""  on  the  Council's  Affairs,  it  met  with  no  great 
Opposit'n,  but  I  think  You  shd  have  wrote  me  a  Let'r  ol  Y'r 
being  satisfied  with  w't  they  gave  You,  that  I  c'd  have  shewn  it 
to  them.      Tlv    i  ^ /'  <lii'-   from    the    H<>.    of  Hurvjesscs.    I    believe 


'"'Hon.  Alcxaiuler  I  luine  Cainpliell,  appoiiitctl  Lt.nl  Kegislcr  of  Scol- 
lanti  in  1755. 

""These  were  presents  to  clerks,  and  under  officials  in  the  several 
public  offices  to  advance  the  applications  of  the  CoUiny,  made  by  Aber- 
cromby  and  charged  as  incidental  expenses  in  his  account. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  139 

was  a  Neglect,  but  [I]  shall  at  a  proper  Time  remind  them  thereof. 
I  shall  endeavor  to  find  out  Mr.  Palmer,  if  in  this  Colony,  and 
notice  Y'r  Direct's  therein.  Y'r's  of  the  23rd  of  F'eb'ry  mentions 
Y'r  delivering  my  L'rs  to  the  different  B'ds,  &c.,  for  w'ch  I  thank 
You.  I  am  sorry  the  Affair  makes  so  much  Noise  in  Coffee 
Houses  &c. ;  that  must  be  owing  to  the  unjust  Advertis'm't  of 
the  Att'o.  Gen'l's  that  was  in  the  News  Paper,  for  the  Fee,  if 
establish'd,  never  w'd  prevent  the  50  Acres  to  Serv'ts,  w'ch  will 
always  be  granted  without  that  Fee,  but  I  know  no  Applicat'n 
on  that  Head  since  my  Arrival ;  for  if  they  did  apply,  it  w'd  be  to 
Lands  far  back,  that  are  not  worth  taking  up  in  Such  small 
Quantities,  but  you  know  every  trifling  Thing  occasions  Coffee 
Ho.  Argum'ts  and  Disputat's.  I  am  easy,  as  I  think  I  am  right, 
and  properly  authoriz'd  to  take  that  Fee.  Upon  Mr.  Leheup's 
present  Situat'n,^"^  I  think  it  is  right  that  he  does  not  appear  in 
this  Affair.  I  can  honestly  say,  that  the  Fee,  w'n  establish'd,  was 
as  much  to  support  His  M'y's  Quit-rents  as  Self  Int't,  for  it's  [a] 
trifling  Income.  I  am  sorry  my  Noble  F'd^°^  is  Chagreen'd ;  I  have 
not  a  Line  from  him  of  a  long  Time,  w'ch  I  attribute  to  the  Loss 
of  his  Lady.  My  Correspondence  with  him  was  proper  Answers 
to  sundry  Queries  he  was  pleas'd  to  send  me,  and  I  inform'd  him 
of  the  Motions  of  the  French  from  Canada  to  possess  themselves 
of  the  Lands  on  the  Ohio,  w'ch  I  think  is  fully  confirm'd  by  Maj'r 
W's  Journal  to  their  Fort,  and  to  the  Com'd'r's  Answer  to  my 
Let'r.  On  the  Ho.  of  Burgesses'  Applicat'n  to  me  to  know  w't 
Authority  I  had  to  dem'd  a  mutual  Supply,  I  sent  them  a  Copy 
of  L'd  Holderness's  Let'r  to  that  Purpose,  otherways  they  w'd 
not  have  granted  any  Thing,  and  really  I  tho't  it  was  very  judi- 
cial to  do  it,  to  confirm  [to]  them  that  it  was  His  M'y's  Com'ds, 
but  the  Explanatory  Let'r,  they,  nor  any  other  have  seen  it.  My 
Instr'n  I  shew'd  and  had  read  at  the  Council  Table  as  usual. 
The  Alarm  of  the  French  Invas'n  were  from  every  Gov'r,  I  be- 
lieve, on  this  Cont't,  and  I  acknowledge  w'n  I  was  convinc'd  of 
the  Truth;  I  tho't  it  my  Duty  to  represent  the  same  in  its  proper 
Light,  and  I  yet  hope  the  Steps  1  am  taking  will  turn  out  ab- 
solutely necessary,  and  for  a  national  Service,  if  I   meet  with  the 

'"^  Peter  LeHeup,  then  clerk  of  the  Privy  Council.     He  was  succeeded 
by  James  Abercromby  as  Agent  for  the  Colony  of  V^irginia,  at  London. 
'°^Lord  Halifax,  it  is  presumed,  is  here  referred  to. 


14"  DINWIDDIE    PAPFRS. 

Success  I  propose  aiul  expect.  If  the  Ministry  knew  this  Co't*y, 
with  the  ^jrcat  Rivers,  Morass's,  tScc,  they  w'd  be  convinc'd  that 
httic  is  to  he  done  here  in  the  Winter,  and  I  can  safely  say  I  have 
lost  no  time  in  prosecut'j^  w'l  I  had  in  \'iew  from  my  first  Ar- 
rival here,  to  extend  His  M'y's  Dom's  to  the  West  and  to  secure 
our  Frontiers.  S'r  Danvcrs  Osborns  39th  Instruction'**  was  in 
most  of  the  Public  Papers  on  this  Cont't,  which  much  surpriz'd 
me,  or  can  I  give  any  Acc'i  how  the  Printer  came  by  it ;  it  was 
first  from  N.  V.,  and  the  other  Printers  copied  it  from  thence. 
As  I  have  now  answer'd  V'r  ditlerent  L'rs,  I  have  nothinv;  to  adtl, 
but  that  I  wish  the  Coniplt  may  soon  be  heard  and  dctermin'd, 
not  doubting  ^"r  Care  and  Occonomy  in  its  Procedure.  Let  me 
know  the  fate  of  Mr.  Leheup.'"*  Vou  may  guess  my  reasons.  I 
wish  N'ou  Health,  «S:c.,  and  am.  «S:c. 

P.  S.  I  sent  Vou  by  the  Man  of  War  .Sloop,  the  Journals  of 
the  Ho.  of  Burgesses,  with  the  Laws  of  this  Dom'n,  w'ch  [I] 
hope  came  safe  to  V'r  Hands.  In  the  Journals,  Page  85,  Vou'll 
find  a  resolve  of  an  extraordinary  Nature;  they  there  resolve  to 
give  P,  Randolph  as  their  Agent,  to  negotiate  the  Affairs  of  this 
Colony  in  G.  Britain  2,50o[;^]  this  Mo.,  and  the  Treasurer  of  His 
M'y's  Revenue  is  by  that  Resolve  directed  to  pay  the  above  Sum, 
without  the  Concurrence  of  the  other  Branches  of  the  Legislative. 
Is  not  this  a  notorious  Kncroachm'i  on  the  Prerogatives  of  the 
Crown,  and  imediately  contrary  to  my  Inst's?  The  Council  re- 
jected it,  as  the  Complaint  he  was  to  negotiate,  was  ag'st  the 
r.ov'r,  for  «-n'leav()iiring  to  support  His   M'v's  (  Uiit  rents.      Pray 

'**.Sir  D.iiucrs  (J.sljurii,  ol  CliRk.s.iiids,  r.cdl-'id^liirc.  iJ.irt.,  apjxontid 
r.overn«»r  of  New  York,  June  6.  17.S4.  Hi-  committed  suicide  October 
I2th,  by  stran^jliiiji  himself  in  a  fjt  of  depressidi)  from  excessive  grief 
at  the  death  of  his  wife.  wh«)  was  I,a(lv  .Anne  .Montajjue,  daujjhter  of  the 
first  Karl  of  Halifax  and  sister  of  the  second  Karl,  then  President  of  the 
Board  of  Trade.  The  39th  Article  of  his  instructions  recited  the  "sev- 
eral encroachments"  made  up«»n  the  Autliority  and  Prerogative  of  the 
King  "  with  rt-gard  to  the  methods  of  raising  and  disposing  of  all  pub- 
lick  money  for  the  support  of  C.overnment."  O' CalUiKhan's  Doc.  Hist, 
of  A*.  }'..  vi..  p.  790. 

•'MU- was  tried  before  the  Kings  Hemli.  .April  19.  1755.  for  malfea- 
sance as  one  of  the  receivers  in  a  recent  lottery  for  /joo.ooo.  Judg- 
ment was  reserved  until  M.iy  12.  when  he  was  fined  /"i.ooo,  "  which  he 
paid  directly  in  court."     l.ondnti  Mat^azine,  1755.  pp.  186,  250. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  141 

point  out  this  Resolve  to  my  Council  that  they  may  speak  to  it 
and  obtain  a  proper  Repremand  for  this  Insolence.  He  has 
further  Orders  from  that  Wise  Body  to  choose  an  Agent  at 
Home,  who  they  engage  to  pay  [/]200  "^  Ann.  out  of  His  M'y's 
Treasury.  These,  with  their  other  extraordinary  resolves,  I  hope 
will  produce  an  Order  to  me  to  show  them  how  necessary  it  is  to 
bring  them  to  act  in  a  more  consistent  and  Constitutional  Manner. 
You  know  the  proper  Use  to  make  of  this  great  Encroachm't  on 
the  Prerogative.  I  hear  our  Ho.  of  Burgesses  have  lately  ad- 
dress'd  His  M'y  on  their  Supply  of  [^]  10,000  for  the  Ohio  Ex- 
pedit'n,  a  mere  trifle  considering  the  Service  intended;  I,  at  least, 
expected  ^20,000.  A  Ship  from  Londo.  brings  some  News  that 
elates  the  Minds  of  many  of  my  Oponents.  I  wish  You  w'd 
write  me  frequently.  You  may  believe  I  am  Uneasy  to  hear  the 
Progress  of  the  Affair ;  they  relate  a  Story  I  do  not  believe  true, 
therefore,  will  not  mention  it  to  You. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  GOVERNOR  DkLANCEY. 

Apr.   27th,    1754. 
Sir: 

I  have  Y'r  Hon'r's  Favo.  before  me  of  the  ist  Curr't.  I  shall 
be  glad  to  hear  [it]  Confirm'd  that  N.  Eng.  makes  a  Diversion,  by 
attempting  to  dislodge  the  French  from  the  Head  of  Kenne- 
beque  river,  w'ch  probably  may  occasion  their  recalling  some  of 
the  Forces  intended  for  the  Ohio.  I  am  in  great  Pain  for  the 
Arrival  of  Y'r  Independent  Compa's,  as  our  Forces,  and  those 
from  No.  Caro.,  are  now  on  their  March  for  the  Ohio,  to  the 
Number  of  700  Men,  and  I  daily  expect  an  Independ't  Compa. 
from  So.  Caro.,  w'ch,  w'n  all  joined  together,  may  make  near 
1,000  Men.  I,  therefore,  hope  long  before  this,  Y'r  two  Compa's 
are  embark'd,  for  the  Season  of  the  Year  will  not  admit  of  any 
Delay.  I  need  say  no  more  to  You  of  the  Necessity  of  their  be- 
ing soon  here.  I  shall  be  glad  at  Y'r  Treaty  at  Albany,  to  excuse 
my  not  sending  Comiss'rs,  on  Acc't  of  my  meeting  the  Chiefs  of 
the  Ind's  at  Winchester  the  20th  of  May,  w'ch  Time  was  fix'd 
long  before  I  knew  of  Y'r  Intent's.     I  shall  do  my  Endeavour  to 


14l!  DINWIIJDIK    I'AI'KKS. 

have  [care]    taken  ol   Ji-an    Clur.   [stV]    if  pusnibly   he   can    be 
got  into  our  I'osscss'n. 

I  reni'n  with  very  ijri-at  respect. 


C.OXl.K.NoK    hl.NW  miMi:   K  >   <,(»\1.K.\()K    1  lA.MI  1 .  1  <  iN 

Apr.  27th,  [1754-] 
.Sir: 

I  rtc'd  \"i  Hon'rs  1/r  of  the  iSth  Curr't.  The  Proceed- 
inj4s  ol  \"r  Assembly  j^ives  me  real  Concern  ;  this  K.xpedit'n  to 
the  Ohio  is  o!  so  interest');  a  Nature— so  warmly  recomencied  by 
llis  .My — so  strongly  urg'd  by  His  Minister,  and  so  evidently 
calculated  for  the  Welfare  of  all  the  Colonies,  that  I  cannot  for- 
bear expressing  my  Hesire  that  \"r  Hon'r's  .Attaclim't  to  His 
M'y's  Service  may  be  again  repeated,  and  that  \'ou  may  again 
lay  before  Y'r  A.s.sembly  the  Necessity  of  a  .Supply.  Whatever 
may  be  their  religious  .Scruples,  I  think  they  sh'd  consider  the 
first  Law  of  Nature,  Self  Preservat'n,  and  not  to  remain  un- 
active  w'n  likely  to  be  invadeii  by  the  comon  Knemy.  Men,  we 
c'd  have  rais'd  enough,  but  money  was  wanting.  In  this  great 
National  Concern,  had  I  met  with  Assistance  equal  to  the  Im- 
portance of  the  Service  ;  had  the  .Strength  of  the  B.  Colonies 
be[en]  properly  and  truely  exerted,  we  must,  by  our  brave  and 
vigorous  Kffort,  have  defeated  all  the  Machinat's  of  France.  I 
cannot  help  observing  that  two  Proprietary  (iov'ts  sh'd  distin- 
guish Themselves  on  this  Kxigencv  of  our  Affairs  in  not  contrib- 
uting their  A.ssistance  to  His  M'y's  Com'ds,  and  more  so  from 
Y'r  Pnnince,  as  It's  in  doubt  whether  the  Land  we  are  going  to 
possess  is  not  in  ^"r  grant.  If  they  grant  you  Money,  and  if  You 
cannot  raise  some  Men,  it  may  be  applied  for  Food,  raim't  and 
other  Necessaries  lor  the  Soldiery.  The  Plan  of  my  Operat's  is 
agreeable  to  His  M'y's  Com'ds  to  take  Possess'n  of  the  Lands  on 
the  r)hio  in  His  Name,  to  build  two  Forts.  My  Order  to  the 
Com'd'r  in  Chief,  is  to  be  on  the  Defensive,  but  if  oppos'd  by  the 
Enemy,  to  desire  them  to  retire ;  if  they  sh'd  still  persist,  to  re- 
pell  Force  by  Force.  If  N'ou  sh'd  raise  Men,  they  may  be  told 
to  submit  to  the  rules  and  regulat's  of  the  other   Forces.     Our 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  143 

Forces  are  all  March'd,  to  the  Number  of  350  Men,  from  No. 
Caro. ;  300  Men  now  on  their  March  to  join  them.  I  daily  ex- 
pect two  Independ't  Compa's  from  N.  York,  and  one  from  So. 
Caro.;  w'n  collected  together,  will  be  near  1,000  Men.  I  think 
Y'r  Colony  much  nigher  the  Place  of  action  than  this,  and  a  much 
shorter  March  than  from  No.  Carolina.  It  is  reported  [the]  So. 
Car.  Assembly  had  voted  ioo,ooo[^]  their  Mo[ney],  w'ch  if  so, 
is  near  20,ooo[^  of]  this  Mo.  I  wrote  the  Gov'r,  as  it  may  be 
chargable  to  transport  the  Forces  hither,  I  c'd  raise  Men,  if  Qual- 
ified by  a  Supply  of  Mo.  from  him.  The  last  Acc'ts  I  have  of 
the  Fre.  is  that  they  have  about  300  Men  at  the  Fort  they  built 
last  year,  and  that  they  expected  400  Men  from  Mississippi  up 
the  river  Ohio,  to  join  them,  but  the  Informat's  from  the  Frontiers 
are  not  to  be  depended  on.  I  have  often  been  deceiv'd  by  them, 
And  if  Y'r  Hon'r,  whose  Zeal  for  His  M'y's  Service  is  well 
known,  c'd  prevail  with  Y'r  Assembly  to  grant  a  Supply  for  the 
Purposes  before  mention'd.  It  will,  I  am  satisfied,  be  no  less  a 
Pleasure  to  You  than  it  will  be  to, 

S'r,  Y'r  most  ob'd't  humble  serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  GOVERNOR  DeLANCEY. 

May  ist,  1754. 
Sir: 

Your  favo.  of  the  19th  Apr.  I  rec'd,  and  I  am  much  oblig'd 
for  the  Intelligence  You  give  me  in  regard  to  the  Forces  the  French 
intend  to  send  to  their  Settlem'ts  on  the  Ohio,  and  their  propos- 
ing to  build  a  Fort  with  Stone  on  that  or  Belle  Revere.^""  The 
Force  is  much  larger  than  any  I  can  pretend  to  send  to  protect 
his  M'y's  undoubted  right  to  the  Lands  on  the  Ohio.  Our  small 
Regim't  of  350  Men  are  march'd  for  that  River,  and  the  same 
Num.  from  No.  Car.,  but  I  am  greatly  disappointed  of  Supplies 
of  Men,  &c.,  from  the  Colonies  to  the  No'w'd  of  this,  w'ch  I  had 


^''^La  Belle  Riviere,  the  Beautiful  River ;  the  French  rendition  of  the 
Iriquois  name  Ohio,  which  the  Delawares  called  Alliivcgi  Sipee,  the 
river  of  the  Alliwegi.  A  branch  of  the  Ohio  retains  the  ancient  name 
Alleghany. 


144  UINWIDIUK    PAPERS, 

good  reason  to  expect  (rom  his  M'y's  Orders  for  a  mutual  Sup- 
ply, and  indeed  the  Delay  of  the  two  Independ't  Conipa's  from 
V'r  Colony  is  not  a  small  niscourajjem't  to  our  Volunteers,  as  I 
gave  them  Hopes  of  their  hein^  here  long  before  this  Time. 
The  Delay  is  a  great  Loss  to  the  Expeilit'n,  and  I  am  perswaded 
\'ou  have  done  all  in  \''r  Power,  therefore,  I  presume  it  is  to  be 
attributed  to  the  Capt's  of  these  Compa's,  or  that  they  are  not 
Compleat,  and  want  to  enlist  others.  I  am  sorry  Y'r  Assembly 
have  not  enabled  N'ou  to  send  Men  to  our  Assistance;  we  must 
therefore,  trust  on  Providence  with  llu-  few  Men  we  have.  W'n 
V'r  Compa's  arrive,  I  hope  we  shall  have  near  1,000  Men,  w'ch 
are  but  few  Compar'd  to  the  Number  mention'd  of  the  French. 
There  is  a  Report  prevails  here  that  the  I-'rench  Forces  are  sup- 
plied with  all  sorts  of  Provisions  from  the  Settlem'ts  contiguous 
to  Oswego  Fort.  I.  think  and  hope  the  Com'd'g  Officer  there 
will  take  proper  Care  to  prevent  any  Thing  of  that  Sort  ;  pray 
write  him  thereon.  We  have  no  Tents  here ;  all  in  the  Maga- 
zine have  been  made  Use  of  for  our  own  People,  and  indeed  I 
expected  Y'r  Companies  w'd  have  come  provided  with  all  Neces- 
saries for  their  March.  Waggons  and  I  hjrses  I  have  given  Orders 
about,  and  sh'd  be  glad,  if  from  V'r  Magazine,  they  c'd  be  sup- 
plied with  Tents.  The  Resolution  of  Vour  Assembly,  I  think 
very  proper,  and  the  building  of  Forts  in  the  Countries  of  the 
Six  Nat's  may  be  very  Eligible.  As  our  Assembly  have  been, 
by  great  Difficulty,  perswaded  to  grant  a  Supply  for  the  Expe- 
dit'n  to  the  Ohio,  I  cannot  conceive  they  will  enter  on  any  other 
expensive  Engagem't  for  this  Year,  but  hereafter  I  may  lay  it 
before  them,  and  be  very  well  pleas'd  if  they  w'd  join  in  so 
Necessary  an  Affair.  At  present  I  must  endeavour  to  prosecute 
the  Expedit'n  we  are  now  engag'd  in,  with  as  much  Spirit  and 
Dispatch  as  is  possible.  I  shall  be  glad  to  hear  the  Six  Nat's 
declare  in  our  Favo.,  and  [I]  doubt  not,  for  all  the  Threats  of  the 
French,  if  we  made  a  Vigorous  Push  this  .Sumer  we  sh'd  be  able 
to  take  and  keep  Possession  of  the  Ohio.  The  Ind's  on  the  Ohio 
have  strongly  declar'd  in  our  Int't,  if  they  be  not  debauch'd  by 
the  French  Promises.  I  shall  expect  the  Favo.  of  w't  Informat's 
\'ou  may  hereafter  have  in  regard  to  the  French  Forces  march- 
ing, and  I  am,  with  respect, 

.S'r,  ^"r  most  ob'd't  humble  serv't. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  145 

GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  GOVERNOR  SHARPE. 

May  ist,  1754. 
Sir: 

Your  favo,  of  25th  Apr.  I  rec'd  last  Night.  I  am  very  glad 
You  agree  with  me  in  Opinion  in  regard  to  Gov'r  Glen's  Pro- 
posal, as  I  am  convinc'd  if  a  Gov'r  of  this  Dom'n  sh'd  direct  the 
Assembly  either  in  regard  to  raising  Men  or  Money,  [it]  w'd  be 
the  infallible  way  of  being  disappointed  of  both,  for  they  depend 
greatly  on  their  own  Notions  and  Judgm't.  Y'r  Let'r  to  that 
Gent,  shall  be  duly  forwarded,  and  I  shall,  at  all  Times,  be  ready 
to  concur  with  the  Gov'rs  on  this  Cont't  in  any  reasonable 
Scheme  for  His  Majesty's  Service  and  that  of  these  Colonies. 
Mr.  DeLancey  has  wrote  me  to  the  same  Purpose  he  wrote  You. 
However  Eligible  his  Proposal  may  be,  we  can  do  Nothing  this 
Year,  as  my  whole  Attention  is  on  the  Ohio  Expedition,  and  I 
agree  with  You  that  a  gen'l  Plan  w'd  be  more  proper  to  be  laid 
before  an  Assembly,  as  I  think  the  different  Colonies  are  too 
much  confin'd  to  their  seperate  Interests  without  consider'g 
Themselves  Subjects  to  one  Prince.  I  wish  You  may  succeed 
with  Y'r  Assembly  for  a  Supply,  as  it  appears  to  me  monstrous 
that  from  the  many  Informat's  we  have  of  the  French  Intentions, 
thSt  any  British  Colony  sh'd  hesitate  in  granting  a  mutual  As- 
sistance against  the  comon  Enemy  on  this  present  Exigency  of 
our  Afifairs.  You  may  be  assur'd  that  it  gives  me  Pleasure  and 
Satisfaction  that  the  Plan  of  m}'^  Opperat's  on  this  Expedition 
meets  with  Y'r  Approbat'n.  If  our  Assembly  had  voted  the 
Sum  they  have  now  given,  on  my  Applicat'n  to  them  in  Nov'r, 
I  am  pretty  fully  convinc'd  the  Fort  w'd  have  been  built  before 
this  Time;  however  [we]  must  look  forw'd  and  do  the  best  we 
can  w'n  the  three  Independ't  Compa's  arrive.  I  think  we  shall 
have  near  1,000  Men,  tho'  that's  much  short  of  w't  the  French 
threaten  Us  with.  The  Plan  of  the  Fort  is  not  yet  Drawn,  as  the 
Ground  is  not  fully  fix'd  on,  being  left  with  discretional  Power 
to  the  Engineer;  w'n  done,  shall  send  You  a  Copy  of  it. 

I  have,  from  an  old  Book  of  Laws,  sent  You  enclos'd  a  Copy 
of  one  relating  to  the  King's  Lands,  but  no  report  of  the  Survey' r 
thereon;  if  any,  I  fear  it  was  destroy' d  w'n  [the]  Capitol""  was 


^"^The  Capitol  at  Williamsburg  was  destroyed  by  fire  in  1746,  and 
10 


14G  DINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

burn'd.     Lord  Howard  was  not  Gov'r'*  here  till  1680.    If  that,  or 
any  Thinjj  else  from  this  will  \)c  of  any  Service  to  You,  I  shall  be 
glad  to  serve  You.     And  be  assurii,  I   renin  with   ^reat  regard, 
V'r  Fix's  most  ob'dt  humble  scrv't. 

P.  S. — I  set  out  for  Winr  abt  ihe  i2lh  of  this  Mo. 


r.OVP:RN()K   DINW  IDDIK  TU  COLONEL  JOSHUA  FRY. 

May  4th.  [i754-] 

The  Bearer  hereof,  Capt.  Jas.  McKay,'**  Com'ds  an  Independt 
Compa.  in  His  M'y's  Service,  and  is  order" d  to  the  Aid  and  As- 
sistance of  the  present  Kxpediiion  to  the  Ohio.  You  are  by  me 
appointed  Com'd'r  in  Chief  on  the  Kxpedition,  but  as  it  is  not 
usual  to  have  the  regular  Forces  under  His  M'y's  imediate 
Com'o.  to  be  under  the  Com'd  of  an  Officer  in  America  ap- 
pointed by  any  of  the  Gov'ts;  yet,  that  there  may  be  no  Misun- 
derstanding or  Delay  in  the  Expedit'n,  I  reconiend  You  to  shew 
a  due  regard  to  these  Troops  of  His  My,  and  shew  this  Officer 
and  the  others  in  that  Station  as  much  Indulgence  as  is  in  ^'our 
Power.  I  wish  Success  to  all  ^  "r  proceedings,  and  am, 
S'r,  Y'r  very  h'ble  Serv't. 

was  rebuilt  in  1752.  In  the  MS.  Diar>-  of  John  RIair,  before  referred  to, 
he  records,  December  12th,  1752:  "This  afternoon  I  laid  the  la.st  top 
Brick  on  the  Capitol  Wall,  and  so  it  is  now  ready  to  receive  the  roof; 
and  .some  of  the  Wall  plates  were  raised  and  laid  on  this  Day.  I  had 
laid  a  foundation  brick  at  the  first  Huildin^:  of  the  Capitol  above  50  years 
ago.  and  another  foundation  Hrick  in  April  last." 

"*Kran(is  Howartl,  Baron  KfliuKliam  ;  (lovernor  of  X'irj^inia  1684-9; 
died  in  Kn>;land  .March  30,  1694.  He  was  instructed  not  to  allow  the 
use  of  a  printiii};  press  in  the  Colony.  His  administration  was  arbitrary, 
and  durinj;  the  early  part  of  it  the  C<j|ony  sutlered  much  from  the 
depreciations  of  the  Indians,  with  whom  he  concluded  a  treaty  at  Albany, 
N.  Y.,  in  16.S5. 

'*  Captain  James  Mackaye.  as  he  appears  to  have  written  his  name,  in 
1755,  "  left  the  service,  sold  out.  and  went  to  Georgia."  About  1787.  on 
his  return  to  tieorKia,  by  land,  from  Rhode  Islanil.  (whither  he  had  Kone 
to  benefit  his  health.)  he  died  at  Alexandria.  \'a.  Letter  of  Washing- 
ton, see  Sfiarks,  xii.  p.  303. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  147 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  COLONEL  JOSHUA  FRY. 

You  will  allow  me  to  be  surpriz'd,  on  receiving  Y'r  Let'r 
dated  at  Alex' a  the  31st  of  Apr.  last,  w'n  I  perswaded  myself 
You  must  be  near  Wills' s  Creek.  It  is  a  great  Misfortune  that  the 
active  French  outdo  Us  by  their  timely  Vigilance  and  Applicat'n. 
We  must  now  exert  our  Utmost  to  dispossess  the  French  of  their 
present  Possession  of  the  Fort  of  Monong[ahela].  The  Inde- 
pend't  Compa.  from  So.  Car.  is  arriv'd  at  Hampton,  is  compleat  of 
100  Private  Men,  will  re-embark  on  Monday  for  Alex' a,  thence  pro- 
ceed imediately  to  follow  You  to  the  Mouth  of  red  Stone  Creek, 
the  Place  recomended  for  the  rendezvous  'till  You  can  be  joined 
by  the  Forces  from  N.  Car.  and  the  other  Colonies,  w'n  Y'r  own 
Council  will  best  direct  Y'r  further  proceedings.  I  am  advis'd 
that  Capt.  Trent,  and  his  Lieut.,  Fraser,  have  been  long  absent 
from  their  duty,  leaving  Ensign  Ward  with  ab't  23  Men  only,  to 
guard  the  Workmen  whilst  preparing  Materials  to  erect  the  Fort 
begun,  and  [who  was]  oblig'd  to  surrender,  on  the  Sumons  of  the 
French  Com'd'r;  Which  Conduct  and  Behaviour  I  require  and 
expect  You  will  enquire  into  at  a  Court  Martial,  and  give  Sen- 
tence accordingly.  As  I  shall  notifie  the  French's  further  En- 
croachm'ts,  to  the  Gov'rs  of  the  neighbouring  Colonies,  I  hope 
for  their  better  Success  in  geting  Assistance.  I  must  recomend 
Y'r  Earnest  Exhortat'n  to  all  the  Officers  and  Soldiers  to  be 
faithful  and  Couragious  in  their  respective  dutys,  assuring  them 
of  his  Britannic  M'y's  Protect' n  and  Fav'o.  I  think  it  will  be 
prudent  to  have  the  Cannon  secur'd,  at  the  Fork  of  the  Roads, 
or  other  Place  of  the  best  Secur'y,  'till  advisable  to  remove  them 
to  their  destinat'n.  As  I  am  determined  to  be  at  Win[chester] 
ab't  the  20th  or  25th  Inst,  at  furthest.  You  will  send  me  thither 
such  advice  of  Occurrences  as  may  be  proper  for  my  Informat'n, 
and  [I]  am  desirous  of  seeing  the  Half  King  there,  if  no  other 
Sachem  can  accompany  him.  As  the  Officers  of  the  Independ't 
Compa' s  are  Gent,  of  Experience  in  the  Art  Military,  have  serv'd 
in  several  Campaigns,  are  jealous  of  their  own  Hon'r,  and  are 
well  recomended,  I  hope  You  will  conduct  Y'rself  towards  them 
with  Prudence  and  receive  their  Advice  with  Candor,  as  the  most 
probable  means  of  promoting  His  M'y's  Service  and  the  Suc- 
cess of  the  Expedit'n.     I  have  sent  a  speech  and  String  of  Wam- 


148  DINWIODIE    PAPERS. 

pum  to  the  Half  Kinj^  "**  by  the  Bearer  hereof;  il  Vou  cannot 
be  in  Time  with  him,  write  to  Colo.  W.ishin^ton  to  deUver  it, 
and  Consult,  if  Vou  have  not  Force  sutticient,  w'n  collected  to- 
gether, to  dislodge  the  Fr.  from  our  Fort,  to  erect  another  in  a 
proper  Place  this  Suincr.  I  shall  be  at  \V.  this  Mo.,  in  hopes  of 
meeting  some  of  the  Ind'n  Chiefs.  With  hearty  Wishes  for 
Success  to  our  Arms,  I  am.  »S:c. 


<;<>\!:kn(>r  DiNw  iddii-:  to  culunkl  w.ashinc.ton. 

May  4th,  1754. 
Sir  : 

This  day  I  rcc'd  V'r  Ad\  ices  by  Mr.  Wartl.  w'ch  give  me 
great  Concern,  to  E.xperiencc  that  my  Fears  of  the  French  geting 
Possess' n  before  us  of  the  Fork  of  Monongahela,  were  too  prog- 
nistic.  The  .March  of  our  Forces  has  been  delay'd  by  unfortu- 
nate Circumstances.  The  Independ't  Compa.  from  So.  Car. 
arri\  cl  two  days  ago ;  is  compleat ;  100  Men  besides  Officers,  and 
will  re- embark  for  Ale.x'a  ne.xt  Week,  thence  proceed  imediately 
to  join  Colo.  Fry  and  You.  The  two  Independ't  Compa's  from 
N.  York  may  be  Expected  in  ab't  ten  days.  The  N.  Car.  Men, 
under  the  Com'd  of  Colo.  Innes,  are  imagin'd  to  be  on  their 
March,  and  will  probably  be  at  the  Rendezvous  ab't  the  15th 
Inst.  I  have  laid  V'r  Letters  before  the  Council,  and  We  ap- 
prov'd  of  the  Caution  \'ou  have  taken  in  halting  at  red  Stone 
Creek  'till  N'ou  have  assembled  a  sufficient  Hody  to  secure  Y'r 
Selves  and  Cannon,  «.S:c.,  and  then  to   proceed  to  Monongahela. 

""Tanacharison,  the  Half  King,  a  Seneca  chief,  also  given  the  name 
of  Dinwidtlie,  after  tin-  Cicjvernor,  was  a  constant  adviser  of  Washing- 
ton and  a  warm  friend  of  the  Hnglisli.  He  was  an  astute  warrif)r,  and 
it  was  he  who  advised  Ensign  Ward  when  summoned  by  Contracoeur  to 
surrender  Fort  Necessity,  to  reply  that  his  rank  did  not  invest  him  with 
the  power  to  do  so,  and  to  desire  a  delay,  until  his  chief  commander 
might  arrive.  He  is  said  also  to  have  slain  Jumonville  with  his  iiatchet 
at  the  affair  of  the  Meacl«»ws,  to  avenge  himself  on  the  French,  whom 
he  declared  had  kille<l,  boiled,  and  eaten  his  father.  He  died  October  4, 
I7S4.  at  .\iiulK|uick.  leaving  his  family  destitute. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  149 

I  have  wrote  to  Colo.  Fry,  directing  him  also  to  proceed  to  red 
Stone  Creek,  w'ch  being  not  far  from  the  Place  call'd  the  Fork 
of  the  Roads,  where  the  Half-King  proposes  to  meet  a  select 
Body  of  our  friendly  Ind's,  You  will  have  frequent  Occasions 
of  seeing  each  other  and  agree  in  Council  what  is  fittest  to  be 
done  in  the  present  Emergency.  I  hope  Capt.  McKay,  who 
Com'ds  the  Independ't  Compa.,  will  soon  be  with  You.  And  as 
he  appears  to  be  an  Officer  of  some  Experience  and  Importance, 
You  will,  with  Colo.  Fry  and  Colo.  Innes,  so  well  agree  as  not  to 
let  some  Punctillios  ab't  Com'd  render  the  Service  You  are  all 
engag'd  in,  perplex' d  or  obstructed.  The  ill  Conduct  of  Capt. 
Trent  and  his  L't.,  Eraser,  in  leav'g  the  Fort  witho't  Leave,  meets 
with  just  resentm't  here.  I  have  order' d  Colo.  Fry  to  try  them 
by  a  Court  Martial,  w'n,  I  hope,  they  will  meet  with  such  Pun- 
ishm't  as  this  unaccountable  Action  deserves. 

I  am,  with  respect,  &c. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE   TO   CAPTAIN  McKAY,  OF  THE  IN- 
DEPENDENT COMPANY  FROM  SOUTH  CAROLINA. 

May  4th,  [1754.] 
Sir: 

An  Expedit'n  being  comenc'd  and  now  carrying  on  to  the 
river  Ohio,  agreeably  to  His  M'y's  Orders  to  me,  Six  Compa's 
from  This  Dom'n  and  five  Compa's  from  No.  Car.  being  now  on 
their  March,  I  tho't  it  proper  to  give  the  Com'd  of  the  Expedit'n 
to  the  direct' n  of  Colo.  Joshua  Fry.  His  M'y  having  tho't  it 
proper  and  necessary  that  His  Independ't  Compa.  under  Y'r 
Com'd,  sh'd  be  employ' d  in  the  Expedit'n,  and  to  be  under  my 
direction.  I  therefore  order  You  to  Embark  Y'r  Compa.  now  at 
Hampton  on  board  of  a  Sloop  (I  engag'd)  to  proceed  to  Alex'a, 
the  Head  of  Potom'k  river;  w'n  You  arrive  there,  apply  to  Maj'r 
J.  Carlyle,  who  has  my  Orders  to  supply  Y'r  Compa.  with  such 
Necessaries  suitable  for  Y'r  March  to  join  the  other  Forces.  On 
Y'r  Arrival  with  them.  You  are  to  join  Colo.  J.  Fry,  who  is  ap- 
pointed Com'dr  in  Chief  on  this  Expedit'n.  And  as  Unanimity 
are  proper  rules  for  Success,  I  doubt  not  You  will  promote  the 
same  to  the  utmost  of  Your  Power.     As  to  the  other  Parts  of  Y'r 


150  DINWIDDIE    rAPKRS. 

duty  in  comlucting  and  managing  Yr  Compa.,  I  have  not  the 
least  doubt  of.  a-s  I  esteem  \'ou  a  very  good  officer.  May  you 
retain  \"r  Health,  and  Success  attend  our  just  designs,  is  the  sin- 
cere Wish  ot  \"r  most  h'ble  serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDII-:    R)  MAjoK  CARLVLK. 

May  4th,  [1754.] 
Sr: 

The  Independ't  Compa.  of  100  Private  Men  from  So.  Car. 
being  arriv'd  at  Hampton,  w'ch  I  e.xpect  will  re-embark  in  a 
hir'd  Sloop  for  Ale.x'a  on  Monday  next.  And  as  they  will  want 
Tents,  Provisions  and  other  Necessaries,  I  must  desire  \'ou  to 
furnish  them  and  give  them  all  proper  Assistance,  taking  Capt. 
McKay's  recei})t,  for  wch  \"r  Acc't  shall  be  fully  p'd.  Pray 
get  25  Tents  for  the  So.  Car.  Compa. ;  if  not  possible  to  be  done 
in  Time,  You  must  let  them  have  Blankets,  and  be  sure  provide 
Waggons  for  their  Provisions,  and  those  of  No.  Carolina. 
I  am,  with  kind  respects,  Sr. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIH  TO  COLONEL  HINTKR. 

May  4th,  [1754.] 
Sir  : 

This  will  be  delivered  ^'ou  by  Capt.  McKay,  Com'dr  of  the 
Compa.  of  Soldiers  now  arriv'd  from  So.  Carolina.  I  desire  You 
will  Supply  him  with  necessary  Provisions  to  carry  the  Compa.  to 
Ale.x'a.  I  hope  You  have  put  on  board  the  .Slooj)  20  bis.  (iun 
Powder,  the  Shot  and  Flints  I  sent  from  this.  Yesterday.  And,  as  I 
daily  look  for  two  Compa's  from  N.  N'ork,  I  must  still  desire  the 
Favo.  of  You  to  have  Some  X'cssell  in  Yr  Kye  to  transport  them 
to  Alex' a.  Capt.  McKay  will  give  You  a  Bill  of  Kxcha.  for  ;{^ioo, 
w'ch  please  send  me  up  as  soon  as  You  can.  An  Kx press  this 
day  from  the  Ohio  brings  Acc't  that  the  French   have  landed  a 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  151 

Number  of  Men  there  and  taken  Possess' n  of  the  Fort,  but  I  hope 
w'n  our  Forces  are  collect' d  in  a  Body,  we  shall  be  able  to  dis- 
lodge them.  My  Wife  and  Girls  join  me  in  kind  respects  to 
good  Mrs.  Hunter, 

And  I  am  Sincerely. 


COLONEL  WASHINGTON  TO  GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE. 

Little  Meadows,  9th  of  May,  1754. 
Hon'ble  Sir  : 

I  acquainted  your  Honour,  by  Mr.  Ward/"  with 
the  determination  which  we  prosecuted  in  4  Days  after  his  De- 
parture, as  soon  as  Waggons  arrived  to  convey  our  Provisions. 
The  want  of  proper  Conveyances  has  much  retarded  this  Expe- 
dition, and  at  this  time,  unfortunately  delay' d  the  Detachment 
I  have  the  Honour  to  command.  Even  when  we  came  to  Wills' s 
C'k,  my  disappointments  were  not  less  than  before,  for  there  I  ex- 
pected to  have  found  a  sufficient  number  of  pack  Horses  provided 
by  Capt.  Trent,  conformable  to  his  Promise  [in  reply  to]  Maj'r 
Carlyle's  Letters  and  my  own,  (that  I  might  prosecute  my  first 
intention  with  light  expeditious  Marches)  but  inst'd  of  th't  there 
was  none  in  readiness,  nor  any  in  expectation,  that  I  could  per- 
ceive, which  reduced  me  to  the  necessity  of  wait'g  till  Waggons 
c'd  be  procur'd  from  the  Branch  (40  Miles  distant).  However, 
in  the  mean  time  I  detach' d  a  party  of  60  Men  to  make  and 
amend  the  Road,  which  party  since  ye  25th  of  Ap'l,  and  the 
main  body  since  the  ist  Inst't,  have  been  laboriously  employ' d, 
and  have  got  no  further  than  these  Meadows,  ab't  20  Miles  from 
the  new  Store ; "'  where  we  have  been  two  Days  making  a  Bridge 
across,  and  are  not  done  yet.  The  great  difficulty  and  labour 
that  it  requires  to  amend  and  alter  the  Roads,  prevents  our 
March'g  above  2,  3,  or  4  Miles  a   Day,  and  I  fear  (tho'  no  dili- 

"^  Edward  Ward,  an  Ensign  in  Capt.  Wm.  Trent's  Company,  and 
lately  in  command  of  Fort  Necessity. 

"'^  A  store-house  or  magazine  established  by  the  Ohio  Company  at 
Wills's  Creek. 


152  DINWIUDIK    PAPERS. 

gcnce  shall  be  neglected )  we  shall  be  detained  some  considerable 
time  before  it  can  be  made  ^ood  lor  the  Carriage  of  the  Artillery 
with  Colo.  Fry. 

We  daily  receive  Iniellij^ence  Irom  Ohio  by  one  or  other  of  the 
Traders  that  are  continually  retreating  to  the  Inhabitants  with 
their  ICffects  ;  they  all  concur,  that  ye  French  are  reinforced  with 
800  Men ;  and  this  Day,  by  one  Kalender,  I  received  an  acc't 
which  he  sets  forth  as  certain  that  there  is  600  Men  building  at 
the  Falls  of  Ohio,  from  whence  they  int'd  to  move  up  to  the 
lower  Shawnee  Town  at  ye  Mouth  of  Sciodo  C'k  to  Erect  Other 
Fortresses.  He  likewise  says  that  these  forces  at  ye  Forks  are 
erect'g  their  works  with  their  whole  Force,  and  as  he  was  coming, 
met  at  Mr.  Gist's  new  settlcm't.  Monsieur  La  Force  with  4 
Sold'rs,  who,  under  the  Specious  pretence  of  hunting  Deserters, 
were  reconnoitering  and  discovering  ye  Country.  He  also  brings 
ye  agreeable  News  that  the  Half-King  has  receiv'd  and  is  much 
pleas' d  with  the  Speech  I  sent  them,  and  is  now  upon  their 
march  with  50  Men  to  meet  Us.  The  P'rench  down  the  River  are 
sending  presents  and  invitations  to  all  the  neighbouring  Indians, 
and  practising  every  means  to  influence  them  in  their  Interest. 

We  have  heard  nothing  from  the  Catawbas  or  any  of  the 
Southern  Indians,  tho'  this  is  the  time  we  mostly  need  their 
assistance.  I  have  not  above  160  Et^ective  Men  with  me  since 
Capt.  Trent  have  left  us,  who  I  discharg'd  from  this  Detach' t 
and  order" d  them  to  wait  your  Honour's  Com'ds  at  Ca|)t'n 
Trent's,  for  I  found  them  rather  injurious  to  ye  other  Men  than 
Serviceable  to  ye  Expe'n,  till  they  could  be  upon  the  same  Es- 
tablish't  with  us  and  come  under  the  reg't.  of  the  Martial  Law. 

I    am,    Honble   Sir,    with    the    most   profound    respect,    \  r 

Honour's  most  ob't 

And  most  Hble  Serv't, 

G°.  Washington. 

P.  S.  I  hope  V'r  H'r  will  excuse  ye  pap'r  and  w'g,  ye  want 
of  conveniencies  obliges  me  to  this. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  153 

GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  MR.  C.  HANBURY."" 

May  loth,  [1754.] 
Dear  Sir: 

I  wrote  You  some  Time  since,  but  had  not  the  Pleas- 
ure of  a  Line  from  You  by  Capt.  Randolph,  who  arriv'd  here 
10  Days  ago.  I  have  had  a  great  deal  of  Trouble  and  uneasiness 
from  the  factious  Disputes  and  violent  Heats  of  a  most  impudent 
troublesome  Party  here,  in  regard  to  that  silly  Fee  of  a  Pistole  ; 
they  are  very  full  of  the  great  Success  of  their  Agent,  the  Atto. 
Gen'l,  w'ch  I  give  small  Notice  to,  as  it  is  yet  impossible  that 
any  great  matter  can  be  done  in  that  Affair,  and  as  I  am  well 
perswaded  the  Steps  taken  by  me  in  having  that  Fee  establish' d 
is  agreeable  to  Instructions,  and  [I]  doubt  not  but  the  B'd  of 
Trade  will  support  their  Approbation  thereof  The  Atto'y  (I 
presume)  has  taken  a  great  deal  of  Pains  in  incerting  in  the  Pub- 
lick  Papers  many  reflections  and  unjust  Insinuations  ag'st  me, 
Saying  I  have  laid  a  Tax  on  the  People  of  a  Pistole  for  Patents. 
Surely  every  thinking  Man  will  make  a  distinction  between  a 
Fee  and  a  Tax ;  the  first  is  a  fee  of  Offlce  agreeable  to  the  Custom 
of  all  the  Gov'ts  on  this  Continent,  and  that  Fee  is  absolutely 
necessary  for  His  M'y's  Service  in  having  His  Quit-Rents  pro- 
perly bro't  to  Acc't.  It's  further  s'd,  that  it  prevents  Serv'ts  re- 
ceiving their  fifty  Acres  after  serving  their  Time,  &c.,  and  that 
foreign  Protestants  and  Others  leave  this  Co't'y  rather  than  pay 
that  Exorbitant  Fee.  As  to  the  first.  There  has  not  been  a  Dem'd 
of  fifty  acres  for  Serv'ts  or  Others  for  these  fifty  Years,  and  I  can 
vouch  since  my  Arrival  no  such  Dem'd  has  been  made,  w'ch  the 
Atto.  is  very  sensible  of;  therefore  it's  a  very  false  and  unjust 
accusation.  As  to  the  Other,  not  one  Person  has  left  this  Dom'n 
on  that  Acc't,  or  any  other,  unless  for  Debt.  Where  could  they 
go  to  take  up  Land  on  so  easy  Terms?  They  come  from  Pen- 
sylvania,  where  they  are  in  want  of  Land,  and  Quit- rents  4s.  St'g 
■^  100  Acres;  if  they  go  to  No.  Caro.,  they  must  pay  3s.  St'g 
■^  100,  and  the  Fees  d[ou]ble,  so  that  the  Whole  incerted  in  Y'r 
Papers  are  false  reflections,  for  the  People  here  have  their  Lands 
on  easier  Terms  than  any  Part  of  this  Cont't,  and  were  always 

"^Capel  Hanbury,  of  the  firm  of  John  and  Capel  Hanbury. 


lo4  DINWIDUIE    PAPERS. 

very  easy  and  well  satisfied  till  an  Kvil  Spirit  enter'd  into  a  Hi^jh 
Priest,  who  was  supported  by  the  Family  of  the  Randolphs.'" 
and  a  few  more,  who,  by  unjust  Methods,  fir'd  the  Ho.  of  Hur- 
jjesses  to  act  very  inconsistently.  Hut  my  Fr'd,  consider,  I  c'd, 
by  no  means  give  up  this  Fee  without  affronting  the  H'd  of 
Trade  and  the  Council  here,  who  I-Lstablish'd  it,  and  therefore  I 
doubt  not  I  shall  be  fully  justified,  antl  he  receive  the  just  reproof 
of  his  irregular  Proceedings  in  appearing  ag'st  the  (iov'r  and  his 
M'y's  Quit-rents  justly  deserves.  An  Affair  of  infinite  more 
Consefj'ce  to  the  Nation  and  all  our  Colonies  on  this  Cont't  gives 
me  much  more  Uneasiness.  1  rec'd  Orders  last  Nov'r  to  do  all 
in  my  Power  to  prevent  the  French  Incursions  and  Invasions  on 
His  M'y's  Lands  on  the  Ohio,  and  His  .My  order'd  circular 
Letters  to  all  the  Gov'rs  for  a  mutual  Supply,  for  executing  the 
above  Orders ;  in  Consequence  thereof,  I  applied  to  the  Assem- 
bly in  Nov'r  for  a  Supply,  w'ch  they  impudently  refus'd.  I  sent 
out  a  Messenger  to  the  French  Com'd't  who  ret'd  in  Jan'ry,  and 
gave  an  Acc't  of  their  resolution  and  design  to  come  down  the 
river  Ohio  early  in  the  Spring,  to  build  I-'orts  and  take  Po.sses- 
sion  of  the  Lands  on  that  river.  I  imediately  call'd  the  Assem- 
bly in  Feb'ry,  who,  with  great  Solicitat'n  and  all  the  possible 
Int't  I  c'd  make,  they  voted  io,C)Oo[/^]  to  be  borrow'd  on  certain 
Duties  then  laid  to  repay  the  Loan.  I  thereupon  imediately 
Com'o'd  proper  Officers  to  raise  300  Men,  w'ch  was  as  many  as 
that  Fund  w'd  maintain  and  pay  for  10  Mos.  They  were  col- 
lected together  the  Beginning  of  Apr.,  at  Alex'a;  the  first  de- 
tachm't  march'd  from  thence  the  20th  Apr.,  and  the  rest  were 
to  follow  soon.  No.  Carolina  have  rais'd  the  same  Number; 
none  of  the  other  Colonies  have  as  yet  given  any  Supply.  His 
M'y  order'd  two  Independ't  Compa's  from  N.  York  and  one 
from  So.  Carolina;  them  from  N.  York  are  not  yet  arriv'd,  tho' 
I  sent  the  Order  to  the  (iov'r  of  that  Colony  the  2d  of  Mar.; 
their  Delay  is  unaccountable.  The  Compa.  from  So.  Caro.  ar- 
riv'd here  only  last  Week,  but  as  my  main  \'iew  was  to  build  a 
Fort  as  a  Mark  of  Possession,  I  sent  out  a  Compa.  to  one  Trent 
to  begin  the  Fort.     This  was  in  Feb'ry,  and  the  first  Detachm't 


"*  It  may  be  presumed  that  tlx.-  Rev.  Win.  Stith.  Commissary,  whose 
mother  was  Mary,  the  dauj^hter  of  the  rir>t  William  Randolph,  of  "  Turkey 
Island,"  is  here  thus  denominated. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  155 

from  Alex'a  was  to  join  and  support  them  on  their  March;  about 
70  Miles  short  of  joining  them,  they  rec'd  an  Express  that  the 
French,  with  1,000  Men,  had  taken  Possession  of  the  Fort  we 
had  begun,  and  allow' d  the  People  to  march  off  with  their  Arms 
and  Tools ;  that  now  we  are  put  to  the  Necessity  to  endeavour 
to  dislodge  them,  w'ch  I  shall,  with  all  Assiduity,  endeavour  to 
do,  and  no  Person  c'd  have  done  more  in  the  Time  than  I  have 
done.  If  our  Assembly  had  voted  the  Money  in  Nov'r,  w'ch 
they  did  in  Feb'ry,  it's  more  than  probable  the  Fort  w'd  have 
been  built  and  Garrison' d  with  Men  before  the  French  had  ap- 
proach'd,  but  these  Things  cannot  be  done  without  Money  to 
raise  Men,  and  except  No.  Car.,  not  one  of  the  other  Colonies 
have  granted  any  Supplies,  or  are  the  Independ't  Compa's  from 
N.  York  arriv'd.  You  may  imagine  w't  a  dilemma  I  am  in,  and 
w't  Anxiety  it  gives  me  in  a  Disappointm't  of  an  Affair  I  had  so 
much  at  Heart,  and  to  be  retarded  by  the  Backwardness  of  the 
other  Colonies,  who  have  not  given  due  Obedience  to  His  M'y's 
Com'ds,  or  indeed  consider' d  the  Safety  and  Prosperity  of  their 
own  Possessions.  As  Affairs  of  this  kind  are  often  judg'd  by 
their  Consequences,  probably  Neglect  may  be  imputed  to  me, 
but  I  can  honestly  say  every  Thing  in  my  Power  has  been  done, 
for  as  there  was  no  Mo.  in  our  Treasury,  I  have  advanc'd  my 
own  to  forw'd  the  Expedition,  and  now  have  order' d  the  Forces 
rais'd  to  be  collected  in  a  Body,  and  if  the  Independ't  Companys 
from  N.  York  come  soon,  I  am  in  hopes  the  Eyes  of  the  other 
Colonies  will  be  op'n'd,  and  if  they  grant  a  proper  Supply  of 
Men,  I  hope  we  shall  be  able  to  dislodge  them,  or  build  a  Fort 
on  that  River,  I  have  wrote  to  the  Sec'y  of  State  on  the  Sub- 
ject, but  in  Case  it  sh'd  be  misrepresented,  I  give  You  the  Trouble 
of  this  detail,  w'ch  shew  Y'r  Cousin. 

I  congratulate  You  on  the  increase  of  Y'r  Family.  My  wife 
and  two  Girls  join  me  in  our  most  sincere  respects  to  good  Mrs. 
Hansbury  and  Y'r  Self.     I  always  am,  &c. 


160  DINWIUDIK    I'AI'KKS. 

(ii)\i;kN<  "K   l»i\uii>hir    |(.  I  \s    M'.l  kCkuMHV. 

May  loth.  1754. 
Sir  : 

My  last  was  the  2tA\\  ult'o,  w'ch  I  hope  Vou  ducly  rcc'd, 
I  desire  to  be  refer' d  thereto,  as  I  hope  not  to  have  any  Occa- 
sion to  write  Vou  any  more  on  the  Pistole  Fee.  Hy  this  Opp'ty 
I  transmit  to  the  B'd  of  Trade  the  Acts  that  pass'd  the  two  last 
Sessions  of  Assemy.  Two  private  Acts  arc  recoinended  to  ^"r 
Care,  as  they  are  for  my  F'ds,  do  the  necessary  therein.  That  for 
Gerard  Alexander,"*  you  have  a  bill  enclosed  on  Ralph  Noden 
Esq.,  for  /ss  ;  if  more  is  wanted  Mr.  Noden  will  supply  it.  The 
other  for  Rob't  Chew  and  Mary  his  Wife,""  Mr.  Corbin  writes 
Mr.  Hanlniry  to  .Supply  you  with  Mo.  necessary,  and  pray 
get  them  expedited  as  soon  as  possible,  and  for  fear  of  loosing 
the  Certificates,  they  are  annexed  to  the  Laws,  and  I  send  you 
two  enclosed,  that  there  may  be  no  tielay.  I  now  send  ^'ou  Copy 
of  the  Trinted  Journal  of  last  Assembly  ;  read  seriously  the  Act  for 
encouraj^ing  and  [the]  Protection  of  the  Settlers  upon  the  Waters 
of  the  Mississippi.  Vou  will  observe^  several  Things  in  it  incon- 
stitutional  and  derogatory  to  the  prerogative  of  the  Crown,  par- 
ticularly that  Part  w'ch  gives  the  Power  of  the  application  of  the 
Money  by  a  Comittee  therein  named,  among  whom  are  some  of 
the  Council,  contrary  to  their  Consent  or  Approbat'n."^      This 

"•  Gererd  Alexander,  of  Holm's  Island,  Prince  William  county,  son 
of  Robert  Alexander,  of  Stafford  county,  \'a.,  who  dietl  prior  to  1753, 
leavinjj  a  larRc  Kinded  estate  and  ne^jroes,  to  his  sons  John  and  Gerard. 
Hcnittf;,  vi,  pp.  499-402. 

"*  Robert  Chew,  of  .Spotsylvania  county,  Va.,  fourth  in  descent  from 
John  Chew  "Gentleman"  and  "  .Merchant,"  who  settled  at  Jamestown 
in  1622  and  whose  name  has  been  honorably  represented  by  successive 
generations  of  descendants  in  Virj^inia,  .Maryland  and  Pennsylvania. 
The  mother  of  Robert  Chew  was  .Mar>;aret.  daiijjhter  of  Rol)ert  Ik-ver- 
ley,  and  his  wife  was  Mary  Perrot  of  .Middlesex  county,  Va. 

'"This  bill  as  first  enacted  February,  1752,  exempts  Protestant  settlers 
from  the  payment  of  any  tax  for  ten  years;  NovemlxT.  1753,  the  immu- 
nity is  extended  to  fifteen  years,  and  in  February,  1754,  an  appnipriation 
of  ;^  10,000  (to  be  raised  by  a  tax  on  the  importation  of  slaves,  on  wheel 
carriages,  and  on  licenses  for  ortlinaries)  is  made  for  purposes  of  de- 
fence of  such  settlers.     Hftiitif;,  vi.  pp.  25.S,  355,  417-20. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  167 

Bill  takes  from  me  the  undoubted  right  I  have  of  directing  the 
Applicat'n  of  the  Money  rais'd  for  the  Defence  of  the  Dom'n, 
but  on  considering  the  imediate  Necessity  of  a  Supply  to  defeat 
the  Designs  of  the  French,  and  that  no  Money  w'd  be  rais'd  on 
any  other  Terms,  I  ventured  to  give  my  consent,  and  I  hope,  on 
the  Emergency  of  this  present  Affair,  I  shall  be  excus'd;  how- 
ever, I  hope  the  B'd  of  Trade  will  take  proper  Notice  thereof; 
they  shew'd  me  here  some  Precedents  to  the  same  Purpose  in  my 
Predecessor's  Time,  yet  that's  not  sufficient  to  support  me  in 
acting  contrary  to  Instruction,  and  [I]  do  assure  You  it  was  very 
much  ag'st  my  Inclinat'n,  but  Necessity  has  no  Law;  after  the 
Vote  pass'd  in  Mar.  loth,  I  comission'd  Officers  to  raise  300 
Men,  w'ch  was  done  with  all  possible  Expedition  ;  they  had  my 
Orders  to  meet  at  Alex' a;  the  first  Detachm't  march' d  the  be- 
ginning of  Apr.  When  they  were  within  75  Miles  of  the  Place 
where  the  Fort  was  begun  by  a  Compa.  I  sent  out  in  Feb'ry, 
before  the  Assembly  met,  an  Express  came  to  them  to  ac- 
quaint them  that  the  French,  with  1,000  Men,  from  Canada, 
had  appear' d  before  it  and  sumon'd  them  to  surrender,  with 
Leave  to  march  with  their  Arms  and  Tools,  so  they  have  had 
the  Start  of  Us,  btjt  how  will  they  support  this  Action  to 
take  Possession  of  a  Fort  building  on  His  M'y  of  G.  B.'s 
Lands  ?  However,  I  am  not  to  wait  for  this  Determination,  and 
am  now  endeavoring  to  collect  as  many  Forces  as  I  can,  and  to 
try  to  dislodge  them,  or  build  a  Fort  on  that  river  as  a  Mark  of 
Possession.  If  our  Ho.  of  Burgesses  had  granted  the  Mo. 
on  my  Applicat'n  in  Nov'r,  it's  more  than  probable  the  Fort 
w'd  have  been  finish' d  and  a  good  Party  of  Soldiers  in  it  before 
the  French  c'd  have  been  there,  or  if  the  other  Colonies  had 
been  as  forward  in  obeying  His  M'y's  Comands  for  a  mutual 
Supply,  as  This  and  No.  Carolina.  I  do  not  doubt  by  these  Aids 
we  may  still  be  able  to  dislodge  them,  but  not  the  least  View  of 
Supplies  from  any  of  them,  unless  this  Insult  of  the  French  sh'd 
open  their  Eyes,  w'ch  I  sincerely  wish.  This  is  the  Situat'n  I 
am  now  in,  and  often  Actions  are  judged  by  their  Consequences, 
and  probably  may  throw  reflect' s  on  me,  but  I  can  answer  to 
God  and  my  King  that  every  Thing  in  my  Power  has  been  done 
with  Spirit,  Diligence  and  Dispatch  as  soon  as  I  was  enabled  by 
the  small  Sum  voted  by  the  Assembly;  even  that  I  c'd  not  com'di 
having  no  Cash  in  the  Treasury  ;  but  to  carry  on  the  Expedition 
have  been  oblig'd  to  advance  my  own  Money. 


loiJ  DINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

C()\l.l<NnK   DlNWinniK  To  THK  KAKI.  ()|-    IK  >I.I)F:RNI-:SSE. 

May  loih.  1754. 
R  T  Hon.: 

My  last  to  Y'r  L'ds.  was  the  27th  Ulto  I  then  ac- 
quainted You  y't  the  Forces  rais'd  in  this  Dom'n  were  march' d 
out  for  the  Ohio.  I  am  sorry  to  acqu't  N'ou  that  the  first  De- 
tachm't  of  150  Men,  under  the  Com'd  of  Co[l.]  C.  Wiishington, 
had  march' d  within  70  Miles  of  the  Forks  of  Monongahela, 
where  I  order'd  the  building  of  a  F"ort;  w'n  the  Ensign  of  that 
Compa.,  at  the  Fort,  came  Kxpress  to  Col.  W.  to  accpiaint  him 
that  an  Army  of  i.ooo  French  Men  came  down  that  river  and 
march' d  near  to  the  Fort  (y't  was  building  for  His  M'y  and  on 
his  own  Land)antl  summon'd  tluin  to  deliver  up  the  Fort  to 
them;  as  their  Number  were  small,  they  were  oblig'd  to  obey. 
Copy  of  the  Ensign's  Informat'n  of  this  Proceeding  of  the  French, 
You  have  enclos'd,  ami  swore  to  by  him,  as  also  the  French 
Com'dr's  Summons,  both  w'ch  I  beg  to  be  refer"  d  to.  The  Ind's 
on  the  Ohio  march' d  with  our  Men  to  a  Place  they  call  red  Stone 
Creek,  from  thence  the  Half-King,  who  cfjmands  on  the  Ohio 
the  several  Tribes  of  Ind's,  sent  a  young  Warrior  with  the  above 
Ensign,  with  a  Speech  to  me.  Copy  thereof,  and  my  Answer  I 
enclose  to  \"r  L'ds.  I  presume  this  E.xtraordinary  Step  of  the 
French  m  invading  His  M'y's  Lands,  sumonsing  the  People  en- 
gag'd  in  building  a  Fort  in  His  M'v's  Name  to  give  it  up,  and 
their  actually  taking  Possession  thereof  is  a  very  heinous  Yiolat'n 
of  the  Treaties  subsisting  between  the  two  Crowns,  and  I  doubt 
not  will  be  properly  rei)resenled  at  the  Court  of  France,  but  I 
cannot  think  it  prudent  in  me  to  rem'n  unactive  till  that  is  fully 
heard  and  determined.  I  have,  therefore,  order'd  the  Forces 
rais'd  in  this  Dom'n  and  those  raised  in  No.  Car.  to  march  to 
red  Stone  Creek.  The  Independ't  Compa.  from  So.  Carolina 
arriv'd  here  a  few  Days  Since,  and  they  have  my  Orders  to 
march  to  the  above  Place,  but  I  am  scarry  to  acqu't  Y'r  L'ds  that 
the  two  Independ't  Compa's  from  N.  ^'ork  do  not  yet  appear, 
tho"  I  wrote  Mr.  DeLancey  the  2d  of  Mar.,  and  he  answer'd  y't 
he  given  Orders  accordingly.  Where  the  Delay  lies,  I  know 
not,  but  it  has  been  a  very  great  Loss  to  the  ICxpedition.  No. 
Caro.  only  and  this  Dom'n  have  given  due  obedience  to  His 
M'y's  Comds  in  granting  a  mutual  Supply.     Whether  this  great 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  159 

Insult  of  the  French  will  open  the  Eyes  of  our  Neighbour"  g  Col- 
onies so  that  the  Gov'rs  may  prevail  with  them  for  a  Supply,  I 
know  not,  but  I  wish  it  may,  because  if  we  can  have  a  proper 
Force  at  red  Stone  Creek,  I  w'd  endeavour  to  turn  the  Scales 
upon  them  by  dislodging  the  French  from  our  Fort;  if  not,  I 
shall  give  Orders  to  build  another  Fort  in  a  proper  Place  on  that 
River.  I  assure  Y'r  L'ds.  every  Thing  in  my  Power  was  done 
to  promote  this  Expedition,  but  Money,  the  Sinews  of  War,  was 
wanting,  and  the  People  of  these  Colonies  do  not  properly  con- 
sider the  bad  Consequence  of  having  the  French  settled  so  near 
our  Frontiers,  or  do  they  esteem  or  value  the  F'dship  of  the 
Ind's  so  much  as  they  ought  to  do.  Our  Magazine  is  in  want  of 
almost  every  Thing — no  Cutlasses,  Mortars,  Granad  Shells,  or 
Coehorn[s,]  all  w'ch  w'd  be  absolutely  necessary  on  a  Siege,  or  in 
retaking  the  Fort  began  to  be  built  in  his  Majesty's  Name,  or  do 
I  care  particularly  to  pay  for  these  Supplies.  Thinking  it  suffi- 
cient to  acqu't  Y'r  L'ds  therewith,  I  further  beg  leave  to  assure 
You  that  I  will  diligently,  and  with  all  possible  E.xpedition,  en- 
deavour to  retake  the  Fort,  or  as  above,  to  build  another  on  a 
proper  Situation  on  that  River.  Monday  next  I  set  out  for 
Win[chester]  to  meet  the  Chiefs  of  the  different  Tribes  of  Ind's, 
tho'  I  fear  the  aforemention'd  Invasion  of  the  French  will  pre- 
vent some  of  them  from  meeting  me,  but  I  think  proper  I  sh'd 
be  there  at  the  time  appointed  to  deliver  His  M'y's  Presents. 
On  my  return,  I  shall  write  Y'r  L'ds.  and  I  beg  to  assure  You 
that  I  am,  with  great  Deference  and  Duty, 

R't  Hon.  Y'r  L'd's  most  ob'd't  humble  serv't. 

P.  S. — I  have  not  the  least  Expectat'n  of  a  further  Supply  from 
the  Assembly  of  this  Dom'n,  and  I  fear  the  Expedit'n  will  suffer 
for  the  want  of  Men  and  Money,  w'ch  I  wish  may  be  properly 
consider' d  at  Home,  and  grant  an  Aid  from  some  other  Quarter. 


IGO  DINUIDDIH    TAPERS. 

GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIK    H )  THi-.    I.OKDS    l-(JK    TRADE,  &c. 

May  loth,  1754. 
Rt   Hon: 

Wy  this  Shij)  I  transmit  \"  r  L'cls.  in  a  small  Box,  the 
Acts  that  pass'd  the  Assembly  of  this  Dom'n,  one  set  in  Dcc'r, 
1753,  and  another  set  that  pass'd  in  Feb'ry  last,  as  also  the  Jour- 
nals of  the  Council  and  that  of  the  Assembly  on  their  two 
different  Meet'gs.  I  bej^  leave  to  observe  to  ^"r  L'ds.  that  on 
the  Assembly's  meetinj;:  in  Nov'r,  aijreeable  to  His  M'y's 
Com'ds,  I  applied  to  them  for  a  mutual  Supply  to  enable  me 
to  defeat  the  designs  of  the  French  on  their  intended  Invasions 
on  His  M'y's  Lands  on  the  Ohio,  and  to  support  an  affectionate 
F'dship  with  the  Ind's,  to  w'ch  they  gave  not  the  least  attention, 
but  were  prorogu'd  without  any  Supply,  w'ch  proves  a  great  Hurt 
to  His  M'y's  Service.  During  this  Session  they  made  several 
resolves  of  a  very  extraordinary  Nature,  not  precedented  by  any 
Assembly  in  his  M'y's  Dom's,  and  at  the  close  of  that  Session 
they  resolv'd  that  the  Atto.  Gen'l  sh'd  be  p'd  by  the  Treasurer, 
;^2,500  for  negotiating  their  Affairs  at  Home,  and  this  without  the 
Approbat'n  of  any  other  Part  of  the  Legislature;  the  Speaker  of 
the  Ho.,  who  is  Treasurer,  declared  that  if  the  Ho.  w'd  make  the 
resolve  he  w'd  pay  the  Mo.  I  gave  them  to  understand  that  the 
Treasurer  sh'd  not  have  my  Warrant  for  that  Mo.,  and,  in  course 
[it]  w'd  not  be  allow' d  in  his  .Acc'ts.  They  further  resolv'd,  that 
the  Atto.  Gen'l  sh'd  appoint  an  Agent  at  Home  to  transact  their 
Business,  for  that  Service  they  of  the  Ho.  of  Burgesses  engag'd  to 
pay  him  jC2oo  V  Ann.  out  of  His  M'y's  Mo.  in  the  Treasurer's 
Hands;  all  these  things  are  done  ag'st  the  Opinion,  and  without 
the  Advice  of  the  Council  or  myself.  Y'r  L'ds.  no  doubt  will 
observe  how  inconstitutional  their  Proceedings  have  been,  and 
how  they  act  inconsistent  with  the  Prerogative  of  the  Crown  and 
contrary  to  my  Instructs.  In  the  Sessions  in  Keb'ry  last  I  again 
press' d  the  absolute  Necessity  of  a  Supply.  I  had  influence  and 
weight  sufficient  to  obtain  a  Vote  for  ;{^  10,000,  and  by  an  Act 
Entitled  an  Act  for  the  Kncouragem't  and  Protection  of  the  Set- 
tlers on  the  Waters  of  the  Mississippi.  They  clogg'd  this  Bill 
with  many  Things  unconstitutional  and  der(igatf)ry  to  the  Pre- 
rogatives of  the  Crown.     I  went  to  the  Council  and   told  them  I 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  161 

c'd  not,  ag^reeable  to  my  Instruct's,  give  my  Assent  to  that  Bill 
for  the  following  reasons  :  "  Their  giving  a  Power  to  a  Comittee 
therein  named  to  order  the  Application  of  the  Money,  in  w'ch 
Number  they  included  four  of  the  Council,  contrary  to  their  De- 
sire;  That  the  Bill  contains  some  Clauses  of  dangerous  Conse- 
quence as  tending  towards  an  Alteration  of  a  fundamental  part  of 
the  Constitution  by  taking  from  the  Gov'r  his  undoubted  [right]  of 
directing  the  Application  of  all  Monies  rais'd  for  the  Defence  and 
Security  of  the  Country,  to  w'ch  reasons  and  Observations  the 
Council  Unanimously  concur' d,  but  as  the  Necessity  of  our 
Affairs  requir'd  an  imediate  vSupply  to  defeat  the  Designs  of  the 
French  on  our  Frontiers,  [it]  is  of  the  greatest  Consequence,  and 
required  something  to  be  done  this  Sumer,  I  therefore,  with  the 
Advice  of  the  Council,  gave  my  Assent  to  this  Bill,  and  for  the 
above  reasons  I  hope  to  stand  excus'd  by  Y'r  L'ds.  I  determin'd 
imediately  to  dissolve  the  Assembly,  but  as  their  Proceedings  are 
so  monstrously  unconstitutional,  I  Suspended  that  Step  until  I 
heard  from  Y'r  L'ds.,  in  hopes  of  an  order  to  dissolve  them  by 
Proclamat'n,  w'ch  will  be  shewing  much  more  resentm't  to  their 
Actions.  Enclos'd  You  have  the  half  Year's  Ace' ts  of  His  M'y's 
Quit-rents,  and  [the]  2s.  ^  hhd  Duty.  Upon  the  Assembly's  re- 
fusing a  Supply  in  Dec'r,  by  Advice  of  the  Council,  I  granted  a 
Com'o.  to  Capt.  Wm.  Trent  to  raise  Men  to  proceed  to  the  Forks 
of  Monongahela,  on  the  river  Ohio,  and  there  clear  the  Ground 
and  begin  to  erect  a  Fort,  and  that  I  sh'd,  as  soon  as  possible, 
send  out  some  Men  to  strengthen  and  assist  him.  On  the  grant 
of  the  ^i,ooo,  late  in  Feb'ry,  I  commission' d  Officers  to  raise 
300  Men;  they  were  compleated  by  the  loth  of  Apr.,  w'n  a  De- 
tachm't  of  150  Men,  under  the  Com'd  of  Colo.  Washington,  be- 
gan their  March;  w'n  they  were  within  75  Miles  of  the  Fort 
begun  by  Capt.  Trent,  his  Ensign  came  Express  to  acq't  him 
that  the  French,  to  the  Number  of  1,000  Men,  came  down  the 
river  Ohio,  march' d  up  to  the  Fort,  and  sumon'd  them  to  sur- 
render, and  to  march  out  with  their  Guns  and  Tools,  w'ch  they 
were  oblig'd  to  do.  I  send  You  the  Ensign's  Acc't,  upon  Oath, 
with  Copy,  of  the  French  Com'd'r's  Summons,  w'ch  I  conceive 
to  be  a  most  egregrious  Violation  of  the  Treaties  subsisting  be- 
tween the  two  Crowns  ;  to  take  possession  of  a  Fort  begun  in  His 
Majesty's  Name,  and  on  his  own  undoubted  Lands.  The  Ind's 
on  the  Ohio  march' d  with  our  People  to  a  Place  call'd  red  Stone 


!«>_'  DINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

Cretk.  I  and  cnclo^'cl  N'oii  have  the  i  tall- Kinj^'s  Speech  to  me 
anti  my  Answer '.  ab't  ;',o  Miles  disiani  fr«>m  the  Fort.  I  doubt 
not  but  tliis  Insult  will  be  properly  represented  to  the  Court  of 
France,  but  I  am  determin'd  not  to  rem'n  unactive  in  our  present 
Situation.  The  I-'orces  rais'd  here,  with  350  rais'd  in  No.  Car., 
with  3  Independt  Compas  his  My  has  order'd,  I  propose  to 
collect  them  in  a  Body  at  red  Stone  Creek,  and  endeavour  to  dis- 
lotljjc  the  French  frtun  our  I-'ort.  No  other  Colony  but  No.  Car. 
have  yjranted  as  yet  any  .Supply,  but  I  am  now  in  hopes  they 
will  sec  the  Necessity  of  raising  Forces,  w'ch,  if  we  can  make  a 
considerable  Number,  it's  probable  we  may  turn  the  Scales  upon 
them.  If  our  Assembly  had  granted  the  small  Sum  in  Nov'r, 
w'n  I  first  applied  for  it,  I  think  we  might  have  had  the  Fort 
compleatcd  with  a  good  Garrison  of  Men  in  it  before  the  French 
appear' d,  but  there  is  nothing  can  be  done  that  way  without 
Money,  and  the  People  of  these  Colonies  do  not  pay  a  dutiful 
Compliance  with  His  My's  Com'ds,  or  think  properly  of  their 
own  Safety.  However,  I  am  determin'd  to  do  all  in  my  Power 
to  oppose  the  Designs  of  the  French,  w'ch,  I  cannot  help  calling 
them  now  our  comon  I*-nemies.  I  never  underwent  more  Fatigue 
in  my  Life  than  in  directing  and  assisting  this  Expedition,  but 
am  sorry  it  has  not  succeeded  to  my  Wish  and  Kxpectat's.  I 
shall  still  look  forw'd  in  hopes  of  a  Chance  in  our  Favo.  Mon- 
day next  I  proceed  to  Winchester  to  meet  the  Chiefs  of  the  Ind's, 
to  deliver  His  Majesty's  Present  to  them,  but  I  fear  from  the 
above  I  shall  not  have  so  many  as  I  reasonably  might  have  ex- 
pected. I  have  not  the  Hon'r  of  a  Letter  from  Y'r  L'ds.  of  a 
long  Time.  I  rem'n  with  great  deference  and  respect, 
R't  Hon.,  \"r  L'ds  most  obed't  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVKRNOK  DINWIDDIK  To  THF-:  K.\RI.  OI"  IIAI.II  AX. 

May  loth,  1754. 
R't  Hon: 

My  last  to  Y'r  L'ds.  was  the  27lh  of  last  Mo.,  to  w'ch  I 
beg  to  be  refer'd.  I  troubled  ^'ou  with  Acc't  of  the  Steps  I  had 
takeu  in  the  Exix-dit'n  to  the  ( )lii(».     The  first  Detachm't  of  our 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  163 

Forces,  under  the  Com'd  of  Colo.  Washington,  marched  from 
Alex'a  the  loth  of  last  Mo.,  and  were  within  75  Miles  of  the 
Forks  of  Monongahela,  where  I  order'd  a  Fort  to  be  built  in  His 
M'y's  Name,  w'n  an  Express  came  to  him,  advising  that  1,000 
French  Soldiers  had  come  down  the  river  Ohio,  and  march'd  up 
to  the  Fort  and  sumoned  them  to  surrender  the  Fort,  w'ch,  from 
their  Number,  they  were  forc'd  to  comply.  I  have  sent  the 
necessary  Papers  on  this  Affair  to  Y'r  L'ds.  Board,  to  w'ch  please 
be  refer'd.  The  Insult  of  the  French  and  Violation  of  Treaties 
no  doubt  will  be  properly  represented  to  the  Court  of  France.  I 
shall,  with  all  possible  Expedition,  collect  all  the  Forces  I  can 
and  endeavour  to  dislodge  them  from  the  Fort  begun  in  His 
M'y's  Name,  but  I  must  complain  of  the  want  of  mutual  Supplies 
from  the  neighbouring  Colonies.  No.  Caro.  only  has  granted  us 
any  Aid,  tho'  I  would  gladly  hope  the  other  Colonies  will  now 
see  the  Necessity  of  granting  Supplies,  but  this  is  very  uncertain, 
and  I  am  too  much  assur'd  that  this  Dom'n  will  not  advance  any 
more.  It  will  grieve  me  to  allow  the  French  a  Quiet  Settlem't 
on  the  Ohio,  as  I  foresee  the  Inconveniency,  and  I  may  say,  ruin 
to  all  His  M'y's  Colonies  on  this  Cont't,  both  in  regard  to  the 
Furr  and  Skin  Trade,  as  in  their  quiet  Possessions  of  their  present 
Settlem'ts,  and  also  they  will  get  our  friendly  Ind's  from  Us,  w'ch 
I  think  is  of  great  Importance,  tho'  the  People  here  do  not  con- 
sider them  so  necessary  and  useful  as  I  do.  Money,  the  Sinews 
of  war,  is  deficient  here,  and  indeed  without  that  and  Men,  I  shall 
dread  Success.  I  have  wrote  to  the  Treasury  to  consider  this 
and  submitted  to  them  how  they  will  order  Supplies.  The  2s.  '^ 
hhd  Duty,  I  shall  make  Use  of  on  Occasion,  but  I  dare  not  men- 
tion His  M'y's  Quit-rents,  tho'  the  Intention  of  Settling  these 
Lands  will  be  a  means  of  greatly  increasing  that  revenue.  My 
Situation  is  bad,  few  Men  and  no  fund  to  call  for  Mo[ney]  for  the 
necessary  Exp's  of  the  Expedition,  however,  I  am  resolv'd  to  do 
all  in  my  Power  either  to  dislodge  the  French  or  build  some  Forts 
in  Convenient  Places  to  support  His  M'y's  just  rights  to  those 
Lands.  I  fear  I  trouble  You  too  much  with  my  Let'rs,  but  Y'r 
known  Goodness  I  hope  will  excuse  me.  I  am,  with  great  def- 
erence and  humble  respects, 

R't  Hon.,  Y'r  L'ds  much 

Obliged  and  most  Ob'd't  humble  serv't. 


164  DlNWIObli;    I'AI'ERS. 


GOVKRNOK    1»1.\\\  IMI'll,     l()     mi.     l.<iK|)^ui       |H|-: 

rKi:A.srKV.'' 

May  lolh,  1754. 
R'T  Hon: 

Enclos'd  I  send  \"v  L'ds.  the  Acc't  of  2s.  *p*  Hhd. 
ending  the  25th  Apr.,  1754.  1  am  sorry  I  have  occasion  to 
accju't  Vou  that  1,000  French  Soldiers  and  Ofticers  came  down 
the  River  Uliio,  the  back  of  this  Dom'n,  and  in  a  very  hostile 
Manner  have  invaded  His  My  of  G.  B.'s  Lands.  I  sent  aCompa. 
of  Soldiers  out  there  last  Feb'ry  to  build  a  Fort  in  His  M'y's 
Name  ;  they  had  made  some  Progress  therein,  w'n  the  PVench 
arrivil  they  march'd  imediately  near  the  Fort  and  sumon'd  them 
to  surrender,  w'ch,  from  their  Numbers,  they  were  oblig'd  to 
comply.  V'r  L'ds.  will  consider  this  Insult  in  invading  the 
King's  Lands  and  taking  Possession  of  the  Fort  building  for  His 
M'y.  I  am  now  endeavouring  to  collect  together  all  the  I'orces 
I  can,  if  possible,  to  dislodge  them  from  the  King's  Fort.  This 
Colony  and  that  of  No.  Caro.  have  rais'd  ab't  700  Men,  with 
three  Independ't  Compa's  His  M'y  was  pleas'd  to  order  here 
from  N.  York  and  So.  Caro.  will  make  up  1,000  Men,  and  I  am 
now  in  Hopes  the  Colonics  to  the  No'w'd  of  this  will  grant  us 
some  Supply,  and  every  Thing  in  my  Power  shall  be  done  with 
Assiduity  and  Diligence,  as  I  think  no  Time  is  to  be  lost.  But 
Money,  the  Sinews  of  War,  is  deficient,  for  I  cannot  have  the 
least  Expectation  that  our  Assembly  will  vote  any  more  than  the 
[j^]  10,000  they  gave  in  Feb'ry  last  and  that  will  not  maintain  and 
pay  the  Forces  rais'd,  above  Six  Mos.  longer.  I  am  therefore 
oblig'd  to  apply  to  V'r  L'ds.  for  some  Supply,  w'ch  I  submit  to 
You.  It's  a  national  Affair,  and  if  the  French  are  allow'da  quiet 
Settlem't  on  the  ( )hio  it  will  destroy  our  Furr  and  Skin  Trade 
and  will  in  Time  be  of  the  last  Consequ'ce  to  all  His  M'y's 
Colonies  on  this  Cont't,  as  it  appears  to  me  of  very  great  Im- 
portance. I  shall  act  every  Thing  in  my  Power,  under  our  pres't 
unhappy  Situation,  for  the  Service  of  His  M'y  and  these  Colonies, 
and  with  great  deference  and  Duty,  I  rem'n, 

R't  Hon  ,  ^''r  L'ds.  most  ob'd't  humble  Serv't. 


"*The  Lords  of  the  Treasury  at  tliis  time  were  Lord  Darlingtrdi,  Lord 
Dupplin  and  Robert  Nugent. 


DINWIDDIE   PAPERS.  165 

GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  HORACE  WALPOLE.i'^ 

May  loth,  1754. 
R't  Hon: 

The  many  Favo's  and  Obligat's  rec'd  from  Y'r  Hon'r, 
make  [me]  with  Gratitude  very  desirous  of  enquiring  after  Y'r 
Health,  w'ch  is  the  chief  occasion  of  troubling  You  with  this  Let- 
ter, and  it  will  give  me  infinite  Joy  to  hear  that  Y'r  Health  is  con- 
firm' d.  The  Quit-rents  of  this  Dom'  n  have  been  very  loosely  paid 
by  not  bringing  the  Lands  enter' d  on  the  rent-roll  for  many  Years, 
but,  as  I  wrote  You  some  Time  ago  on  that  Head,  I  beg  to  refer 
You  to  my  former  Letters.  An  Affair  of  Great  Consequence  to 
the  Nat'n  and  His  M'y's  Colonies  on  this  Cont't,  gives  me  very 
great  Concern;  1,000  French  from  Canada  have  invaded  His 
M'y's  Lands  on  the  river  Ohio,  and  have  taken  by  Force  of 
Arms,  Possession  of  a  Fort  I  was  building  in  His  M'y's  Name  to 
protect  our  friendly  Ind's  Wives  and  Children  when  they  go  to 
War  or  a  hunting,  as  also  to  protect  our  Traders  for  Furrs  and 
Skins  with  the  Ind's.  This  appears  to  me  to  be  a  great  Insult 
and  a  Violation  of  the  Laws  subsisting  between  the  two  Crowns. 
I  am  endeavouring  to  collect  all  the  Forces  I  can,  if  possible,  to 
dislodge  them  from  our  Fort,  but  the  Colonies  here  have  been 
very  backw'd  in  raising  a  Supply  agreeable  to  His  M'y's  Com'd, 
That  at  pres't,  this  Doni'n  and  No.  Caro.  have  rais'd  700  Men, 
the  other  Colonies  have  as  yet  not  been  prevail' d  with  to  give  us 
any  Aid.  His  M'y's  has  been  graciously  pleas'd  to  order  two 
Independ't  Com  pa's  from  So.  Carolina,  arriv'd  here  a  week  ago. 
I  shall,  if  assisted  by  the  other  Colonies,  do  all  in  my  Power  to 
defeat  the  Designs  of  the  French,  and  I  have  sent  to  Lord  Hol- 
dernesse  a  particular  Acc't  and  all  the  proper  Papers  relating  to 
the  Afifair.  I  am  sorry  the  Pales  Y'r  Hon'r  wrote  for  were  shipt 
to  Hull  in  so  irregular  a  Method;  w'n  shipt,  Mr.  Blair  otifer'd 
^5  ^  1,000  Freight,  and  they  ask'd  no  more  than  ^7.  The 
difference  between  these  two  Sums  sh'd  have  been  left  to  the 
Determinat'n  of  some  Merch't  in  Hull,  but  Mr.  Hamilton,  re- 
ducing them   to  Inch   Measure  to  bring  them  to  Freight  equal 

"^The  famous  Horace  Walpole,  Earl  of  Orford,  scholar  and  wit,  third 
and  youngest  son  of  Sir  Robert  Walpole;  born  1718;  died  March,  1797. 


166  DINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

with  perishable  Como.,  is  an  Imposition  that  any  Man  of  Honor 
or  Honesty  sh'cl  be  asham'd  of;  if  I  had  known  the  Affair,  they 
sh'd  not  have  l>een  shipt  in  so  loose  a  Method.  1  have  advis'd 
Mr.  Blair'*  to  ^et  the  Affidavit  of  the  Person  that  aj^reed  to  take 
them  on  Freij^ht.  and  [of]  others  for  the  usual  Freight  of  such 
Things,  w'ch  he  promise!  me  Yesterday  to  jjel  and  forw'd  to  Mr. 
Smith.  I  wish  V'r  Hon'r  had  laid  Vr  Comands  on  me  in  this  or 
any  Thinyj  else ;  I  should  have  been  proud  of  serving  You.  I 
leave  this  place  on  Monday  to  deliver  the  Chiefs  of  the  Ind'n 
Nat's  (^who  are  to  meet  me  at  Winchester)  a  present  from  His  M'y. 
I  present  my  humble  respects  to  \"r  Lady  and  ajj[reeable  Family, 
and  am,  with  most  sincere  and  dutiful  I-2steem  and  regard, 
R't  Hon.,  \"r  much  oblig'd,  h'ble  Servt. 


GOVKKNoR   DINWIDDIi:    To  R.\KL  r,KAN\lLLE. 

May  loth,  [1754.] 
My  Lord: 

The  above  is  a  Copy  of  my  last.  In  case  of  miscar- 
riage, I  send  my  2d  Bills  of  Fxcha.  on  Messrs.  Hanburys  for 
jCA2g,  II.  In  my  last  I  wrote  Y'r  L'ds.  that  the  Forces  rais'd 
here  and  No.  Carolina  [were]  on  their  march  to  the  river  Ohio 
to  take  Possession  of  the  Land  in  His  M'y's  Name.  I  sent  out 
a  Compa.  in  Feb'ry  to  erect  a  Fort  at  the  F"orks  of  Mononga- 
hela,  and  the  above  Forces  had  my  Orders  to  join  and  support 
them;  the  first  Detachm't  of  150  Men  under  the  Com'd  of 
Colo.  Geo.  Washington  had  march'd  within  75  Miles  of  the  Fort 
I  had  order'd  to  be  built  for  His  My,  w'n  he  rec'd  an  E.xpress 
that  1,000  Men  from  Canada  camr  d'>\vn  the   river  Ohio  and 


'"John  Hlair.  a  nephew  of  James  Hlair.  I).  I).,  Presidt-nt  of  William 
and  Mary  College,  was  bom  at  WilliamslnirK.  Va.,  in  16.S9,  and  died  there 
November  5,  1771 ;  member  of  the  House  of  Burgesses  as  early  as  17364 
member  of  the  Council,  and  as  its  President  in  1757-S.  and  1768  acting 
Governf)r  of  VirRinia.  He  was  the  father  of  John  Hlair,  who  was  ap- 
pointed by  \Vashin>;t«)n,  in  September,  1789,  a  judge  of  the  United 
States  Supreme  Court. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  167 

march'd  to  the  Fort  that  was  building  and  sumon'd  them  to  sur- 
render, w'ch  from  their  Numbers  they  were  obHg'd  to  comply. 
This  Step  appears  to  me  a  very  great  Violation  of  Treaties  sub- 
sisting between  the  two  Crowns.  I  am  now  collecting  all  the 
Forces  I  can,  to  endeavour  to  dislodge  them  from  our  Fort,  but 
not  having  any  Supply  from  the  Colonies  to  the  No'w'd  of  this, 
will  make  it  a  difficult  Task,  tho'  I  expect  from  this  Insult  of  the 
French  they  will  be  brought  to  a  just  way  of  thinking  and  grant 
me  their  aid.  It  is  an  Affair  of  great  Consequence  to  the  Nation 
and  particularly  to  these  Colonies,  and  without  some  more  regu- 
lar Supply,  I  fear  I  shall  not  be  able  to  affect  w't  I  have  in  View 
and  much  at  Heart.  I  have  not  the  least  room  to  expect  any 
further  Supply  from  this  Dom'n,  and  I  have  not  venture[d]  to  ask 
leave  to  make  Use  of  any  part  of  His  M'y's  Quit  rents  here,  but 
on  this  Emergency  I  hope  the  Ministry  will  consider  some 
Method  to  strengthen  my  Hands.  All  I  can  say  [is]  that  every 
Thing  in  my  Power  to  defeat  the  Designs  of  the  French  shall 
be  done  with  great  Assiduity.  On  Monday  I  go  to  Win[chester] 
on  the  frontiers  of  our  Colony  to  meet  the  Chiefs  of  the  Ind's 
to  deliver  a  Present  from  His  M'y,  but  I  fear  this  Affair  of  the 
French  will  hinder  many  of  them  from  meeting  me.  I  hope  Y'r 
L'ds.  will  excuse  the  Trouble  I  give  You  of  the  above,  but  being 
sensible  of  the  great  regard  you  have  for  the  national  Concerns, 
and  Y'r  own  Estate  here  being  in  some  measure  attack'd  by  the 
Invasion  above,  I  c'd  not  shun  giving  You  a  little  Acc't  of  it,  and 
to  assure  You,  I  am  with  great  deference  and  Duty, 
R't  Hon.,  Y'r  L'ds.  most  ob't  humble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  GOVERNOR  GLEN. 

May  loth,  1754. 
Sir: 

Enclos'd  You  have  a  Let'r  from  Mr.  Sharpe,  Gov'r  of 
M'yl'd.  Since  my  last  by  Colo.  Jas.  Innes,  who  was  to  send  it 
Express  from  Cape  Fear,  I  have  the  disagreeable  News  to  write 
You  that  the  last  Mo[nth,]  1,000  French  Men  from  Canada  arriv'd 


li.S  DINWIOniK    PAITRS. 

on  tlu-  Ohio  and  sunu>nil  a  Coni])a.  olSolilicrs  that  were  build'^ 
a  lort  by  my  Orders  on  the  Forks  ol  Mononj^ahehi,  to  surrender 
to  them;  as  they  were  few  in  Number  they  were  obUg'd  to  march 
otT  with  their  Arms,  <!v:c.,  and  leave  the  Frt'iich  in  Possession.  I 
doubt  not  but  Wn\  will  think  with  me  thai  this  Step  is  a  great 
Violation  of  the  Treaties  subsisting  between  the  two  Crowns,  but 
I  cannot  be  silent,  or  meet  the  determinat'n  of  this  Affair  at 
Home,  but  am  now  resolvd  to  collect  all  the  P'orces  I  possibly 
can.  to  endeavour  to  dislodge  them.  I  have,  therefore,  order' d 
the  Forces  that  were  on  their  march  to  that  Fort,  to  halt  at  a 
riace  call'd  red  Stone  Creek,  within  30  Miles  of  the  Fnemy,  'till 
they  are  joined  with  the  rest.  V'r  Compa.  is  arriv'd  after  a  very 
tedious  Passage,  and  this  Day  are  embarking  on  two  Sloops  to 
carry  them  to  Ale.x'a,  from  thence  to  march  to  the  above  Place. 
The  two  Compa' s  from  N.  York  are  not  yet  arriv'd,  their  delay 
is  a  very  great  Loss  to  the  Expedition.  I  now  expect  the  Col- 
onies to  the  No'w'd  will  sec  the  absolute  Necessity  of  their  grant- 
ing Supplies,  w'ch,  if  they  do  with  Spirit,  I  am  in  Hopes  we  shall 
be  able  to  do  something,  and  I  doubt  not  You  will  prevail  with 
^'our  Assembly  to  give  a  .Supply  in  Bills  of  Fxcha.,  with  w'ch  I 
can  easily  raise  Men  here.  I  doubt  not  but  \'ou,  the  Council  and 
Assembly  will  consider  the  Situation  of  our  Aft'airs,  and  I  think 
it  will  be  very  wrong  not  to  make  a  Push  at  once,  for  if  the 
French  are  allow'd  a  quiet  Settlcm't,  they  will  increase  in  Num- 
bers, and  we  shall  run  the  risque  of  loosing  the  Ind's  F'dship. 
Those  that  are  at  the  Ohio  march' d  with  our  Men  to  red  Stone 
Creek,  and  the  Half-King  sent  me  a  Speech,  that  he  w'd  collect 
w't  Ind's  he  c'd,  and  earnestly  dcsir'd  our  Assistance,  w'ch  I 
shall  give  him  with  great  Pleasure.  I  set  out  in  three  Days  for 
\V..  to  meet  the  Chiefs  of  the  Ind's,  but  am  afraid  the  above 
affair  will  jirevent  many  of  them  from  meeting  me,  but  I  think  it 
is  proper  I  s'd  be  there  agreeable  to  my  Promise.  I  shall  be 
glad  if,  on  my  return,  I  sh'd  be  so  happy  as  to  see  \'ou  and  Mr. 
Cleland  at  this  Place.  This  I  send  by  Capt.  DuBois,  as  I  sup- 
pose it  will  be  with  ^'ou  as  soon  as  by  one  of  our  lazy  Expresses. 
I  am  much  hurried,  and  can  only  assure  ^'ou  that  I  rem'n  with 
great  Esteem, 

Y'r  Ex's  most  Ob'd't  humble  .Serv't. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS,  169 

COLONEL  WASHINGTON  TO  GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE. 

G't  X'ing  of  Vaughyaughgane,  1 8th  May,  1754. 

Hon'ble  Sir  : 

I  receiv'd  your  Honour's  favour  by  Mr.  Ward, 
who  arriv'd  here  last  Night  just  as  two  Indians  from  the  Ohio 
Did.  Which  Indians  contradict  the  Report  of  the  French  hav- 
ing receiv'd  reinforcements,  tho'  they  agree  that  800  Men  are 
very  shortly  expected ;  those  that  are  there  are  busily  imploy'd 
in  Erecting  the  Fort  which  they  have  removed  to  the  point  I 
recommended  for  the  Country's  use,  whose  Walls  they  have  now 
made  two  fathoms  thick  and  have  raised  it  Breast  high.  They 
are  daily  sending  Scouts  out,  some  of  w'ch,  ab't  5  days  ago,  was 
seen  within  6  or  7  Miles  of  our  Camp,  but  as  I  did  not  receive 
timely  Notice  of  it,  they  have  escap'd,  unless  they  have  fallen  in 
with  a  party  I  sent  out  ab't  8  Days  ago  to  Red  Stone  [Creek] 
to  reconnoitre  the  Country  thereabouts,  and  to  get  Intelligence 
of  the  motions  of  the  French. 

It  is  imagin'd  the  Half  King  will  be  here  in  two  or  three  Days, 
but  to  hurry  him  I  have  sent  the  Indian  that  came  up  with  Mr. 
Ward,  with  a  short  speech  acquainting  him  with  my  desire  of 
his  coming  as  expeditiously  as  possible,  to  receive  the  Speech 
which  your  Honour  sent  by  Mr.  Ward,  and  that  Colo.  Fry  wrote 
me  I  was  to  deliver :  when  he  arrives  I  will  endeavor  to  send 
him  on  [to]  meet  your  Honour  at  Winchester.  These  Indians  and 
all  the  Traders  that  I  have  been  able  to  get  any  information  from 
of  late,  agree  that  it  is  almost  impracticable  to  open  a  Road  that 
a  Waggon  can  pass,  from  this  [place]  to  Red  Stone  C'k,  but 
most  of  them  assure  me  that  (except  one  place,)  water  Carriage 
may  be  had  down  this  River,  which  will  be  a  most  advantageous 
discovery  if  it  proves  so,  as  it  will  save  40  Miles  Land  Carriage 
over  almost   impassible    Roads   and    Mount' s.^^^     The  Water  is 

^^'  The  following  distances  to  points  in  the  section  of  warlike  opera- 
tions, are  given  in  the  Virginia  Almanac  of  1756: 

"  Fort  Cumberland,  Wills's  Creek  from  Williiamsburg,  .  259  miles. 

"  From  Wills's  Creek  to  Little  Meadows,    ....  20  miles. 

"            "          "       to  Great  Crossing  of  Yauyaugany,  20  miles. 

"            "          "        "  Great  Meadows,    .        .         .         .  12  miles. 

"            "          "        "  Gist's  Plantation,           .         .        .  12  miles. 

"            "          "        "  2d  Crossing  of  Yauyaugany,       .  5  miles. 

"            "          "        "  Fort  Duquesne,     ....  7  miles. 

"            "          "        "  Frazier's, 40  miles." 


ITU  DINWIDDIK    PAI'KKS. 

now  SO  hijjh.  that  we  cannot  possible  cross  over  with  our  Men, 
which  likewise  secures  us  from  any  iniediate  attacks  of  the 
Mnemy,  therefore  I  have  Resolvd  to  jjo  down  the  River  to  this 
Fall,  which  is  at  the  Turkey  foot,  to  inform  myself  concerninji; 
the  Nature  and  tlifhculty  attendinj;  this  I<"all,  in  order  thereto,  I 
have  provided  a  Canoe,  and  shall,  with  an  Officer  and  5  Men  set 
out  upon  this  discovery  to-morrow  Morning. 

Capt.  Trent's  Men.  who,  by  their  refractory  Behaviour,  did 
oblige  me  to  seperate  them  from  the  other  Soldiers,  has  now  left 
the  New  Store  and  dispcrs'd,  contrary  to  my  positive  orders,  till 
they  received  your  Honour's  Commands.  As  I  shall  have  fre- 
quent communications  with  the  Indians,  which  is  of  no  Kffect 
with't  Wampum,  I  hope  your  Honour  will  order  some  to  be 
sent — indeed,  we  ought  to  have  Spirit,  and  many  other  things  of 
this  sort,  which  is  always  expected  by  every  Indian  that  brings  a 
Message  or  good  report ;  Also  the  Chiefs  wlio  visit  and  converse 
in  Council  look  for  it;  if  it  would  not  be  thought  too  bold  in  me, 
I  would  recommend  some  of  the  Treaty  Goods  being  sent  for 
that  purpose  with,  or  after  Colo.  I'Vy ;  this  is  the  method  the 
French  pursue,  and  a  trifle  judiciously  bestow'd,  and  in  season, 
may  turn  to  our  advantage.  If  I  find  this  River  is  navigable,  I 
am  convinc'd  it  can  but  be  agreeable  to  Y'r  Honour  building 
Canoes  in  order  to  convey  our  Artillery  down,  as  the  Road  to 
this  place  is  made  as  good  as  it  can  be,  having  spent  much  time 
and  great  Labour  upon  it.  I  believe  waggons  may  travel  now 
with  15  or  iSoo  w't  in  them,  by  doubling  at  one  or  two  pinches 

only. 

I  am,  \"r  Hon<jur's 

mf)st  ob't  H'ble  Serv't. 

G°.  Washington. 


gu\i;kn()K  dinwiddii-:  io  {oi.onki.  i\<\. 

Winchester,  May  25th,  1754. 
Sir: 

I  reed  \'csterday,  by  Majr  Carlyle,  \"r  Let'r  and  the  Lists 
of  Men,  dated  the  14th  Inst.,  but  from  w't  Place  You  do  not  say. 
I  am   here  in  daily  Expectat'n  of  the  Ind's,  and    not  a  little  un- 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  171 

easy  that  they  are  not  come.  I  think  Six  Sergeants  are  two  few 
for  Y'r  Corps,  and  therefore  I  w"d  have  Y'u  add  as  many  more 
if  You  find  it  necessary.  The  appointing  Mr.  Craik,  Y'r  Surgeon, 
to  be  an  Ensign,  I  leave  to  Your  Option,  or  any  other  You  think 
proper.  Next  Week  the  Independ't  Compa.  from  So.  Carohna 
will  march  from  hence  to  join  You,  and  I  hope  they  will  soon  be 
follow' d  by  two  Compa' s  of  regulars  from  N.  Y.  I  have  advice 
of  800  Men,  Ind's  and  Whites,  from  No.  Car.,  who  are  within  8 
days'  march  of  Us;  And  I  shall  soon  furnish  You  w'th  full  In- 
struct's  how  to  act  w'n  You  have  all  Y'r  Men  join'd.  For  the 
present  I  recomend  to  You  the  Vigilence  indispensably  necessary, 
and  that  You  take  Care  to  obtain  the  best  Intelligence.  I  must 
observe  also  to  You,  that  I  expect  You  [to]  communicate  Y'r 
Affairs  only  to  me,  and  that  You  do  it  regularly  as  occasion  re- 
quires. I  conceive  there  is  some  discontent  crept  into  the  de- 
tachm't  under  Colo.  Washington;  I  think  it  not  well  founded, 
and  I  desire  You  w'd  endeavour,  by  all  prudent  Methods,  to 
prevent  so  dangerous  an  Evil  spreading  among  them,  (but  with- 
out leting  it  be  known  that  I  have  mentioned  it  to  You),  or  in- 
fecting Y'r  Men,  but  touch  this  tender  Point  with  great  discretion. 
Lest  You  think  I  have  been  unmindful  of  the  ^100  I  mention' d 
to  You  for  Y'r  Table,  I  observe  to  You  that  the  Comittee,  thro' 
Hurry,  I  believe,  omitted  it  at  their  last  Meeting,  but  I  shall  take 
Care  to  have  it  allow' d.  To  prevent  any  Mistakes,  I  think 
proper  to  remind  You  that  it  is  also  intended  for  the  Field 
Officers,  whom,  therefore,  You  will  be  so  kind  as  to  invite  in 
turn.  I  sincerely  wish  You  Health,  and  Prosperity  to  our  Arms^ 
and  am,  with  respect. 

Sir,  Y'r  H'ble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  COLONEL  WASHINGTON. 

May  25th,  1754. 
Sir: 

I  can  assure  You  I  am  concern' d,  and  no  less  surpriz'd  by 
Y'r  Let'r  of  the  iSth  of  this  Mo.  Such  ill-timed  Complaints, 
and,  as  I  conceive,  not  altogether  founded  in  such  real  Cause,  as 


172  DINWIDUIK    PAPERS. 

I  am  sorry  to  find  You  think  they  are.  You  certainly  judge  very 
rij.;htly  ol  the  Importance  of  the  .Service,  and  that  \" r  Hon'rs  are 
enj^agd  too  far  to  recede  from  it,  w'ch.  I  hope  an  attentive  reflec- 
tion on  w't  I  am  goin^  to  observe,  will  satishe  \'ou  and  the  other 
Gent.  There  is  not  so  great  I'rovocation  to  withdraw  N'rselves 
from  [the  .service,]  as  You  seem  to  think  at  present.  The  first 
Object' n  to  the  I'ay,  if  made  at  all,  sh'd  have  been  made  before 
engaging  in  the  Service,  The  (ieni.  very  well  knew  the  Terms 
on  w'ch  they  were  to  serve,  and  were  satisfied  then  with  it,  nor 
c'd  they  be  ignorant  of  the  Numbers  that  as  well  as  themselves, 
and  to  whom  the)  were  prefer' d,  ap|)roved  of  the  Terms,  and 
were  desirous  to  serve  on  those  Conditions,  And  as  to  the 
Canada  I^.xpedilion,  it  is.  I  believe,  a  Mistake  to  say  that  those 
who  served  in  it  were  found  with  Wine  and  Beer  at  the  Public 
Expence,  and  that  their  Wages  were  higher,  or  even  so  high  as 
^'ours.  I  agree  with  \'ou  about  the  second  Article,  wherein  the 
Allowance  for  enlisting  is  coniplainetl  of  I  do  not  approve  of 
that,  and  am  very  far  from  intending  the  officers  sh'd  raise  re- 
cruits at  their  own  private  IC.xpense;  the  2is.  6d.  allowed,  how- 
ever, is  greater  than  the  Complainants  mention,  who  take  no 
Notice  of  it.  I  am  willing  to  think  it  was  inadvertency  in  the 
Comittce,  and  I  will  take  care  it  shall  be  rectified.  But  as  to 
Your  Allowance  being  the  same  as  the  Comon  Men,  I  must 
observe  to  You  that  it  is  so  throughout  His  M'y's  Army  and 
Navy,  and  if  any  Officer  indulge*  further  it  is  from  his  own 
Pocket.  And  it  sh'd  be  remembered  that  an  Officer  in  England 
is  obliged  to  many  more  Expences  than  You  are ;  that  the  Dif- 
ference of  his  Pay  is  over  ballanced  by  them.  The  number  of 
Sergeants  and  Corporals  is  not  sufticient,  and  I  will  have  more 
appointed.  The  Hardships  complained  of  in  the  last  Article  are 
such  as  usually  attend  on  a  Military  Life,  and  are  consider'd  by 
Soldiers  rather  as  Opp'ties  of  Glory  than  Objects  of  Discour- 
agemt.  They  might  have  easily  been  foreseen  antl  avoided, 
but  w'd  be  now  the  worst  reason  in  the  World  for  quiting 
the  Service  or  laying  down  Com'o's  that  had  been  earnestly 
solicited,  and  were  granted  on  Public,  well  known  Terms.  In  fine, 
let  the  (ient.  Ix.-  assur'd  I  have  them  no  less  at  Heart  than  the 
Cause  to  w'ch  they  have  devoted  themselves,  and  that  I  shall  not 
be  wanting  to  make  them  I-.asy  and  reward  their  Merit  as  far  as  I 
find  I  have  it  in  my  Power.     I  have   no  Complaint  of  this  kind 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  173 

from  Colo.  Fry  or  his  Corps,  and  I  hope  You  will  take  care  not 
to  let  them  know  any  thing  of  Your  Dissatisfact' n.  Comunicate 
the  above  to  Y'r  Officers,  with  Y'r  usual  good  Sense,  and  en- 
deavour to  pacifie  their  ill-timed  Complaints.  Thus  much,  in 
answer  to  the  paper  signed  by  Capt.  Stephen  and  others.  Now, 
Colo.  W.,  I  shall  more  particularly  answer  w't  relates  to  Y'rself, 
and  1  must  begin  with  expressing  both  Concern  and  Surprize  to 
find  a  Gent,  whom  I  so  particularly  consider' d,  and  from  whom 
I  had  so  great  Expectat's  and  Hopes,  appear  so  differently  from 
himself,  and  give  me  leave  to  say,  mistakenly,  as  I  think,  concur- 
ing  with  Complaints  in  general  so  ill-founded.  I  am  sensible  of 
Y'r  Difficulties,  and  You  may  believe  I  shall  not  let  Your  Merit 
pass  unnotic'd.  I  believe  You  sincerely  attach'd  to  Y'r  Coun- 
try's Wellfare  and  Prosperity,  w'ch  You  know,  very  much  de- 
pends on  the  Success  of  Your  present  Expedit'n,  and  this,  I 
persuade  myself,  will  sweeten  the  Toils;  that  You  will  here- 
after reflect  on  with  Pleasure,  and  engage  You  to  think  of  nothing 
less  than  resigning  Y'r  Com'd,  or  countenancing  in  any  sort  the 
Discontent  that  c'd  never  be  more  unreasonable  or  pernicious 
than  at  present.  You  seem  to  be  unacquainted  with  the  Allow- 
ance of  ^loo  ~^  Ann.  to  Colo.  Fry  for  a  Table  for  himself  and 
the  Field  Officers,  and  therefore  I  ment'n  it,  as  I  have  done  to 
him,  and  on  junction  of  the  Forces,  he  no  doubt,  will  keep  a 
Table  agreeable  to  the  Allowance  given  him.  The  Capt.  of  the 
Independ't  Compa.  from  Car.  is  now  here,  and  his  Corps  con- 
sisting of  ICO  fine  Men,  expected  on  Sunday  ;  and  I  have  Advice 
that  a  large  Body  of  Ind's  and  white  Men  from  No.  Car.  are  on 
their  March  and  may  be  expected  here  in  a  Week,  and  the  two 
Independ't  Compa' s  from  N.  Y.  cannot,  I  think,  be  long  behind 
them.  I  shall  hasten  them  all  to  you  as  they  arrive.  I  rem'n 
here  in  great  Expectat'n  and  Uneasiness  for  the  Half  King  and 
some  other  of  the  Ind'n  Chiefs,  whom  I  desire  You  will  hasten 
if  not  already  passed  You,  and  pray  let  me  have  the  best  intelli- 
gence You  can  of  the  Twightwees,  and  whether  I  may  expect 
to  see  them  here.  Mr.  John  Willis  returns  to  the  Service  and  I 
recomend  him  to  Y'r  favo.  and  Notice.  I  desire  You  will  be  par- 
ticularly cautious  in  regard  to  the  Design  of  the  French.  You 
know  they  are  a  cunning  People,  and  may  be  apt  to  take  the 
Advantage  of  Y'r  small  Number,  w'ch  I  hope  will  soon  be  in- 


171  DINWIDDIi;    PAPERS. 

crease!  to  make  a  ^ochI  Fijjurc  a^'st  them.  With  j>;reat  Sincerity 
and  rcj^aril,  I  wish  N'ou  Health,  and  Success  to  our  Arms,  and 
am,  with  very  j^rcai  Mstccm, 

Sr.  Y'r  h'ble  Serv't. 

Winchester. 


COLONEL  \VASHIN(iTON  TO  GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIF. 

G't  Mead'ws,  27th  May,  1754. 
HoNitLK  Sir  : 

Tiie  25th  Lit.,  by  an  ll.xprcss  from  Colo.  Fry,  I 
receiv'd  ye  News  of  your  Honour's  arrival  at  Winchester,  and 
advice  of  secintj  the  Half-Kinjj  and  other  Chiefs  of  the  6  Nations. 
I  have,  by  sundry  Speeches  and  Messages,  invited  him,  Monaca- 
toocha,  &c.,  to  meet  me,  and  have  reason  to  expect  he  is  on  his 
Road,  as  he  only  purpos'd  to  settle  his  Pcoi)lc  to  plantinj;  at  a 
place  chosen  up  \'au^'hyauj^hj;ane  for  the  purpose,  but  fearing 
something  mij^ht  have  retarded  his  March,  I  iincdiately,  upon 
the  arrival  of  the  K.xpress,  dispatch' d  a  .Messenger  with  a  Speech  ; 
he  is  not  return[ed]  yet.  Ab't  4  Days  ago  I  receiv'd  a  Message 
from  ye  Half-[King],  of  which  the  following  is  a  Copy  exactly 
taken  : 

"  To  the  forist,  his  Majestic  s  Commander  Offwerscs — to  horn  this 
"  may  concern . 

"On  acc't  of  a  freench  armey  to  meat  Miger  Georg  Wassion- 
"ton  therfor  my  Brothercs  I  deisir  you  to  beawar  of  them  for 
"deisin'd  to  strik  ye  forist  Englsh  they  see  ten  deays  since  they 
"marchd  I  cannot  tell  what  nomber  the  half  King  and  the  rest  of 
"the  Chiefs  will  be  with  you  in  five  dayes  to  consel,  no  more  at 
"present  but  give  my  serves  to  my  Brothers  the  English. 

"The  Half-King," 
"John  Davison." 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  175 

This  acc't  was  received  in  the  Evenini^  by  another  Man.  Tlie 
French  were  at  the  x'ing  of  Yaughyaughgan,  ab't  lo  Miles.  I 
hereupon,  hurried  to  this  place  as  a  convenient  spott.  We  have, 
with  nature's  assistance,  made  a  good  Intrenchment.  and  by  clear- 
ing ye  Bushes  out  of  these  Meadows,  prepar'd  a  charming  field 
for  an  Encounter. 

I  detach' d,  imediately  upon  my  arrival  here,  small  light  partys 
of  Horse  (Wag'n  Horses)  to  reconnoitre  the  Enemy  and  discover 
their  strength  and  motion,  who  return' d  yesterday  with't  seeing 
any  thing  of  them.  Nevertheless,  we  were  alarm' d  at  Night,  and 
remain' d  under  Arms  from  two  O' Clock  till  near  Sun  rise;  we 
conceive  it  was  our  own  Men,  as  6  of  them  Deserted,  but  can't  be 
certain  whether  it  was  them,  or  other  Enemys  ;  be  it  as  it  will, 
they  were  fired  at  by  the  Centrys,  but  I  believe  without  damage. 
This  morning  Mr.  Gist  arriv'd  from  his  place,  where  a  Detach- 
ment of  50  Men  was  seen  yesterday  at  Noon,  com'd  by  Mons'r 
La  Force ;  he  afterwards  saw  these  march  within  5  Miles  of  our 
Camp.  I  imediately  detach' d  75  Men  in  pursuit  of  them,  who,  I 
hope,  will  overtake  them  before  they  get  to  red  Stone  Creek, 
where  their  Canoes  Lie.  Mr.  Gist  being  an  Eye  witness  of 
our  proceedings  hereupon,  and  waiting  for  this  with't  my 
knowing  till  just  now  that  he  intended  to  wait  upon  your 
Hon'r,  obliges  me  to  refer  to  him  for  particulars.  As  I  ex- 
pect my  Messenger  to  Night,  from  the  half-King,  I  shall  write 
more  fully  to-morrow  by  the  Express  that  came  f'm  Colo. 
Fry. 

But  before  I  conclude,  I  must  take  the  Liberty  of  mentioning 
to  your  Honour  the  g't  necessity  there  is  for  having  goods  out 
here,  to  give  for  Services  of  the  Indians,  they  are  expected,  and 
refuse  to  Scout  or  do  any  thing  without — saying  these  Services 
are  paid  well  by  the  French.  I  really  think,  was  5  or  600  Pounds 
worth  of  proper  Goods  sent,  it  w'd  tend  more  to  our  Interest 
than  so  many  thousands  given  in  a  Lump  at  a  Treaty.  I  have 
been  obhg'd  to  pay  Spirits  for  what  they  have  already  done, 
which  I  cannot  continue  to  do. 

The  Numbers  of  the  French  have  been  greatly  magnified,  as 
your  Honour  may  see  by  a  copy  of  the  enclos'd  Journal,  who  I 
sent  out  to  gain  Intelligence.     I  have  receiv'd  Letters  from  the 


176  DINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

Governors  of  Pensylvania  and  Maryland— Copies  of  which  I  abo 
sent!. 

I  am,  \   r  Hon  s  most  Ob.  and 

most  Hble  Serv't, 

G°.  Washington. 

P.  S. — I  hope  your  Hon'r  will  excuse  the  Haste  with  which  I 
was  oblip'd  to  use  in  writing  this.'*' 


COLONEL  WASIIINC.TON  TO  GOVKRNOR  I  )IN\VII)I)Ii:. 

I'rom  oiR  Camt  at  the  Great  Meadows, 
29th  of  May,  1754. 
H()n"i'.i.i.  Sir  : 

To  answer  your  Honour's  Letter  of  ye  25th,  by 
Mr.  iiirney,"^  I  shall  bej^'in  with  assuring  you  that  nothinj.j  was 
farther  from  my  intention  than  to  recede,  tho'  I  then  press'd  and 
still  desire  that  my  Services  may  be  voluntary,  rather  than  on  the 
present  Pay.  I  am  much  concern' d  that  your  Honour  should 
seem  to  charge  me  with  ingratitude  for  your  generous,  and  my 
undeserved,  favours,  for  I  assure  you,  Hon'ble  Sir,  nothing  is  a 
greater  Stranger  to  my  Breast,  or  a  Sin  that  my  Soul  more 
abhors,  than  that  black  and  detestable  one,  Ingratitude.  I  retain 
a  true  sence  of  your  kindnesses  and  want  nothing  but  oppor- 
tunity to  give  testimony  of  my  willingness  to  oblige  as  far  as  my 
Life  or  fortune  will  extend. 

I  coud  not  object  to  the  Pay  before  I  knew  it :  I  dare  say 
your  Honour  remembers  the  first  Estimation  allow' d  a  Lieut. 
Colo.  15s.,  and  Maj'r  12s.  6d.,  which  I  then  complain' d  very  much 
off;  till  your  Honour  assur'd  me  that  we  were  to  be  furnish' d 
with  proper  necessary,  and  offer' d  that  as  a  reason  why  the  pay 
was  Less  than  British  ;  after  this,  when  you  were  so  kind  [as]  to 
preferr  me  to  the  Com'd   I   now   have,  and    at  the   same  time 


•"This  is  a  soiled  and  slovenly  scrawl,  scarcely  decipherable. 
"*.-\n  express  rider,  or  messenger,  whose  name  in  other  instances  is 
rendered  Bwrney. 


DINWIDDIE   PAPERS.  177 

acquainted  me  that  I  was  to  have  but  12s.  6d.  This,  with  some 
other  Reasons,  indused  me  to  acquaint  Colo.  Fairfax  with  my  in- 
tention of  Resigning,  which  he  must  well  remember,  as  it  happ'd 
at  Belhaven,  and  [it]  was  there  that  he  disswaded  me  from  it  and 
promised  to  represent  the  trifling  pay  to  your  Honour,  who 
would  endeavour  (as  I  at  the  same  time  told  him  that  the 
Speaker  thought  the  Officer's  pay  too  small)  to  have  it  enlarg'd. 
As  to  the  Numbers  that  applied  for  Commissions,  and  to  whom 
we  were  preferr'd,  I  believe,  had  those  Gentlemen  been  as  know- 
ing of  this  Country,  and  as  Sensible  of  the  difficulties  that  would 
attend  a  Campaign  here,  as  I  then  was,  I  conceive  your  Honour 
w'd  not  have  been  so  troublesomely  soUicited  as  you  were;  yet 
I  do  not  offer  this  as  a  reason  for  quitting  the  Service,  for  my  own 
part  I  can  answer,  I  have  a  Constitution  hardy  enough  to  en- 
counter and  undergo  the  most  severe  tryals,  and  I  flatter  myself, 
resolution  to  Face  what  any  Man  durst,  as  shall  be  prov'd  when 
it  comes  to  the  Test,  which  I  believe  we  are  on  the  Borders  oft". 
There  is  nothing.  Sir,  (I  believe)  more  certain  than  that  the 
Officers  on  the  Canada  Expedition  had  British  pay  allowed, 
whilst  they  were  in  the  Service.  Lieut.  Wag'r,  Capt.  Trent, 
and  several  others  whom  I  have  convers'd  with  on  the  Head, 
and  were  engag'd  in  it,  affirm  it  for  truth,  therefore,  Hon'ble  Sir, 
as  this  can't  be  allow' d,  suffer  me  to  serve  Volunteer,  which  I 
assure  you  will  be  the  next  reward  to  British  pay,  for  as  my  Ser- 
vices so  far  as  I  have  knowledge,  will  equal  those  of  the  best  Offi- 
cer, I  make  it  a  point  of  Hon'r  [not  ?]  to  serve  for  less  and  accept 
a  medium.  Nevertheless,  I  have  communicated  your  Honour's 
Sentiments  to  them  ;  and  as  far  as  I  could  put  on  the  Hipocrite, 
set  forth  the  advantages  that  may  accrue,  and  advised  them  to 
accept  the  Terms,  as  a  refusal  might  reflect  dishonour  on  their 
character,  leaving  it  to  the  world  to  assign  what  reasons  they 
please  for  quitting  the  Service.  I  am  very  sensible  of  the  per- 
nicious consequences  that  will  attend  their  resigning,  as  they 
have  by  this  gain'd  some  experience  of  the  Military  Art,  have  a 
tolerable  knowledge  of  the  Country,  being  sent,  most  of  them, 
out  at  different  times  with  partys,  and  now  are  accustom' d  to  the 
hardships  and  fatigues  of  Living  as  we  do,  which  I  believe,  were 
it  truly  stated,  w'd  prevent  your  honour  from  many  troublesome 
Sollicitations  from  others  for  Com's.  This  last  motive  has,  and  will 
induce  me  to  do  what  I  can   to  reconcile  matters,  tho'    I   really 


lT->  IHNWIDIUI.    I'APKRS. 

believe  there  is  some  that  will  not  remain  lon^  with't  an  alteration. 
They  have  promised  to  consider  of  it,  anil  j^ive  your  Honour  an 
answer.  I  was  not  ignorant  of  the  allow' e  which  Colo.  Fry  has 
for  his  Table,  but  being  a  depend' t  there  myself,  deprives  me  of 
the  ple:*sure  of  inviting  an  Officer  or  Kriend.  which  to  me  w'ld 
be  more  agreeable  than  the  Nick  Nacks  I  .shall  meet  with  there. 

And  here  I  cannot  forbear  answering  one  thing  more  in  your 
Honour's  Letter  on  this  head,  which  (too)  is  more  fully  express'd 
in  a  paragraph  of  Colo.  I'"airfa.x's  to  me,  as  follows:  "If  on  the 
British  Kstablishment  Ofticers  are  allow' d  m^re  Pay,  the  Regi- 
mentals they  arc  ohlii^'d  annually  to  furnish,  their  necessary 
Table  and  other  Incidents  being  consider' d,  little  or  no  savings 
will  be  their  Portion." 

I  believe  it  is  well  known  we  have  been  at  the  expense  of 
Regimentals,  and  it  is  still  l)ettLr  known  that  Regimentals,  and 
every  other  necessary  that  we  were  under  an  indispensable  neces- 
sity of  purchasing  for  this  K.xpedition,  were  not  to  be  bought  for 
less  Vira  curry  than  British  Ofhcers  c'd  get  for  Sterling  money, 
which  they  ought  to  have  been,  to  put  upon  a  parity  in  this  respect, 
then,  Colo.  Fairfa.x  observes,  that  their  Table  and  other  Incident 
charges,  prevents  them  from  saving  much  ;  if  they  don't  save  much, 
they  have  the  enjoyment  of  their  Pay,  which  we  neither  have  in 
one  sense  nor  the  other.  We  are  debarr'd  the  pleasure  of  good 
Living,  which,  Sir,  ( I  dare  say,  with  me  you  will  concur)  to  one 
who  has  always  been  used  to  it,  most  go  somewhat  hard  to  be 
contin'd  to  a  little  salt  provision  and  water,  and  do  duty,  hard, 
laborious  duty,  that  is  almost  inconsistent  with  that  of  a  Soldier, 
and  yet,  the  same  Reductions  as  if  we  were  allow'd  luxuriously. 
My  Pay,  according  to  the  British  Kstablish'i  and  common  ex- 
change, is  near  22s.  p'r  Day,  in  the  R'm  of  that,  ye  Committee 
(for  I  can't,  in  ye  least,  imagine  y'r  H'r  had  any  h'd  in  it)  has 
provided  (  12s.  6d.)  so  long  as  ye  Service  re(juires  me;  whereas 
one-half  of  ye  other  is  ascertain' d  to  British  Ofticers  forever. 
Now,  if  we  sh'd  be  fortunate  enough  to  drive  the  French  from 
Ohio — as  far  as  your  Honour  w'd  please  have  them  sent  to — in 
any  short  time,  our  Pay  will  not  be  sufficient  to  discharge  our 
first  expcnces. 

I  would  not  have  your  Honour  imagine  from  this  that  I  have 
said  all  these  things  to  have  the  Pay  encreas'd,  but  to  justify  my- 
self and  shew  your  Honour  that  our  complaints  are  not  frivolous, 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  179 

but  are  founded  upon  strict  Reason:  for  my  own  part,  it  is  a 
matter  almost  indifferent  whether  I  serve  for  full  pay  or  as  a 
generous  Volunteer.  Indeed,  did  my  circumstances  corrispond 
with  my  Inclination,  I  sh'd  not  hesitate  a  moment  to  prefer  the 
Latter,  for  the  motives  that  lead  me  here  were  pure  and  noble. 
I  had  no  view  of  acquisition  but  that  of  Honour,  by  serving  faith- 
fully my  King  and  Country. 

As  your  Honour  has  recommended  Mr.  Willis,  you  may  de- 
pend I  shall,  with  pleasure,  do  all  that  I  can  for  him.  But  above 
all,  Sir,  you  may  depend  I  shall  take  all  possible  means  of  pro- 
curing intelligence  and  guarding  against  surprises,  and  be  assur'd 
nothing  but  very  unequal  numbers  shall  engage  me  to  submit  or 
Retreat.  Now,  Sir,  as  I  have  answer' d  your  Honour's  Letter,  I 
shall  beg  leave  to  acq't  you  with  what  has  happen"  d  since  I  wrote 
by  Mr.  Gist.  I  then  acquainted  you  that  I  had  detach' d  a  party 
of  75  Men  to  meet  with  50  of  the  French,  who  we  had  Intel- 
ligence were  upon  their  March  towards  us  to  Reconnoitre,  and 
y't  ab't  9  O'clock  ye  same  Night  I  receiv'd  an  Express  from  the 
Half- King,  who  was  Incamp'd  with  several  of  His  People  ab't  6 
Miles  of[f,]  that  he  had  seen  the  Tract  of  two  French  Men  x'ing 
the  Road,  and  beliv'd  ye  whole  body  were  lying  not  far  off,  as 
he  had  an  acc't  of  that  Number  passing  Mr.  Gist. 

I  set  out  with  40  Men  before  10,  and  [it]  was  from  that  time  till 
near  Sun  rise  before  we  reach' d  the  Indian's  Camp,  hav'g 
March' d  in  [a]  small  Path,  a  heavy  Rain,  and  Night  as  Dark  as  it 
is  possible  to  conceive ;  we  were  frequently  tumbling  one  over 
another,  and  often  so  lost  that  15  or  20  minutes  search  would  not 
find  the  path  again. 

When  we  came  to  the  Half-King,  I  council' d  with  him,  and 
got  his  assent  to  go  hand  in  hand  and  strike  the  French.  Accord- 
ingly, himself,  Monacatoocha  and  a  few  other  Indians  set  out 
with  us,  and  when  we  came  to  the  place  where  the  Tracts  were, 
the  Half-King  sent  two  Indians  to  follow  their  Tract  and  discover 
their  lodgment,  which  they  did  ab't  half  a  mile  from  the  Road,  in 
a  very  obscure  place  surrounded  with  Rocks.  I  thereupon,  in 
conjunction  with  the  Half-King  and  Monacatoocha,  form'd  a  dis- 
posion  to  attack  y'm  on  all  sides,  which  we  accordingly  did,  and 
after  an  Engagement  of  ab't  15  Minutes,  we  killed  10,  wounded 
one  and  took  21  Prisoners,  amongst  those  that  were  killed,  was 
Monsieur   De  Jumonville,   the  Commander;    Princip'l   Officers 


180  DINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

taken  is  Monsieur  I)ruilh)rn  and  Mons'r  Laforcc,  who  your 
Honour  luis  oUcn  heard  mo  speak  of  ;is  a  bold  Knterprising  Man, 
and  a  person  of  jjreat  subtiliy  and  cunning  ;  with  these  are  two 
Cadets.  These  othcers  pretcntl  they  were  coming;  on  an  Em- 
bassy, but  the  absurdity  of  this  prete.\t  is  too  j^hiring  as  your 
Honour  will  see  by  the  Instructions  and  Summons  inclos'd. 
These  Instructions  were  to  reconnoitre  the  country,  Roads, 
Creeks,  «>tc.,  to  I'otomack,  which  they  were  ab't  to  do.  These 
Enterprisinij  Men  were  purposely  choose  out  to  get  intelligence, 
which  they  were  to  send  Hack  by  some  brisk  dispatches  with 
mention  of  the  Day  that  they  were  to  serve  the  Summons,  which 
could  be  through  no  other  view  than  to  get  sufticient  Re-inforce- 
ments  to  fall  upon  us  imcdiately  after  ;  this,  with  several  other 
Reasons,  indue' d  all  the  Officers  to  believe  firmly  that  they  were 
sent  as  spys  rather  than  any  thing  else,  and  has  occasion'd  my 
sending  them  as  prisoners,  tho'  they  expected,  or  at  least  had 
some  faint  hope  of  being  continued  as  ambassadors.  They  find- 
ing where  we  were  Incamp'd,  instead  of  coming  up  in  a  Publick 
manner,  sought  out  one  of  the  most  secret  Retirements,  filter  for 
a  Deserter  than  an  Imbassador  to  incamp  in,  s[tjay'd  there  two 
or  3  Days,  sent  Spies  to  Reconnoitre  our  Camp,  as  we  are  told, 
tho'  they  deny  it.  Their  whole  Body  mov'd  back  near  2  Miles, 
sent  off  two  runners  to  accjuaint  Contrecocur  with  our  .Strength, 
and  where  we  were  Incamp'd,  &c.  Now,  36  Men  w'd  almost 
have  been  a  Retinue  for  a  Princely  Ambassador,  instead  of  Petit, 
why  did  they,  if  their  designs  were  open,  stay  so  long  within  5 
Miles  of  us  with't  delivering  his  Ambassy,  or  acquainting  me 
with  it.  His  waiting  c'd  be  with  no  other  design  than  to  get  [a] 
Detachm't  to  enforce  the  Summons  as  soon  as  it  was  given  ;  they 
had  no  occision  to  send  out  Spy's,  for  the  name  of  Ambassador  is 
Sacred  among  all  Nations,  but  it  was  by  the  Tract  of  these  Spy's 
they  were  discover' d,  and  we  got  Intelligence  of  them.  They 
w'd  not  have  retir'tl  two  Miles  back  with't  delivering  the  .Sum- 
mons, and  sought  a  sculking  place,  ( which,  to  do  them  justice, 
was  done  with  gt  Judgment,)  but  for  some  special  Reason  Be- 
sides. The  Summons  is  so  insolent  and  savours  so  much  of 
Gascoigny  that  if  two  Men  only  had  come  openly  to  deliver  it. 
It  was  too  great  Indulgence  to  have  sent  them  back. 

The  .Sense  of  the  Half-King  on  this  .Subject  is,  that  they  have 
bad  Hearts,  and  that  this  is  a  mere  pretence,  they  never  design'd 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  181 

to  have  come  to  us  but  in  a  hostile  manner,  and  if  we  were  so 
foolish  as  let  them  go  again,  he  never  would  assist  us  in  taking 
another  of  them.  Besides,  loosing  La  Force  I  really  think  w'd 
lead  more  to  our  disservice  than  50  other  Men,  as  he  is  a  person 
whose  active  Spirit  leads  him  into  all  parleys  and  brought  him 
acquainted  with  all  parts,  add  to  this  a  perfect  use  of  the  Indian 
Tongue  and  ye  influence  with  the  Indians.  He  Ingeniously 
enough  confessed  that  as  soon  as  he  saw  the  Commission  and 
Instructions,  that  he  believ'd,  and  then  said,  he  expected  some 
such  tendency,  tho'  he  pretends  to  say  he  does  not  believe  the 
Commander  had  any  other  but  a  good  design.  In  this  Engage- 
ment we  had  only  one  Man  killed  and  two  or  three  wounded, 
among  which  was  Lieut.  Waggener,  slightly — a  most  miracu- 
lous escape,  as  Our  Right  Wing  was  much  expos' d  to  their  Fire, 
and  receiv'd  it  all.  The  Half-King  receiv'd  your  Honour's 
speech  very  kind,  but  desir'd  me  to  inform  you  that  he  could  not 
leave  his  People  at  this  time,  thinking  them  in  great  Danger. 
He  is  now  gone  to  the  X'ing  for  their  Familys,  to  bring  to  our 
Camp,  and  desir'd  I  w'd  send  some  Men  and  Horses  to  assist 
them  up,  which  I  have  accordingly  done— sent  30  Men  and  up- 
wards of  20  Horses.  He  says  if  your  Hon'  r  has  any  thing  to  say, 
you  may  communicate  by  me,  &c.,  and  that  if  you  have  a  present 
for  them,  it  may  be  kept  to  another  occasion,  after  sending  up 
some  things  for  their  imediate  use.  He  has  declar'd  to  [me  he 
would]  send  these  French  Mens'  Scalps,  with  a  Hatchet,  to  all  the 
Nations  of  Indians  in  union  with  them,  and  did  that  very  day 
give  a  Hatchet  and  a  large  Belt  of  Wampum  to  a  Delaware  Man 
to  carry  to  Shingiss.'^*  He  promis'd  me  to  send  down  the  River 
for  all  the  Minsgo's  and  Shawnesse  to  our  Camp,  where  I  expect 
him  to-morrow  with  30  or  40  Men,  with  their  Wives  and  Children. 
To  confirm  what  he  has  said  here,  he  has  sent  your  Honour  a 
String  of  Wampum.  As  these  Runners  went  off  to  the  Fort  on 
Sunday  last,  I  shall  expect  every  hour  to  be  attack' d,  and  by  un- 
equal numbers,  which  I  must  withstand,  if  there  is  5  to  i,  or  else 

^^^Shingiss,  or  Shingask,  King  or  Chief  of  the  Delawares,  and  a 
brother  of  King  Beaver.  He  lived  in  the  forks  of  the  Alleghany  and 
Monongahela  rivers,  where  Pittsburg  now  stands.  He  was  one  of  the 
greatest  Indian  warriors  of  his  day,  and  was  a  terror  to  the  whole  fron- 
tier of  Pennsylvania. 


182  DINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

I  fear  the  Consc(}ucncc  will  be  we  shall  loose  the  Indians  if  we 
surter  ourselves  to  be  drove  Hack.  I  dispatch'd  an  express  imc- 
diately  to  Colo.  Fry,  with  this  Intelli^jencc,  dt-sirintj  him  to  send 
Ke-inforcements  with  all  imaginable  dispatch. 

Your  Honour  may  depend  1  will  ncjl  be  surpriz'd,  let  them 
come  what  hi)ur  they  will,  and  thi.s  is  ;is  much  as  I  can  promise, 
but  my  l>est  endeavours  sl;all  not  Ix.*  wanting;  to  deserve  more.  I 
doubt  not  but  it  you  hear  I  am  l>eaten,  but  you  will,  at  the  same 
[time]  hear  that  we  have  done  our  duty  in  tij^hiing  as  lonj{  [as] 
there  w;us  a  possibility  of  hope. 

I  have  sent  Lieut.  West,  accompanied  wiih  .Mr.  Sprilldorph  '* 
and  a  Guard  of  20  Men,  to  conduct  the  I^risoners  in,  and  I  be- 
lieve the  Ofticers  have  acquainted  him  what  answer  to  return  Y'r 
Honour.  .Monsieur  La  Force  and  Monsieur  Druillonjj  bejj  to 
be  recommended  to  \'our  Honour's  Notice,  and  I  have  promis'd 
they  will  meet  with  all  the  favour  that's  due  to  Imprison'd 
Officers.  I  have  shew'tl  all  the  respect  I  cou'd  to  them  here, 
and  have  given  some  necessary  cloathing  by  which  I  have  dis- 
furnish'tl  myself,  for  havinj^  brouijht  no  more  than  two  or  three 
shirts  from  Wills's  C'k.  that  we  mii^ht  be  lif^ht,  I  was  ill  pro- 
vided to  furnish  them. 

I  am  Y'r  Honour's  most  <  )l)'t  llble  Serv't, 

(i'.  Washington. 

N.  B. — I  have  neither  seen  nor  heard  any  particular  acc't  of 
the  Twightwees  since  I  came  on  these  waters ;  we  have  already 
begun  a  Palisado'd  Fort,  and  hope  to  have  it  up  to-morrow.  I 
must  beg  leave  to  accju't  y'r  hon'r  y't  Capt'n  V'anbraam  and 
Mons'r  I'eyronncy  luis  behaved  extremely  well  since  they  came 
out,  and  I  hope  will  meet  w'th  y'r  Hon'r's  fav'r. 


**Carolus  « .ii>i.iMi->  .1.     >|.iii.....  I'll.  .  ..i.imi-»sloned  Ensign,  July  21, 
1754;  killed  at  the  defeat  of  HrHcldock. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  183 


COLONEL  WASHINGTON  TO  COLONEL  FRY. 

From  our  Camp  ox  ye  G't  Mead'ws, 
29th  of  May,  1754. 
Sir: 

This  by  an  immediate  express,  I  send  to  inf'm  you  that  yes- 
terday I  engag'd  a  party  of  French,  whereof  11  were  killed  and 
20  taken,  with  the  loss  of  only  i  of  mine  killed  and  2  or  3 
wounded,  among  which  was  Lieut't  Waggoner.  By  some  of 
their  Papers  we  can  discover  that  large  detach'ts  are  expected 
every  day,  which  we  may  reasonably  suppose  are  to  attack  us, 
especially  since  we  have  begun. 

This  is  therefore  to  acquaint  you  with  the  necessity  there  is  for 
a  Reinforcem't,  which  I  hope  you  will  detach  immediately,  as 
you  can  be  in  no  manner  of  danger  in  your  March,  for  the 
French  must  pass  our  Camp,  which  I  flatter  myself  is  not  prac- 
ticable with't  my  having  intelligence  thereof,  especially  as  there 
will  be  Indians  always  scouting.  If  there  does  not  come  a  suf- 
ficient Reinforcement  we  must  either  quit  our  G'd  and  ret't  to 
you,  or  fight  very  unequal  Numbers,  which  I  will  do  before  I 
will  give  up  one  Inch  of  what  we  have  gained.  The  great  push 
I  am  in  to  dispatch  the  bearer,  prevents  me  from  being  particular 
at  this  time.  I  shall  conclude,  Sir,  with  assuring  you  how  sin- 
cerely concern'd  I  am  for  your  indisposition,  which  I  hope  you 
will  soon  recover  from  and  be  able  to  join  us  with  the  artillery, 
that  we  may  attack  the  French  [in]  their  Forts. 

I  am.  Sir,  Y'r  most  H'ble  Serv't, 

G°.  Washington. 
On  His  Majesty's  Service. 
To  Colo.  Joshua  Fry, 

Commander  of  ye  Virg'a  Reg't. 

By  Wm.  Jenkins.i^ 

'^Jenkins  appears  to  have  been  employed  regularly  as  a  messenger 
or  carrier  of  dispatches. 


184  DINWIDDIE   PAPERS. 

.  ,'Ni:i     \\  \SH!\r. TON  TO  C.OVF.RNOR  DINWIDDin. 

Hon'bi.e  Sik  . 

The  bearer  hereof.  M<jnsieur  Druillong.  with  Mon- 
sieur La  Force  and  I  wo  Cadets,  I  lx.*j»  leave  lo  recommciul  to 
your  Honour's  pariicular  Notice,  as  Prisoners  of  War  and 
Officers  whom  1  had  the  Honour  of  taking.  I  have  assur'd 
them  they  will  meet  with  all  the  Respect  and  favour  due  to  their 
Characr  and  Personal  merit;  and  I  hope  they  will  do  me  the  jus- 
tice to  acquaint  your  Honour  that  I  neglected  no  means  that 
was  in  my  power  to  render  their  confmcment  easy  here. 

Lieut.  West  is  preferr'd  to  conduct  these  Cientlemen  with  i6 
Private  Prisoners  to  your  Honour  at  Winchester,  who  will  acq't 
you  with  the  profound  respect  with  which  I  am 

Vour  Hon'r's  most  Ub't  and  most  h'ble  Ser\''t, 

G°.  Washington. 
From  the  Camp  at  the  G't  Meadows,  ye  29th  of  May.  1754. 

To  the  IfmbU  Rob't  Dinwiddk,  Esqr, 

Governor,   Vice- Admiral,  Cfc,  of  Virfrinia. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIK  TO  COLONEL  FRY. 

May  29th.  [1754.] 
Sir: 

Mr.  Croghan '"  telling  me  he  was  inform'd  V'r  Indisposit'n 

increased,  w'ch  possibly  may  be  some  Hindrance  to  Vour  march- 
ing. I  think  proper  to  direct  that  in  case  Vour  disorder  continues, 
Vou  give  order  tf)  .NLijr  Muse  to  proceed  with  V'r  Officers  and 
Soldiers  in  \o\^x  present  detachm't  to  join  Colo.  Washington 


•"Colonel  GeorRe  Croghan,  Indian  agent,  was  bom  in  Ireland;  died 
at  Passayunk.  Pa.,  about  AuRUst,  17S2.  He  was  educated  in  Dublin; 
settled  near  Harrisburg.  Pa. ;  was  an  Indian  trader  as  early  as  1746,  and, 
acquiring  their  confidence.  iKcame  agent  for  Pennsylvania;  a  Captain  in 
BraddfHrks  Expe<lili<in  in  1755;  employed  in  defence  of  the  Western 
frontier  in  1756.  and  in  Noveml>er  was  made  deputy   Indian  agent  for 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  185 

with  all  Expedition,  for  it  is  apprehend  his  small  Body  may  want 
Y'rs  to  sustain  him.  Capt.  McKay,  with  his  Independ't  Compa. 
sets  off  To-morrow,  and  as  they  have  made  quicker  Marches  from 
Alexa.  Hither  than  the  Corps  of  Your  regim't  has  done,  and 
prom[i]se  to  hold  on  [with]  their  Vigour,  I  am  in  hopes  they  will 
soon  join  You.  When  the  other  Forces  arrive,  I  shall  also  hasten 
them,  for  I  am  impatient  to  have  You  altogether,  that  our  Ind's 
may  be  animated  to  do  worthy  Acts  ag'st  our  comon  Enemy.  I 
am  heartily  sorry  for  Y'r  Indisposit'n,  but  I  hope  You  are  on  the 
recovery,  but  if  so  unhappy  as  not  to  be  able  to  proceed  Your- 
self, pray  recomend  Moderation  and  kind  Usage  of  the  Officers 
and  Soldiers,  to  Maj'r  Muse.  I  am  with  respect, 
S'r,  Y'r  H'ble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  COLONEL  THOMAS  CRESAP. 

Whereas,  Mons'r  Le  Force/''^  Com'd'r  of  a  French  Detachm't 
on  an  Enterprise  to  attack  our  Camp  under  the  Com'd  of  Colo.  G. 
Washington,  was  repelled  by  our  s'd  Forces,  and  the  s'd  Mons'r 
Le  Force,  with  21  of  his  Men,  taken  Prisoners,  and  it  being  most 
necessary  to  relieve  Colo.  W.  from  the  troublesome  Guard  of  so 
many  Prisoners,  I  hereby  Authorize  and  Impower  You,  the  s'd 
Thos.  Cresap,  to  take  with  You  ten  able  Men,  well  armed  and 


the  Pennsylvania  and  Oliio  Indians  by  Sir  William  Johnson,  who,  in 
1763,  sent  him  to  England  to  confer  with  the  ministry  about  an  Indian 
boundary  line.  In  this  voyage  he  was  shipwrecked  on  the  coast  of 
France.  While  on  his  way,  in  1765,  to  pacify  the  Illinois  Indians,  he 
was  attacked  June  8,  wounded,  and  taken  to  Vincennes,  but  was  soon 
released,  and  accomplished  his  mission.  In  May,  1756,  he  made  a  set- 
tlement four  miles  above  Fort  Pitt.  He  continued  to  render  valuable 
service  in  pacifying  the  Indians,  and  conciliating  them  to  the  British 
interest,  until  1776.  He  was  an  object  of  suspicion  to  the  Revolutionary 
authorities  in  1778,  but  was  doubtless  unjustly  accused. 

"®La  Force  had  been  an  active  and  insidious  emissary  among  the 
Indians,  and  was  a  troublesome  prisoner.  He  succeeded  in  escaping 
from  prison  at  Williamsburg,  but  was  apprehended  by  a  backwoods- 
man in  New  Kent,  who  refused  a  valuable  bribe  offered  by  La  Force 
for  his  release. 


186  UINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

mounted,  and  proccctl  with  j;riai  dispatch  to  our  Camp  under 
the  Com'd  of  the  s'd  Colo.  W.,  and  there  receive  into  Y'r  safe 
Custody  the  above  Mons'r  Le  Force  and  the  other  Prisoners,  to 
be  carefully  bro't  to  this  Place,  for  w'ch  this  shall  be  Y'r  war- 
rant, (liven  imdiT  niv  11. md  aiul  Siil  .if  Win,  tliii  fust  clay  of 
June.  1754. 


GOVERNOR  DI.WVmniE  TO  COLONEL  WASHINGTON. 

VViN'CHESTER,  June  ist,  1754, 
Sir  : 

Mr.  Gist'*  bro't  Y'r  Letter  and  the  very  aj^reeabie  Acco'l 
of  Y'r  killing  and  takinjj  .Mons'r  Le  Force  and  his  whole  Party 
of  35  Men.  on  w'ch  Success  I  heartily  congratulate  You,  as  it 
may  give  a  Testimony  to  the  Ind's  that  the  French  are  not  in- 
vincible w'n  fairly  engag'd  with  the  English,  but  hope  the  good 
Spirits  of  ^"r  .Soldiers  will  not  tempt  You  to  make  any  hazard- 
ous Attempts  ag'st  a  too  numerous  Knemy.  When  Colo.  Fry's 
Corps  and  Capt.  McKay's  Compa.  join  \'ou,  You  will  be  en- 
abled to  act  with  better  Vigour.  I  am  in  daily  F.xpectat'n  of 
seeing  or  hearing  from  Colo.  Inncs  and  a  Body  of  Cherokee 
Ind's,  w'ch  I  shall  direct  to  march  with  all  diligence.  I  have 
sent  Colo.  Cresap  to  bring  away  Mons'r  Le  Force  and  the  other 
Prisoners,  w'ch  You  will  deliver  him,  and  be  thereby  relicv'd 
from  the  An.xicty  of  guarding  so  many  Prisoners  w'th  Y'r  small 
Number.  I  have  caus'd  an  Assortm't  of  Ind'n  Goods  to  be 
packt  up,  in  order  to  be  sent  \'ou  imediately,  and  have  engag'd 
Mr.  Croghan  as  an  Interpreter  to  attend  the  Com'd' r  in  Chief, 
assist  in  delivering  the  several  Presents,  and  advise  You  in  all 
matters  Ynu  may  have  occasion  to  consult  him  about,  hoping  his 
faithful  demeanour  will  merit  \"rs  and  the  Officers'  kind  recep- 
tion and  Entertainm't.  I  have  also  sent  out  of  my  private  Store 
some  Rum,  w'ch  will  be  sent  You  with  the  Goods  from  this  on 


'"Captain  Christopher  Gist,  as  the  agent  of  the  Ohio  Company,  had 
explored  the  country  for  several  hundred  miles  north  of  the  Ohio  and 
as  far  as  the  Falls,  in  1750.  In  1751,  he  continued  his  explorations  up 
the  south  side  of  the  Ohio  to  the  Kanawha  river,  visiting  the  Twight- 
wee  Indians.     He  kept  a  journal  of  his  explorations. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  187 

Monday  next.  I  wait  with  Impatience  the  return  of  Burney  to 
know  whether  the  Hah"  King  comes  here.  Pray  God  preserve 
You  in  all  Y'r  proceedings  and  grant  Success  to  our  Arms.  I 
remain,  with  great  Esteem, 

S'r,  Y'r  most  h'ble  serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  COLONEL  WASHINGTON. 

Win[chester],  ist  June,  [1754.] 
Sir: 

Mr.  Geo.  Croghan,  a  Gent,  well  acquainted  with  Ind'n  Af- 
fairs, is  engag'd  by  me  to  serve  His  M'y  as  an  Interpreter.  I 
therefore  desire  You  to  shew  him  a  proper  regard,  and  in  such 
Matters  relating  to  the  delivery  of  Presents,  w't  You  may  have 
negotiated  with  the  Half  King  and  the  Ind's  in  the  British 
Alliance  and  Int't,  You  will  consult  him. 

I  am,  S'r,  Y'r  most  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  MAJOR  MUSE. 

June  2d,  1754. 
Sir: 

You  will  not  be  surpriz'd  at  my  telling  You  that  I  am  not 
well  pleas'd  at  the  tediousness  of  Y'r  March  at  a  Time  w'n  You 
should  not  have  lost  a  Moment.  It  is  necessary  that  You  sh'd 
not  waste  any  more  Time,  and  therefore  I  send  You  this  Order 
for  You  to  quit  the  Waggons,  &c.,  and  march  imediately  to 
join  Colo.  Washington  with  the  utmost  Expedition.  The  Corps 
that  is  following  You,  will  have  my  Directions  to  take  care  of  the 
Cannon  and  Baggage.  Mr.  Gist  will  supply  you  with  Horses  for 
Y'r  Baggage  and  Provisions.     I  am,  &c. 


18S  DISWIDUIK    PAPERS. 

C.OVKRNOR  niNWIDDlR  TO  CAI'TAIN  McKAY. 

Win..  June  2d. 
Sir: 

Tho  I  am  wrll  pcrsiiadi-d  of  \"r  dilij;cru:c,  yet  as  Colo.  W. 
is  in  a  very  danj^erous  .Sitiialion.  I  cant  help  Ix-speakinjj  \"r 
most  expeditious  ICndcavours  to  join  him.  I  have  ordcr'd  Maj'r 
Muse  to  leave  the  Convoy  and  proceed  imediately  to  the  Camp, 
and  as  I  e.xpecl  N'ou  will  overtake  it  at  or  near  Wills's  Creek,  I 
desire  when  Vou  do,  that  Vou  will  leave  it  with  a  proper  Escort, 
and  join  the  Camp  with  all  possible  di.spatch.  Our  vigorous 
Krt'orts  now  may  probably  defeat  all  our  Knemies'  Designs,  and 
Vou  may  be  assur'd.  Sir,  I  shall  do  all  imaginable  Justice  to  Y'r 
Merit  in  my  recomcndation. 

I  am,  cVc. 


GOVKR.NOR  DlNWIDDIi:  K  >  'Illi:  HAl.r  KINC. 

Wi.NK,  June  2d,  [1754]. 
Brother : 

I  rec'd  V'r  .Speech  with  a  .String  of  Wampum  by  the 
Hands  of  Colo.  W.  It  gives  me  great  I'lea.surc  to  fmd  Vou  so 
steady  in  V'r  Attachm't  to  our  Father,  the  King  of  G.  B..  and 
his  Subjects,  ^'ou  may  be  a.s.sur'd  of  our  fi.x'd  resolution  to 
assist  and  protect  our  Brethren,  the  Ind's,  and  secure  their  Hunt- 
ing Grounds  against  the  Encroachments  of  the  French,  and  You 
may  depend  of  a  large  reinforcem't,  with  a  great  NumlK-r  of 
Forces,  to  join  Colo.  W'n  with  all  F.xpedition.  In  Confirmat'n 
thereof  I  send  You  by  And'w  Montour  a  Belt  of  Wampum. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  189 

GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  COLO.  WA.SHINGTON. 

Win'r,  2d  June,  [1754.] 
Sir  : 

I  heartily  wish  that  V'r  Self  and  ofiicers  had  not  at  this 
Time  discovered  an  Uneasiness  on  Acc't  of  Y'r  Pay,  especially 
as  the  long  delay  of  Colo.  Fry's  Detachm't  in  not  joining  Y'rs 
gives  me  too  much  Concern.  You  must  all  be  sensible  that  if 
Y'r  present  Establishment  is  less  than  the  first  Estimate  made,  it 
was  from  a  Calculation  of  the  [^]  10,000  only  granted  to  support 
the  Expedition,  which,  if  it  had  been  granted,  my  good  Inclinat'n 
w'd  have  readily  Enlarged  Y'r  Encouragem't.  The  difficulties 
you  have  undergone  are  obvious,  the  prudent  Measures  taken 
approv'd,  and  Y'r  Success  in  taking  Mons'r  Le  Force  and  the 
other  Prisoners  highly  pleasing. 

As  soon  as  I  was  acquainted  therewith,  I  engag'd  Colo.  Cresap, 
then  here,  to  take  a  Guard  and  my  Letter  for  the  delivery  of 
them,  supposing  you  c'd  not  spare  a  sufficient  Number,  but  as 
they  are  already  advanc'd  under  Lieut.  West's  Care,  Colo.  Cresap 
may  meet  and  receive  them  this  day,  and  Mr.  West  sooner  re- 
turn. I  have  sent  strict  Orders  to  Maj'r  Muse  to  hasten  his 
March  by  leaving  the  Waggons,  and  carrying  the  most  necessary 
Provisions,  &c.,  on  horseback.  Mr.  Croghan  now  has  under- 
taken to  deliver  you  10,000  [pounds  ?]  of  Flour  imediately,  and 
as  the  Half-King,  Monacatoocha,  &c.,  intend  to  secure  their 
Families  with  You,  I  shall  take  care  to  have  You  supplied  with 
Provisions  for  their  Sustenance.  Those  Chiefs  having  taken  up 
and  dispers'd  the  Hatchet,  will  soon  bring  a  good  Number  of 
Ind's  to  sustain  You,  and  w'n  joined  by  the  other  of  our  Forces, 
now  on  their  March,  You  will  be  enabled  to  improve  Your  Suc- 
cess. I  doubt  not  your  continuing  to  act  with  Prudence  and  reso- 
lution, and  You  may  depend  on  my  duely  representing  Y'r  Merit 
[and]  that  of  Y'r  Officers  and  faithful  Soldiers  to  His  M'y  and 
our  next  Gen'l  Assembly  to  consider  of.  I  have  sent  you  some 
Medals""  for  Y'r  Self,  Colo.  Fry,  the  Half-King,  Monacatoocha, 


"**As  a  distinction  for  the  Indians  in  amity  with  the  whites,  medals  or 
badges  were  early  provided.  It  was  enacted  March  1661-2,  "that 
badges  (vizt),  silver  plates,  and  copper  plates  with  the  names  of  the 
towne  graven  upon  them,  be  given  to  all  the  adjacent  Kings  witiiin  our 


190  niNHIDUlK    fAPKRS. 

ihc  Chic(»  of  ihc  Dclawarcji  and  Shawncssc.  to  wear  as  Tokens  of 
Hin  Ma-  .  Fairfax.  0»Io.  Corbin.  Colo.  LuclwcU"* 

anil    mN  ^  .itlornd.     N'<«u    will  also    receive  from 

Capl.  Montour  a  IJelt  and  StrinR  of  Wampum — 4.000  Black  and 
4.0LX>  Whitr  Wainpinu  to  l)e  disposM  as  Vou  may  have  occa- 
sion to  make  S|K-ecl»es.  The  (iomls  you  desire  f(»r  the  Ind's.  and 
three  b'b  of  Rum.  will  be  sent  ort'  To-morrow,  and  order'd  to  be 
carriiil  with  the  utmost  Dispatch.  I  have  likewise  sent  a  Present 
of  4.UIAJ  Wampum  f«>r.  and  a  Sj>eech  to  the  Mall- King,  whose 
reasons  for  not  meeting  me  here  at  this  Time  are  very  allowable, 
and  1  must  hojx?  lor  on  some  more  favourable  Occasion,  for  I  am 
most  desirous  of  taking  him  by  the  Hand,  and  assuring  Him  of 
mv  grateful  Thanks  for  his  firm  and  unshaken  F'dship  to  the 
(aithful  Subjects  of  the  British  Kmg.  his  gracious  Father  and 
good  Ally.  I  wish  You,  the  Officers  and  Soldiers,  perfect  Health 
to  overcome  all  Obstacles  and  the  Mon'r  of  vanquishing  all  op- 
ponent Knennes.  antl  am, 

Sir,  V'r  assur'd  h'ble  Serv't. 

P.  S. — The  S|>eech  is  as  enclosed,  w'ch  you  will  deliver. 

protei  lion."  (I/ftnti):  li.  paj;e  142.)  An  example  ol  these  l)a<l>;tN  is  in 
the  r.iMrvt  nf  »!»«•  \'ir;:ini:«  Historical  Society.  It  is  t)f  silver,  «»lil<)nK  in 
sh.i  i-half  inches  one   way,  by   two  the  «)thcr> 

cn^-  ..  ^.aml  inscribed  "Ye  KiuK  of  I'atomecke." 

A  similar  example,  one  presentetl  "Ye  King  of  Panuinkie."  is  pictured 
and  dcscri lied  in  Wtilis's  Current  Sotes,  London,  Decemlwr,  1H52.  and 
in  the  Amrrieam  Historical  and  Literary  Curiosities,  SecontI  .Series, 
pl.i'  is  presented  an  cnjcmvinK  of  a  silver  frontlet,  with  the 

lU.'  etr.,  which  once  adorneil  the  brow  of  the  "  (Jueene  of 

I'.i!  itrh  ami  .Spanish  were  also  in  the  habit  of  pre- 

set, friendship  l<»  their  Indian  allies— and  the  cus- 

tom W.I  1  i»y  the  United  .St.it«s  < '.overnnient  at  all  treaties, cer- 

tainly 11!  'It  perimi,  if  it  Ir*  not  still  in  practice. 

•*  Colonel  I'hilip  Ludwcll.  of  "(Ireen  Spring,"  County  Lieutenant  of 
Jam*-*  City.     His  daURhter,  Hannah,  married  Tlionias  Lee,  and  u.i^  '"  • 
mother  of  the   patriot    brothers    Richard    Henry,   Francis   Li>;lii 
Thomas  Ludwell,  William,  ami  Arthur  Ix-e. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  191 


COLONEL   GEORCxE   WASHINGTON   TO   GOVERNOR 
DINWIDDIE. 
Honorable  Sir: 

The  Half- King,  with  about  25  Familys,  cont'g 
near  80  persons,  including  women  and  children,  arriv'd  here 
last  night.  He  has  given  me  some  acc't  of  the  Twigtwees, 
Wyandotts  and  several  other  Nations  of  Indians,  which  I  have 
transmitted  to  your  Honour  by  an  express,  as  you  enquir'd  cir- 
cumstantially in  your  last,  and  I  was  then  unable  to  give  any 
acc't  at  all  of  them. 

The  French,  early  in  the  spring,  sent  a  speech  to  the  Wayan- 
dotts,  Twigwees  and  their  Allies,  and  desir'd  them  to  take  up  the 
Hatchet  and  start  to  Ohio,  and  their  cut  of  [f]  the  Inhabitants  with 
all  the  English  thereon.  This  the  big  Kettle  acquainted  the 
Half-King  with,  and  at  the  same  time  assur'd  him  with  their 
good  intentions  of  assisting  the  6  Nations  and  their  Brothers, 
the  English,  ag't  the  French,  and  that  they  only  waited  to  see  us 
begin.  I  have  enclosed  the  speech  of  the  Chiefs,  to  which  was 
added  another  from  the  Warriors,  informing  that  they  were 
busy  in  councilling  with  the  Chippeways,  Ottoways,  &c.,  and 
striving  to  bring  all  into  the  same  mind  with  themselves.  They 
desire  the  6  Nations,  Virginians  and  Pennsylvanians,  not  to 
doubt  but  that  they  shall  accomplish  their  designs  in  this,  and 
when  they  do,  [I]  will  send  word  thereof. 

Monacatoocha  was  sent  by  the  Half- King  ab't  5  nights  ago  to 
the  Logs  Town,  with  4  French  scalps,  two  of  which  was  to  be 
sent  to  the  Wyandotts,  &c.,  and  the  other  two  to  the  6  Nations, 
telling  them  that  the  French  had  tricked  them  out  of  their  lands, 
for  which,  with  their  Brothers,  the  English,  who  joyn'd  hand  in 
hand,  they  had  let  them  feel  the  wait  of  their  Hatchet,  which 
was  but  trifling  yet,  as  it  only  lay'd  on  30,  for  that  they  int'd, 
with  their  Brothers,  to  drive  the  French  beyond  the  Lakes. 
Monacatoocha  has  orders  to  draw  all  the  Indians  from  Ohio,  and 
then  repair  to  our  Camp. 

I  proposed  to  the  Half-King  sending  their  women  and  chil- 
dren into  the  Inhabitants,  for,  as  they  must  be  supported  by  us, 
it  may  be  done  at  less  expense  there  than  here;  beside  this,  there 
may  another  good  attend  it,  their  children  may  imbibe  the  prin- 
ciples of  love  and  friendship    in   a   stronger  degree,  which,  if 


192  DINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

taken  when  younjj.  is  K^^cally  more  Mrni  and  lasting.  He  told 
me  he  wouUl  consitlcr  ol  it  antl  >^ivf  answer  when  Mijnacatoocha 
arrivetl.  1  hojH.- tl)i.s  will  be  agretable  to  your  Honour,  who  I 
wrote  to  before  on  this  head  without  receiv'g  an  answer.  We 
find  it  very  ilitVicult  procurin)^'  provisions  for  them,  as  they, 
[share]  etjually  wilh  our  own  men.  which  is  unavoidable  witho't 
turning  them  adrift  entirely. 

Montour  would  be  of  singular  u>»  i.-  me  here  at  this  mo- 
ment, in  conversing  with  the  Intlians.  for  I  have  no  Person's  that 
I  can  put  any  dependence  in.  I  make  use  of  all  the  influence  I 
can  to  engage  them  warmly  on  our  side,  and  flatter  myself  that 
I  am  not  unsuccesslul,  but  for  want  of  a  better  ac(}uaintance  with 
their  customs,  I  am  often  at  a  loss  how  to  behave,  and  should  be 
relieved  from  many  an.xious  fears  of  ofl^'nd'g  them  if  Montour 
was  here  to  iissist  me;  and  as  he  is  in  the  governm'nt's  employ't, 
I  hope  your  Hon'r  will  think  with  me,  his  services  cannot  be 
apply' d  to  so  g't  advantage  as  here  upon  this  occasion. 

There  was  3  French  Deserters,  met  a  few  days  [ago]  fone  an 
Englishman  i  at  Loyal  henning,  going  to  X'irg'a.  by  one  Crawford, 
a  Man  of  veracity,  who  was  assurd  by  them  that  there  was  two 
Major  Traders  confined  in  Irons  at  the  Fort  when  Sieur  De  Jumon- 
ville  was  Detach 'd  ;  and  at  the  same  time  that  he  defjarted  for  this, 
another  Party  of  50  was  sent  down  Uhio  to  Kill  or  take  Prisoners 
of  all  the  English  they'd  meet  with.  They  also  assure  us  that 
JunKinville  has  all  chosen  Men  fi.xed  upon  for  this  Enterprise. 
They  likewise  confirm  the  report  the  Prisoners  gave,  that  i.ioo 
men  were  now  in  the  Fort,  and  Reinforce' ts  expected. 

If  the  whole  Detach' t  of  the  French  behave  with  no  more 
Resolution  than  this  chosen   Party  did,  I   flatter  myself  wc  .shall 

have  no  g't  trouble  in  driving  them  to  the  d Montreal.    Tho* 

I  took  40  men  under  my  com'd  when  I  marched  out,  yet  the 
darkness  of  the  night  was  so  great,  that  by  wandering  a  Little 
from  the  main  body  7  were  lost,  and  but  33  ingag'd.  There 
was  also  but  7  Indians  with  arms,  two  of  which  were  Boys — one 
Dmwiddic.'**  V'r  Hon'rs  God  Son,  who  behavd  well  in  action. 
There  were  5  or  6  other  Indians,  who  served  to  knock  the  poor, 
unhappy  wounded  in  the  head,  and  bereiv'd  them  of  their  scalps. 
So  that  we  had  but  40  men,  with  which  we  tried  and  took  32  or  3 


"«The  Half-King. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  193 

men,  besides  others,  who  may  have  escaped.     One,  we  have  cer- 
tain acc't  did. 

We  have  just  finished  a  small  palisado'd  Fort,  in  which,  with 
my  small  numbers,  I  shall  not  fear  the  attack  of  500  men. 

There  is  three  separate  strings  of  Wampum,  which  the  Half- 
King  has  desir'd  me  to  send.  One  is  from  the  Wyandott  Chiefs, 
to  confirm  what  they  said ;  another  from  the  Warriors,  to  con- 
firm theirs;  and  the  other  (white)  is  from  Monachatoochee ;  and 
since  writing  the  above,  there  has  arrived  two  Indians  from  Mos- 
kingam,  who  inform  [me]  that  the  Wyandotts,  &c.,  are  ready  to 
strike  so  soon  as  they  hear  the  6  Nation's  and  English  have. 
I  am  Y'r  Hono's  most  Ob't  and  most  Hu'bl.  Ser., 

G°.  Washington. 
From  our  Camp,  &c., 

June  ye  3d,  1754. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  COLONEL  WASHINGTON. 

Win'r,  June  4th,  1754. 
Sir: 

On  the  Death  of  Colo.  Fry,  I  have  tho.  it  proper  to  send 

You  the  enclos'd  Com'o.  to  Com'd  the  Virg'a  regiment,  and 
another  for  Maj'r  Muse,  to  be  Lieut.  Colo.  The  oldest  Capt.  to 
be  Major,  and  the  eldest  Lieut,  to  be  Capt. ;  the  eldest  Ensign  to 
be  Lieut.,  unless  You  sh'd  have  Object' n  to  them.  I  think  You 
will  want  two  Ensigns;  if  so,  I  recomend  Mr.  Perroney,  if  he  has 
behav'd  so  as  to  merit  it;  the  other  I  leave  to  you.  I  have  no 
Com'o.  now  here,  but  send  the  Names  of  the  Persons  to  succeed 
as  above,  and  I  will  send  up  Com'o's  to  bear  equal  date  with 
Y'rs,  so  that  they  may  Act  by  Y'r  orders  'till  that  Time.  Colo. 
James  Innes,  an  old  experienc'd  Officer,  is  daily  expected,  who 
is  appointed  Com'd' r  in  Chief  of  all  the  Forces,  w'ch  I  am  very 
sensible  will  be  very  agreeable  to  You  and  the  other  officers. 
The  Capt's  and  Officers  of  the  Independ't  Compa's  having  their 
Com'o's  signed  by  His  M'y,  imagine  they  claim  a  distinguish' d 
rank,  and  being  long  trained  in  Arms  expect  suitable  regards. 
You  will  therefore  consult  and  agree  with   Y'r  Officers  to  shew 

13 


UINWIDDIE    I'AI'KRS. 

then)  fKirticuhir   inarkn  of  Esteem,  w'ch  will  avoid  such  Causes 
'.\i>c  mij^hi  ol>Niriict    His    M'y's   Sen'ice, 
ij^ajj'tl.  and  must  answer  lor  any  ill  Con- 
sequences <>r  an  unha|>|)y   Disagreement.     Vou   cannot  believe 
tli  and  Anxiety   I  have  had  lor  the  Tardiness  of  the 

I'  icr  C«.»lo.  Kry's  Com'd  in  not  joining   \o\x  some 

Time  since,  as  all  the  Delay  in  the  Provisions  and  Amunition ; 
h<»wevcr,  I  have  jjiven  str<<ng  Insiruct'son  both  these  Heads,  and 
ho|>e  you  will  s«M>n  be  joine<l  with  proper  Niunl>ers  to  i^wv  the 
French  a  total  Defeat.  Continue  in  j^ood  Spirits,  and  prosecute 
Vr  usual  Conduct  and  Prudence,  w'ch  must  recomcml  Vou  to 
the  lavo.  of  His  M'y  ami  Y'r  Country.  My  F'dship  and  respect 
I  hojK;  you  do  not  doubt.  I  therefore  remn  with  jjreat  Truth, 
S'r. 

Your  real  Friend. 


GOVKRNOk  DINW  IDDIKS  CU.\I.MIS.SI()N  TO  CoLONEL 
JAMK.S  INNKS. 

His  Majesty  George,  the  Second  of  (i.  H.  I-  r.  and  I.  King, 
having  liecn  graciously  pleas'd  to  Order  and  Com'd  Me  to  raise 
Forces,  build  Fortresses  on  the  river  Ohio,  and  to  protect  his 
I^nds  on  the  s'd  River  ;  also  to  prevent  any  foreign  Power  what- 
sfK'ver  to  .settle  on  the  s'd  Lands,  as  His  .My  has  an  undoubted 
right  thereto,  And  I  repos'g  especial  Trust  and  Confidence  in 
the  known  Loyalty,  Courage  and  Conduct  in  Vou,  the  s'd  James 
IiiiKs.  h.ivc,  by  \*irtue  of  the  Power  and  .Authority  given  me  by 
lli>  Nil  .M'y,  constituted  and  appointed.  And  do  hereby  consti- 
tute and  ap(>oint  Vou,  the  s'd  Jas.  Innes.  to  be  Com'd' r  in  Chief 
of  all  the  Forces  already  rais'd  and  dcstin'd,  or  that  shall  here- 
after be  rais'd,  ilesign'tl  and  ordered  on  the  Scrx'ice  of  the  s'd 
Expedit'n.  Vou  arc,  therefore,  carefully  and  diligently  to  dis- 
charge the  Duty  of  a  Com'd'r  in  Chief  agreeable  to  the  Instruct's 
herewith  given  Vou  ;  And  I  accordingly  hereby  Order  and 
Com'd  all  the  Officers  and  Soldiers  to  give  due  Obedience  to 
such  Orders  and  Dircrt's  as  from  Time  to  Time  \o\i  may  think 
projKT  and  necessary  to  direct  and   Com'd.     And   Vou  are  to 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  195 

follow  all  such  further  Instruct' s  and  Orders  as  You  may  receive 
from  me  in  discharge  of  the  Duty  of  Y'r  s'd  Com'd,  for  all  w'ch 
this  shall  be  Y'r  Warr't  and  Com'o.  Given  under  my  Hand  and 
the  Seal  of  the  Colony  at  Winchester  this  4th  day  of  June,  1754. 


GOVERNOR   DINWIDDIE'S  INSTRUCTIONS  TO  COLONEL 

INNES. 

All  the  Forces  appointed  and  by  me  directed  and  order'd  to 
the  Gen'l  Rendezvous  beings  joined,  You  are  on  the  first  conve- 
nient day  [to]  cause  a  Muster  roll  of  the  whole  to  be  taken,  and 
all  such  of  the  Articles  of  War  to  be  publicly  read  as  may  relate 
to  Mutiny,  Desertion  and  the  keeping  up  a  proper  Discipline 
among  the  Officers  and  Soldiers  under  Y'r  Com'd,  whereby  each 
Officer  may  know  and  perform  their  respective  Duties.  And 
that  I  may  be  acquanted  with  the  Exact  Number  of  the 
Forces,  You  are  once  in  every  two  Months  [to]  cause  a  Gen'l 
Muster  to  be  made  and  a  List  or  Muster  roll  sent  me  by  the  first 
Opp'ty  or  Courier,  and  the  s'd  Articles  of  War,  at  such  Musters 
to  be  as  publicly  read.  You  are,  before  You  enter  on  any  Action 
of  Attack  or  extraordinary  Enterprize  to  annoy  or  circumvent  the 
Enemy,  [to]  call  a  Council  of  War,  to  consist  of  the  Field  Officers 
and  Capt's  of  the  Independ't  Compa's  ;  in  w'ch  Council  You  are 
to  form  a  Plan  of  Operations  and  issue  Your  Orders  accordingly. 
The  Capt's  and  Officers  of  the  Independ't  Compa's  having  their 
Com'ds  sign'd  by  His  M'y  imagine  they  claim  a  distinguish' d 
rank,  and  being  long  train' d  in  Arms,  expect  suitable  regards. 

You  will,  therefore,  consult  and  agree  with  Y'r  Officers  to  shew 
them  particular  marks  of  Esteem,  w'ch  will  avoid  such  Causes  of 
Uneasiness  as  otherwise  might  obstruct  His  M'y's  Service, 
wherein  all  are  alike  engag'd  and  must  answer  for  any  ill  Con- 
sequences of  an  unhappy  Disagreem't.  You  are  to  appoint  and 
hold  Courts  Martial  as  often  as  the  same  shall  be  thought  neces- 
sary, to  proceed  and  give  Sentence  according  to  the  rules  and 
Articles  of  War,  of  w'ch  You  are  to  give  me  Advice.  The 
French  having  unjustly  invaded  the  King  of  G.  B.  Lands  on  the 
river  Ohio  and  taken  Possession  of  a  Fort  that  was  begun  to  be 


196  DINWIDDIK    PATERS. 

built  by  my  Order  lor  his  s'd  M'y  and  the  Tcrniory  around  the 
same.  You  arc  hereby  order' d  and  directed,  ;is  noon  as  Your 
unttid  Forces  shall  be  sulhcieiit,  to  repair  thither,  and  summons 
the  French  j>osscajiinn  it.  to  surrender  the  |-"ort  and  evacuate  the 
Kinjj  ol  (».  H.  Lands.  And  in  Ciise  ol  refusal,  You  are  to  use 
Your  utnujst  FfTorts  to  compell  and  force  them,  and  if  N'ou  have 
the  dciiirctl  Success.  N'ou  are  to  take  especial  Care  of  the  Trison- 
crs  by  scndinj{  them  down  to  Winhur)^.  Or  if  You  shd  think 
the  sparing;  of  Men  to  ^uard  them  thither  w'd  too  much  weaken 
Y'r  small  .-Xmiy.  tlien.  \'ou  may  ^jive  tluin  some  Canoes  to  j»o 
down  the  river  Ohio  ;  by  no  means  lelin^j  them  k<>  up  that  river 
ID  Canada  or  returning.  If.  in  Y'r  Council  of  War,  the  taking 
the  alK)ve  na'd  Fort  sh'd  be  judj^etl  impracticable.  You  are  to 
build  another  l*ort  on  the  s'd  river  Ohio,  in  some  proper  Place, 
for  the  better  security  of  Your  Men.  Arms,  Stores,  Provis's,  &c., 
And  prevention  of  any  Supplies  beinj^  carrietl  to  the  French 
(iarrison.  whereby,  in  all  probability,  They  will  be  reduced  to  the 
Necessity  of  Capitulating  and  accept'g  such  Terms  as  the  Situa- 
tion and  Circumstance  of  \'r  Affairs  may  require  and  You  may 
re.i>onably  admit  of.  If  any  of  the  I'rcnch  Army  slid  desert  to 
You,  take  proper  notice  of  them,  but  not  to  give  them  loo  much 
Liberty,  and  w'n  convenient,  it  may  be  {)ropcr  to  send  them 
down  the  Country. 

The  Ohio  Ind's  having  discover'd  their  Inclinations  to  join  the 
I-.nglish.  being  now  convinced  of  their  Intents  to  defend  and 
protect  the  Ind's  ag'st  the  late  Invasion  and  Kncroachm'ts  of  the 
French  on  the  Ohio  Lands,  And  particularly  the  Half  King  who 
has  greatly  distinguish'd  Himself  as  our  hearty  Friend,  and  ap- 
pears to  mc  a  Man  of  gootl  Sense  and  great  resolution,  I  there- 
fore recomend  him  in  the  Kindest  maner  to  \"r  F'dship  and 
good  (Offices  and  let  him  and  the  other  Ind's  know  that  we 
come  to  aid  and  assist  them  and  to  protect  their  Lands  from  the 
ruinous  Kxcursions  of  the  French  and  their  Ind's,  and  so  order 
it  that  Y'r  Soldiers  l)ehave  to  them  with  great  Decency  and 
Brotherly  AfTccl'n.  If  any  of  \'r  Oflicers  sh'd  die  or  unfortu- 
I  ■         ■  in  in  Haltle.  You  ate  to  supply  their  Places  by  the 

n  ^.  hav'g  regard  to  seniority  in  Com'o.  And  give  me 

Advice  thereof  for  my  Approbat'n  and  Confirmation.  Whilst  it 
may  be  iho't  unnecessary  for  His  M'y's  Ser\ice  to  keep  his 
lorces   on    the   river   Ohio,  a  Courier   will   be   appointed   that 


DINVVIDDIE    PAPERS.  197 

I  may  be  frequently  advised  of  the  Occurrences;  You  will 
therefore  embrace  such  Opp'tys.  As  I  have  hitherto  exerted 
my  utmost  Endeavours  to  hasten  the  several  Corps  to  their 
appointed  rendezvous,  purchas'd  and  sent  the  necessary  Pro- 
visions and  Stores,  tho'  attended  with  extraordinary  and  great 
Delays,  I  am  determin'd  to  continue  my  resolutions  to  have  Your 
army  supplied  in  future,  trusting  that  His  M'y  and  myself  will 
have  the  pleasing  Acc't  of  Y'r  well  doing.  As  many  Occurrences 
and  Accidents  may  happen  that  cannot  be  fore-known,  You  are 
to  act  in  such  Cases  in  the  best  manner  advisable,  as  may  con- 
duce to  His  M'y's  Service,  for  the  doing  of  w'ch  You  have  my 
full  Power  and  Instruct'n.  Wishing  You  and  the  whole  Corps 
good  Health  and  Success   I  am  Sir, 

Y'r  loving  Friend. 

Additional  InstrucVs. 

To  preserve  regularity  and  Order,  to  keep  up  Discipline,  and 
enforce  Obedience,  I  do  hereby  further  authorize  and  empower 
You  to  suspend  any  Officer  who  shall  misbehave  himself  or  be 
refractory  as  You  shall  see  Cause,  and  appoint  another  in  his 
room,  Giving  me  imediate  Notice  thereof 

June  25th,  [1754],  W'msburg. — The  Independ't  Compa's  are 
also  under  Y'r  Com'd.  You  are,  therefore,  to  receive  them  in  a 
particular  manner,  and  give  them  Y'r  Orders  from  Time  to  Time 
as  You  do  the  other  regim'ts,  they  having  my  Orders  to  obey 
Y'r  Com'ds,  and  to  receive  their  Orders  from  You.  I  wish  for 
Unanimity  and  good  Conduct  in  defeating  the  Designs  of  the 
French.     I  wish  You  Health  and  Success. 

I  am  S'r,  Y'r  h'ble  Serv't. 


COLONEL  WASHINGTON  TO  GOYERNOR  DINWIOniE. 

loth  June   1752. 
Hon'ble  Sir  : 

Your's  of  the  ist,  2nd  and   4th  Ult'o   I    received 
by  the  Post,  and  return  your  Honour  my  hearty  thanks  for  your 


DINWIDDIE    PAPKRS. 

kint)  confjratuUtion  on  our  late  success,  which  I  ho|)c  to  improve 
withi)iit  ri!(i{uin^  the  imputation  o(  rashness  or  hazarding  what  a 
prudt  111  cuiulitct  wou'd  forbid.  I  rejoice  that  I  ant  hkcly  to  be 
happy  under  the  command  ol  an  exjHrrienced  OHicer  and  man  of 
Sense,  it  is  what  I  have  ardently  wish'd  for.  I  shall  here  beg 
leave  to  return  my  (grateful  thanks  for  your  favour  in  promoting: 
me  to  the  Command  of  the  Rrj^nnent.  l)elieve  me,  Hon'bic  Sir, 
when  I  assure  you  my  Ureast  is  warm'd  with  every  >jenerous  sen- 
timent that  your  ){oodness  can  inspire  ;  I  want  nothing;  but  op- 
}M>rtiiniiy  t«»  testifie  my  sincere  re^aril  for  your  person,  to  whom 
I  stand  indebted  for  so  many  unmerited  favours. 

Your  Honour  may  depend  I  shall  myself,  and  will  endeavour 
to  make  my  ofticers  shew  Capt.  McKay  all  the  respect  due  to  his 
Rank  and  merit,  but  should  have  l>ecn  particularly  obli);'d  if 
your  Honour  had  declar'd  whether  he  was  under  my  Command 
or  Indepentlcnt  of  it ;  however.  I  shall  be  studious  to  avoid  all 
disputes  that  ntay  tend  to  publick  prejudice,  but  as  far  as  I  am 
able,  I  will  inculcate  harmony  and  unanimity.  I  hope  Capt. 
KcKay  will  have  more  sense  than  to  insist  upon  any  unreasonable 
distinction,  tho'  he  and  His  have  Com'ns  from  his  Majesty  ;  let 
him  consider  tho'  we  are  jjreally  inferior  in  respect  to  profitable 
advanta({es,  yet  we  have  the  same  Spirit  to  serve  our  Gracious 
King  as  they  have,  and  are  as  ready  and  willinj^  to  sacrifice  our 
lives  for  our  Country's  as  them  ;  and  here  once  more  and  for  the 
last  time,  I  must  say  this  Will  be  a  cancer  that  will  grate  some 
Officers  of  this  Regiment  beyond  all  mejisure,  to  serve  upon  such 
different  terms,  when  their  Lives,  their  Fortunes,  and  their  Char- 
acters are  equally,  and  I  dare  s;iy  as  effectually  e.xpos'd  as  those 
who  arc  happy  enough  to  have  King's  Commi.ssions  I  have 
been  sollicitous  on  this  head,  have  earnestly  endeavour' d  to 
reconcile  the  UflJcers  to  their  appomtment,  and  Hatter  myself  I 
have  succeeded,  having  heard  no  mention  thereof  latterly.  I 
consider'd  the  f)ernicious  consequences  that  would  have  attended 
a  disunion,  therefore,  was  too  much  attach' d  to  my  Country's 
Interest  to  suffer  it  to  ripen  after  I  rcc'd  your  advising  Letters, 
[and  have  bi'cn]  particularly  careful  of  discovering  no  foolish 
desire  of  Cf)m[mandinjg  him,  neither  have  1  intermedleti  with 
hb  C[ompany]  in  the  least,  or  given  any  directions  con- 
c'  '.   only   those    General.      The    Word,    Counter-Sign — 

•t;  to  repair  to   in    case   of  an  Alarm,   none  of   which 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  199 

he  thinks  he  sh'd  receive.  I  have  testified  to  him  in  the 
most  serious  manner  the  pleasure  I  sh'd  take  in  consuUing  and 
advising  with  him  upon  all  occasions,  and  I  am  very  sensible, 
with  him  we  shall  never  differ  when  your  Honour  decides  this, 
which  I  am  convinc'd  your  own  just  discernment  and  consider- 
ation will  make  appear,  the  impossibility  of  a  Med'm,  the 
Nature  of  the  thing  will  not  allow  of  it. 

It  must  be  known  who  is  to  Command  before  Orders  will  be 
observ'd,  and  I  am  very  confident  your  Honour  will  see  the  ab- 
surdity and  consider  the  Effects  of  Capt.  McKay's  having  the 
direction  of  the  Regiment,  for  it  would  certainly  be  the  hardest 
thing  in  Life  if  we  are  to  do  double  and  trible  duty,  and  neither 
be  entitled  to  the  Pay  or  Rank  of  Soldiers.  That  the  first 
Column  of  the  Virginia  Regiment  has  done  more  for  the  Interest 
of  the  Expedition  than  any  Company  or  Corps  that  will  here- 
after arrive,  will  be  obvious  to  them  all.  This  Hon'ble  Sir,  Capt. 
McKay,  did  not  hesitate  one  moment  to  allow  since  he  has  seen 
ye  work  we  have  done  upon  the  Roads,  &c.  We  shall  part  to- 
morrow. I  shall  continue  my  March  to  Red  Stone,  while  the 
Company  remains  here,  but  this  Sir  I  found  absolutely  necessary 
for  the  Publick  Interest.  Capt.  McKay  says,  that  it  is  not  in  his 
power  to  oblige  his  Men  to  work  upon  the  Road,  unless  he  will 
engage  them  a  Shilling  Sterling  a  Day,  which  I  w'd  not  choose 
to  do,  and  to  suffer  them  to  March  at  their  ease,  whilst  our  faith- 
ful Soldiers  are  laboriously  employ'd,  carry's  an  Air  of  such  dis- 
tinction that  it  is  not  to  be  wonder'd  at  if  the  poor  fellows  were 
to  declare  the  hardship  of  it.  He  also  declares  to  me  that  this  is 
not  particular  to  his  Company  only,  but  that  no  Soldiers  subject 
to  martial  law  can  be  oblig'd  to  do  it  for  less.  I,  therefore,  shall 
continue  to  endeavour  to  compleat  the  work  we  have  begun,  with 
my  poor  fellows ;  we  shall  have  the  whole  credit,  as  none  others 
have  assisted.  I  hope  from  what  has  been  said,  your  honour  will 
see  the  necessity  of  giving  your  speedy  orders  on  this  head,  and 
I  am  sensible  you  will  consider  the  Evil  tendency  that  will  ac- 
company Capt'n  McKay's  com'g,  for  I  am  sorry  to  observe  this 
is  what  we  always  hop'd  to  enjoy — the  Rank  of  Officers,  which 
to  me  Sir,  is  much  dearer  than  the  Pay. 

Capt'n  McKay  brought  none  of  the  Cannon,  very  little  Ammu- 
nition, ab't  5  Days  allowance  of  Flower,  and  60  Beeves.  Since  I 
have  spun  a  Letter  to  this  enormous  size,  I  must  go  a  little  fur- 


200  OINWIDDIF.    PAPKRS. 

ther  and  beg  your  Honour's  patience  to  peruse  it.  I  am  much 
l^ev'd  to  find  our  Stores  ho  slow  advancing.  God  knows  when 
we  shall  [be]  able  to  do  anything  for  to  dcscr\'c  better  of  our 
Country.  I  am,  Hon'ble  Sir,  with  the  most  sincere  and  unfeif^'d 
Regard, 

Y'r  Honour's  most  Ob't  and  most  H'ble  Ser>''t. 

G°.  Washington. 
The  Contents  ol  this  Letter  js  a  profound  Secret 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDUIE  TO  COLONEL  FAIRFAX. 

June   17th,  1754. 
Sir: 

On  n)y  arrival  here,   I  was   Inform'd   the  two    Indepcnd't 

Compa's  from  N.  York  were  at  Hampton.  Capt.  Clark,  who 
c<  ne  of  them,  was    with   mc  last   Ni>jht.  and  they  pro- 

[x  ^   in  the  Man-of-VVar  To-morrow  for  Alex'a.     I   told 

him  ^'ou  was  to  review  them,  and  wish  they  may  be  a  better 
B<Kly  of  .Men  than  I  exjK'ct.  I  desire  you  will  be  particular  in 
the  Review,  and  send  me  Word.  .My  kind  .Service  to  Y'r  two 
Sons,  and  I  am  sincerely,  S'r.  \"r  most  h'ble  Serv't 


(iOVERNOR  DINW  iDIUi;  K )  .\I.\J<JK  CARLVLE. 

June   17th.  1754. 
S'r: 

.NIr.  Harrison  call'd  at  the  .S[)eakcrs,  and.  a.s  u.«>ual,  he  had 
no  Money.  Mr.  F'rentis  has  supplied  him  with  jCaoo  and  odd  on 
the  Speaker's  Acc'L  I  also  send  you  200  jC,  for  w'ch  I  have 
taken  Mr.  Harrison's  receipt,  and  hofx?  You  had  the  desir'd  .Suc- 
cess at  Phila.  The  two  Compa's  from  N.  ^'ork  are  arriv'd, 
but  have  brot  no  Provisions.  You  must,  therefore,  provide  for 
them.  They  will  also  want  some  Blankets  and  Cimp  Kettles, 
wch  I  hope  You  have  ready.     Take  Capt.  Clark's  receipt  for  the 


DIXWIDDIE    PAPERS.  201 

Supplies.     They    propose  sailing   from     Hampton    To-morrow. 
My  kind  respects  to  Mrs.  Carlyle,  and  I  am, 
S'r,  Y'r  most  h'ble  serv't. 
Pray  if  any  Thing   Extraordinary  from    the    Camp  [arrives] 
give  me  Notice  of  it. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  SIR  THOMAS  ROBINSON.'" 

June  i8th,  1754. 
R't  Hon.: 

Last  Night  I  was  hon'd  with  Y'r  Let'r  of  the  26th 
of  Mar.,  w'ch  gave  me  Acc't  of  his  M'y  having  appointed  Vou 
Sec'y  of  State  for  the  So'ern  Departm't  in  the  room  of  the  Earl 
of  Holdernesse,  on  w'ch  I  beg  leave  most  sincerely  to  congratu- 
late You,  and  shall  take  the  necessary  Care  of  addressing  my 
Let'rs  to  You  on  all  Occasions  relating  to  His  M'y's  Service  for 
the  future.  My  last  Let'r  to  the  Earl  of  Holdernesse  was  the 
loth  of  May,  therein  I  acquainted  His  Lordship  of  the  Plan  of 
my  Operations  ag'st  the  French,  who  had  Invaded  His  M'y's 
Lands  on  the  Ohio,  and  taken  a  Fort  I  had  order' d  to  be  built 
by  Orders  from  His  M'y  on  that  River.  I  further  acquainted  his 
L'ds.  of  my  going  for  Winchester,  a  Town  on  the  Frontiers  of 
this  Dom'n,  to  deliver  a  Present  His  M'y  was  pleas" d  to 
send  to  the  Chiefs  of  the  different  Nations  of  Ind's  in  amity 
with    his    M'y  and   his    Colonies  on   this   Cont't.     I   waited    in 

"'Sir  Thomas  Robinson,  son  of  .Sir  William  and  Mary  (Aislabie) 
Robinson,  was  ambassador  to  the  Court  of  Venice  in  1734,  and  during 
the  administration  of  Sir  Robert  Walpole.  In  1747  be  acted  as  one  of 
the  plenipotentiaries  at  the  peace  of  Aix  la  Chapelle;  was  one  of  the 
Lords  of  Trade,  1748-9;  a  privy  councillor  in  1750.  He  was  also  Master 
of  the  Wardrobe;  a  leader  in  the  House  of  Commons,  he  was,  in  1754, 
appointed  Secretary  of  State.  When  George  II.  went  to  Hanover,  in 
March,  1752,  he  was  made  one  of  the  Lords  Justices.  In  1755  he  was 
displaced  by  Henry  Fox  as  Secretary,  and  became  again  Master  of  the 
Wardrobe,  with  a  pension  of  ^2,000  a  year  on  the  Irish  establishment. 
He  declined  the  Secretaryship  of  .State  in  1757,  on  the  score  of  ill 
health.  He  was  created,  April  7,  1761,  Baron  Grantham,  of  Grantham, 
county  of  Lincoln.  He  died  April  30,  1770.  O'CallaghatCs  Colonial 
Doc.  of  N.  Y..  vol.  vi,  p.  844. 


202  UINWIDUIE    PAPERS. 

that  Town  i6  days,  in  cxi>cctalion  of  the  Ind's,  aj;rfcable  to 
their  Promise.  I  rcc'd  a  Mcssaj;r  from  the  Chiefs  of  some 
of  their  Tribes.  ac(|uaint'^  me  that  they  could  not  come  to 
W.  at  that  Tmie,  iK-cause  the  Frencli  had  invaded  and  taken 
possession  of  their  Lands,  and  that  they  c'd  not  pro|>crly 
leave  their  I'etiple.  but  that  they  had  joined  our  Forces  under 
the  Com'd  of  Coh).  (ieo  Washinjiton.  but  desir'd  me  to  send 
them  some  of  the  I'resent  sent  them  from  their  Father,  the 
King  of  G.  B..  w'ch  I  accordingly  did  to  Colo.  W.,  to  be  dis- 
IK)s'd  j)r«>i>erly  amonyj  them  in  His  M'y's  Name.  During  my 
continuance  at  Win'r,  I  rec'd  an  F.xpress  from  Colo.  W.,  to  in- 
form me  that  on  the  27th  of  May  he  rec'd  a  Message  from  the 
Half-King,  with  Intelligence  of  a  Party  of  French  y't  was  lurking 
about  his  Camp,  on  w'ch  he  march'd  with  a  Dctachm't  of  40  Men, 
and  having  join'd  the  Ind's.  proceeded  together  with  the  Half- 
King,  and  having  form'd  a  Disposition  to  attack  the  Enemy  on 
all  Sides,  the  Indians  and  he  did  it  so  cfTectually  that  after  a  short 
Engagcm't  the  whole  Party  of  ,^3  Men  were  killed  or  taken 
Prisoners,  e.xcept  i  onely,  who  soon  after  fell  into  the  Hands  of 
the  Ind  s,  and  was  killed  by  them.  We  lost  one  Man  and  two 
were  wounded.  These  insidcous  People  finding  their  Purposes 
of  destruction  rendered  ineffectual,  cndeavour'd  to  .Shift  the  Char- 
acter and  pretended  they  were  Embassadors  coming  without  any 
hostile  Designs,  but  to  prevent  them,  and  had  the  A.ssurancc  to 
claim  the  rights  of  such.  However,  this  Absurdity  was  even  the 
Derision  of  the  Ind's,  and  Colo.  Washington  had  very  properly 
sent  them  down  to  me  under  an  Escort,  and  they  are  now  in 
Conhnem't  here.  The  Com'o.  and  Instructions.  Copy  thereof 
here  enclos'd,  they  had  from  Mr.  Conlrecoeur,  who  comands  the 
French  Forces,  will  sufficiently  demonstrate  to  Vou  w't  sort  of 
Embassadors  these  were  and  for  w't  Embassy  intended.  In- 
stead of  coming  openly  and  in  a  public  manner  as  they  w'd 
have  done  had  they  been  Messengers  of  Peace,  they  lurk'd 
about  our  Camp  lor  several  Daies  to  reconoitre  it  and  then  sought 
out  one  of  the  most  secret  retirements  to  hide  in,  and  dispatch' d 
two  runners  to  their  Comand'l  to  inform  him  of  w't  they  had 
observed.  Had  their  .Mes.sage  been  w't  they  pretend,  it  is  hard  to 
believe  they  w'd  have  acted  so  inconsistently  as  to  sculk  within 
5  Miles  of  I's  so  long,  and  send  out  from  Time  to  Times  their 
Spyes.  by  whose  Tract  they   were  at  last  discovereti.     I    have 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  203 

before  observ'd  to  You  that  the  weakness  of  this  Fallacy  was  de- 
rided even  by  the  Ind's,  the  Half- King  was  greatly  exasperated 
at  it  and  declar'd  to  Colo.  Washington  that  if  he  suffer' d  himself 
to  be  prevail' d  on  by  the  fair  Speeches  of  the  French,  so  far  as 
to  dismiss  them,  he  w'd  withdraw  his  Assistance.  The  Conse- 
quence of  this  Action  has  been  the  determining  the  Ind's,  who 
having  now  struck  the  French,  (as  they  express  it)  cannot  recede 
and  so  are  secur'd  on  our  Part.  I  do  assure  You,  I  have  acted 
with  all  possible  Precaution  in  this  Affair,  that  no  Rupture  might 
be  chargable  on  Britain  as  the  Agressor,  the  Indians  having 
begun  the  Action,  and  we  were  as  Auxiliaries.  I  sent  a  Gent. 
last  Winter  to  desire  the  French  to  forbear  their  Deprada- 
tions  on  His  M'y's  Territory  and  Subjects,  and  for  the  Security  of 
both,  in  obedience  to  His  M'y's  Comands,  I  was  building  a  Fort 
on  Lands  expressly  granted  to  the  K.  of  G.  B.  by  the  Ind's ;  the 
French  came,  summoned  the  People  who  were  at  work  and  com- 
pell'd  them  to  quit  the  Fort,  w'ch  they  took  Possess' n  of  and  are 
making  as  strong  as  they  can.  From  thence,  this  Party  was  sent, 
on  w't  design  You  will  be  fully  Satisfied  by  theenclos'd  Summons^ 
and  Instruct' s.  In  Consequence  of  these  hostile  Proceedings  I 
tho't  it  became  my  Duty  to  repell  Force  by  Force,  agreeable  to 
my  Instruct's,  and  for  that  Purpose  I  took  those  Steps,  of  w'ch 
I  have  from  Time  to  Time  had  the  hon'r  to  apprize  His  Lord- 
ship. And  I  am  perswaded  had  His  Majesty's  Com'ds  to  the 
other  Colonies  been  duely  obey'd,  and  the  necessary  Assistance 
given  by  them,  the  French  wou'd  have  long  ago  have  been 
oblig'd  entirely  to  have  evacuated  their  usurp'd  Possession  of  the 
King's  Lands,  instead  of  w'ch  they  are  daily  becoming  more 
formidable,  whilst  every  Gov't  except  No.  Caro.  has  amus'd  me 
with  Expectations  that  have  proved  fruitless,  and  at  length  refuse 
to  give  any  Supply,  unless  in  such  a  manner  as  must  render  it 
ineffectual.  The  French  too  justly  observe  the  want  of  con- 
nection in  the  Colonies,  and  from  thence  conclude  (as  they  de- 
clare without  reserve)  that  altho'  we  are  vastly  superiour  to  them 
in  Numbers,  yet  they  can  take  and  secure  the  Co't'y  before  we 
can  agree  to  hinder  them.  Now  w't.  Sir,  must  be  the  result  of 
this?  Virg'a  alone  is  unable  to  support  the  whole  Burthen,  and 
if  some  Method  is  not  found  to  take  away  these  destructive 
Denials  of  Assistance  from  the  other  Colonies,  w'h  it  is  judg'd 
proper  to  be  demanded  by  His  M'y  for  the  comon  Good,  as  now, 


204  DINWIOOIK    PAPERS. 

The  Conscqu'ce  nuist  Ik*  the  present  loss  of  one  of  the  finest  and 
most  lertile  Couniries  in  America  and  the  future  Destruction  of  all 
the  British  Doms  on  this  Coni't.     With  V  r  Permission,  I  w'd  beg 
leave  to  lay  Ijefore  \\m  wt   I  conceive  w'd  Ik*  the  most  etTectual 
[recourse]  to  remedv  this  Mvil.     If  it  were  thot  proper  by  Act  of 
Parliament  to  oblige  each  Colony  to  raise  by  a  Pole  tax  of  is. 
Sl'>;.  <»r  otherways,  a  proportionate  (Juota  of  a  ("it-n'l  Sum,  to  be 
applied  to  the  pres't  Exigency,  anti  pd  as  the  Legislature  in  Ci. 
B.  sh'd  think  fit  to  appoint,  I  humbly  conceive  we  sh'd  be  able  to 
prevent  or  defeat  the  Projects  of  the  French,  and  if  the  Kinjj  w'd 
be  graciously  pleased  to  send  over  a  rej^iment  at  this  Time,  I 
am   much   j^erswaded    that   the   Consequence  wd  be  little  less 
than  the   Preservation  of  His  Dom's   in   this   Part  of  America. 
My  Endeavours  to  engage  all  the  Inds  in  our   Int't  have  been 
incessant,  and  I  rec'd  with  great  Pleasure,  just  before  I  left  Win- 
chester,  three  Strings  of  Wampum ;  one   from    the    Wyondott 
Chiefs,  to  contirm  their  Promises  of  Alliance;  another  from  their 
Warriors,  in  Assurance  of  their  Fidelity;  and  the  third  is  [  from  j  an 
ancient  Fr'd.  call'd  Manacatoocha,  tf)  shew  his  Perseverance  and 
Attachm't.     These  were  accompanied  with  Assurances  that  they 
will  both  be  steadfast  to  our  Interest,  and  strive  to  bring  over  the 
Ottaways,  Chippeways,  and   many  other   Ind'n  Nat's,  who  are 
now  engag'd  with  the   French.     These  are  fair  Prospects,  and 
promise  well;  but  still,  Sir,  these  arc  Inds,  Subject  to  their  Bar- 
berism  and  Situal'n  to  be  cajoled  or  awctl  by  the  French  unless 
properly  inform'd  and  duly  supported  by  the  Engl.     Sh'd  the 
French  continue  to  be  reinforced,  whilst  we  diminish  for  want  of 
Assistance,  we  must   retire,   the    fatal  Consequence   of  y't    w'd 
unavoidably  be  the  total  Loss  of  all  the  Inds,  whome  we  sh'd 
leave,  under  a  necessity  of  throwing  thfms«lves  into  the  arms  of 
the  French,   and  becoming  subservient   to   the  destructive   pur- 
poses that  they  are  perpetually  meditating  ag'st  His  M'y's  Int't 
and  his  American  Dom's.     The  two  Compa's  from  N.  York  ar- 
rive<l  onl)    tour   Days  ago.     The  reason  of  their  long  Delay  I 
cannot  Acc't  for.     Enclosed  You  have  their  Muster  rolls.    I  have 
order'd  one  of  the  Council  to   review  them,  and  shall   hereafter 
acqu't  \'ou  with   their  Condition.     I    have  order'd  them   out  to 
join  the  other  Forces.     The  Compa.  from   So.  Caro.  has  joined 
Colo.  W..  and   the   Forces  from  No.  Caro.  are  on  their   March. 
The  Gov'r  of  N.  York  informs  me  that  30  Batteaus.  with  Colours 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  205 

flying,  past  by  Fort  Oswego'"  lately,  in  their  way  to  reinforce  their 
Army  at  Ohio.  Thus,  Sir,  our  Enemies  increase  in  Powers  and 
Numbers,  whilst  my  Hands  are  restrained  for  want  of  Money, 
and  consequently  Men  to  strengthen  and  support  His  M'y's 
Troops,  who,  by  a  shameful  Neglect  of  their  Countrymen  and 
fellow  Subjects  of  the  neighbouring  Colonies,  must  be  left  to  rely 
for  succour  and  reinforcements  on  the  Ind's,  or  quit  the  very 
important  Service  they  w'd  otherwise  be  enabled  to  maintain.  I 
beg  of  Y'r  Goodness,  Sir,  to  consider  my  Situation,  the  Urgency 
of  w'ch  has  compell'd  me  to  be  so  explicite  on  this  interesting 
Subject,  and  to  Hon'r  me  with  Your  Favour  and  Assistance, 
w'ch  I  am  the  more  readily  induced  to  request  by  the  Zeal  and 
Wisdom  with  w'ch  His  L'ds.  of  Holdernesse  pleased  to  patronize 
and  direct  this  essential  Part  of  His  M'y's  Service.  I  shall,  with 
great  Assiduity  and  Care,  continue  my  Endeavours  to  support 
our  Forces  (with  Provisions,  &c.,)  w'ch,  w'n  join'd  together,  will 
not  exceed  900  Men,  besides  our  friendly  Ind's.  Their  Numbers 
are  very  uncertain  ;  whereas,  they  compute  the  French  and  their 
Ind's  to  be  at  least  1,500  Men.  I  shall  wait  with  great  Impatience 
for  Y'r  Answer  to  this,  and  beg  leave  with  great  Deference  and  in 
great  Truth  to  assure  You  that  I  am, 
R't  Hon.  Sir, 

Y'r  most  obed't  humble  serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  THE  LORDS  OF  TRADE. 

i8th  June,  [1754]. 
R't  Hon.: 

I  arrived  here  from  Winchester  two  Days  ago.  I 
went  there  to  deliver  His  M'y's  Presents  to  the  Chiefs  of  the  dif- 
ferent Nat's  of  Ind's  on  the  Ohio.  They  sent  me  a  Message  that 
as  the  French  had  Invaded  and  taken  Possession  of  their  Lands, 
they  did  not  think  it  proper  to  meet  me  at  Win'r  for  fear  their 
People  w'd  not  rem'n  steady.  That  they  had  joined  our  Forces 
under  the  Comand  of  Colo.  Washington,  and  pray'd  me  to  send 


^^*Fort  Oswego  was  established  in  1727. 


206  DINWIODIE    PAPERS. 

them  some  of  the  Prcsciu  sent  by  their  Father,  the  Kin^  of  G. 
K..  w'ch  I  ilul.  to  the  Care  ol  Colo.  Washin^jion,  to  bo  divided 
ainun>{Ht  them.     I  reed  an  Express  from  Colo.  Washington,  ac- 
quainting me  that  a  Parly  of  French  (from  the  Fort  they  took 
some  time  ajjo*  came  to  reconnoitre  our  Forces.    The  Half-Kinj^ 
sent  Colo.  Washin^^ton  notice  thereof,  and  desired  him  to  come 
with  a  Party  of  Men.  and  he  w'd  assist  to  defeat  their  Desij^ns. 
He  accordinjjly   march'd   with   forty  Men  and  joined  the  Half- 
Kinjj,  Monacatoocha,  and  some  other  Ind's.     One  of  the  Ind'n 
runners  tract  their  Feet  and  came  to  thtir  Lodvjment.     On  the 
27th  May  they  saw  our  People  ab't  too  ^'ards  of[f  ],  flew  to  their 
Arms  and  imcdiately  a  Skirmish  ensued.     We  lost  one  Man.  and 
two  wounded;  we  Killed  12.  and  took  21  Prisoners,  w'ch  .Mr.  W. 
sent  down  to  me,  and  are  now  in  Confinem't.     They  pretended 
they   were   coming    Flmbassadors  to    our   Camp;    the   contrary 
thereof.  \  r  I/d's  will  observe  by  the  enclosed  Copy  of  their  In- 
struct's  and  Sumons.     If  come  on  peaceful  Terms,  they  w'd  not 
have  hanker'd  about  our  Camp  two  or  three  Days  successively. 
The  Breach  was  be>^un  by  the  French   in   takinj^  our   Fort,  and 
this  little  Skiimish  was  by  the  Half  King  and  their  Ind's.     We 
were  as  Au.xillaries  to  them,  as  my  Order  to  the  Com'd'r  of  our 
Forces  [was]  to  be  on  the  Defensive,  but  now  these  Ceremonies 
are  to  be  laid  aside,  and  Fndeavours  to  be  made  to  repell  Force 
by  Force  till  they  leave  His  M'ys  Lands,  so  unjustly  Invaded. 
In  order  to  effect  this  our  Forces  have  erected  a  Stockade  Fort 
near  the  Monongahela  for  a  retreat  on  Occasion.     The  Independ't 
Compa.  from  So.  Caro.  have  joined  them.     The  two  Compa's 
from  N.  York  arrived  here  only  four  Days  ago,  tho'  My  Lord 
Holdernesse's  Letter  was  forwarded  lo  the  Gov'r  of  N.  York  the 
1st  of  Mar.     The  Supply  from  No.  Caro.  of  400  Men  are  on  their 
March ;  w'n   they  are  all   collected   together  they   will  scarcely 
amo  to  900  Men,  and  it's  reported  the  French   Forces  will  con- 
sist of  1.500,  that,  I  think,  we  are  not  of  Strength  sufficient,  how- 
ever all  in  my  Power  shall  be  done  with  great  Assiduity.     I  have 
been  for  some  Month  flattcr'd  with  a  mutual  Assistance  from  the 
neighbouring  Colonics  agreeable  to   His  M'ys   Com'ds  to  them, 
and  tho'  the  Assemblies  have  met  several  Times,  they  have  done 
nothing,  or  can  I  have  any  Dependence  of  Aid  from  any  of  them 
I  beg  leave  to  give  my  humble  Opinion  that  the  Progress  of  the 
French  in  Possessing  them.sclvcs  of  His  Majesty's  Lands  will  never 


UINWIUDIE    PAPERS.  '207 

be  effectually  opposed  but  by  means  of  an  Act  of  Parliament  to 
compell  the  Colonies  to  contribute  to  the  comon  Cause,  independ- 
ently of  Assemblies,  who,  in  these  Parts,  are  either  ignorant  or  do 
not  foresee  Danger  at  a  Distance,  or  at  least,  [are]  so  Obstinate  as 
to  pay  little  regard  to  it.  I  have  wrote  to  S'r  Thos.  Robinson  on 
this  Head,  and  the  Necessity  and  Urgency  thereof,  I  need  [not] 
press  to  Y'r  L'd's.  I  was  ordered  to  conduct  this  Expedition,  w'ch 
I  chearfully  undertook,  but  having  only  a  few  Men  and  no  Money, 
You  may  easily  consider  the  Situat'n  I  am  in.  The  Perverseness 
of  our  neighbouring  Colonies  gives  me  much  Concern,  however, 
for  all  these  difficulties,  I  shall  continue  to  act  to  the  utmost  of 
my  Capacity  and  Power.  If  our  Assembly  had  granted  Money 
in  Nov'r  last,  w'n  I  applied  to  them  agreeable  to  His  M'y's 
Orders,  I  think  I  sh'd  have  got  a  Fort  finish'd,  and  a  Number  of 
Forces  in  it  before  the  French  came  down  the  river  Ohio,  but 
they  were  so  obstinate  that  I  c'd  not  prevail  with  them  to  believe 
or  attend  to  the  Designs  of  the  French.  My  endeavours  to 
obtain  the  F'dship  of  the  Indians  has  been  constant,  and  I  had 
the  Pleasure  at  Winchester  to  receive  three  Strings  of  Wam- 
pum from  the  Wyandotts  and  other  Tribes  of  Ind's,  with 
their  Promises  to  endeavour  to  bring  over  the  Ottaways  and 
other  Tribes  that  were  in  the  French  Interest;  however,  we 
must  not  depend  on  these  Promises,  as  they  are  often  drawn 
away  by  fair  Speeches.  Sh'd  the  French  continue  to  be  rein- 
forced, whilst  we  diminish  for  want  of  a  mutual  Supply  from  our 
neighbouring  Colonies,  W't  a  Situation  must  we  be  in  ?  In  that 
Case  we  run  the  risque  of  loosing  the  Indians,  and  [of  being] 
Invaded  in  our  present  Settlem'ts.  I  beg  Y'r  L'd's  Goodness 
to  consider  my  present  Situation  and  the  Urgency  thereof,  w'ch 
compells  me  to  give  You  so  explicite  an  Acc't  of  the  Expedition, 
on  this  so  interesting  a  Subject,  and  hon'r  me  with  Your  favo. 
and  Assistance.  I  shall,  with  Assiduity  and  Care  prosecute  w't 
is  begun  in  supplying  our  Forces  with  Provisions,  &c.  The 
Hon'r  of  a  Letter,  in  answer  to  this  will  greatly  oblige, 
R't  Hon.,  Y'r  L'ds.  most  obed't  h'ble  Serv't. 


308  IHNWIDDIK    PAPKKS. 

'""    '  ,..i.  t>i  .\i.iu:kmarle.«» 

iSih  June.  [1754.J 
R't  Hom: 

I  acknou liilj^c  tlu-  rtctijn  <>i   \'  r  Letters  from   Paris 

of  the  Slh  Mar.  ami  vl  Apr.  The  Pistole  Fee  lor  Sealing'  and 
Signing;  Patrnts  for  Land,  is.  I  beheve,  before  the  King  and 
Council.  I  am  obliged  to  \"r  L'ds.  in  writing  to  London 
in  my  Favo.  on  that  Head.  I  sent  \  'r  L'ds.  Acc't  of  Mr. 
Washington's  Message  to  the  French  Com'd't,  and  his  An- 
swer. In  obedience  to  His  M'y's  Com'ds,  in  Feb'ry  last  I 
sent  from  this  a  Compa.  of  Men  to  the  Ohio  to  build  a  Fort 
to    ascertain     His    M'y's    undoubted    right    to   the     Lands    on 


"*  William  Anne  Keppel,  second  Earl  of  Albermarle.  bom  at  White- 
hall in  1702,  and  receivctl  his  second  Christian  name  from  her  Majesty 
yueen  Anne,  who  in  jK-rson  graced  his  haptism.  He  succeeded 
Georfje  Hamilton,  Karl  of  Orkney,  as  Ciovernor  of  N'irjjinia,  .SeplemlKT 
6.  '"JT.  App<»inted  .XukusI  25,  1717.  Captain,  by  Cicorg*^  I,  he  was  con- 
tinuously promoted,  and  on  Kehrurary  20,  1743  was  made  a  Lieutenant- 
General  and  distinguished  himself,  June  27.  at  the  battle  of  Dettingen 
in  the  Netherlands.  He  made  the  Campaign  in  1744,  with  .Marshall 
Wade,  and  in  1745.  under  the  Duke  of  Cumberland  at  the  battle  of 
Fontenoy,  was  wounded.  On  April  16,  1746.  he  commanded  the  right 
wing  at  the  battle  of  CuIImlen,  and  succeeded  to  the  command,  as 
General,  .Xugust  23;  distinguished  himself  July  2,  1747,  in  the  battle  of 
Vail;  embassador  tf)  France  in  174.H;  created  a  Knight  of  the  Garter, 
July  12,  1750;  made  a  I'rivy  Councillor,  July  12,  1751.  and  .March  30,  1752, 
one  of  the  Lords  Justices  during  the  al)sence  of  the  King  in  his  German 
dominions.  He  married  in  1722,  Anne,  daughter  of  Charles,  first  I  hike 
of  Richmond,  one  of  the  ladies  of  the  bed-chaml)er  of  (Jueen  Caroline, 
and  by  whom  he  had  issue,  eight  sons  and  seven  daughters.  The  por- 
trait of  I.ord  AUK-marle,  with  those  of  Sir  Charles  Wager;  Charles 
M'  'St  l-larl  of  H.ilifax ;    C«»lonel    IXiniel    Parke,  Governor  of 

tif  i  Islands,  wh«>se  daughter  Lucy  was  the  wife  of  the  second 

William  hyrd  ;  the  third  Earl  of  Orrery;  the  Earl  of  Egremont ;  the 
second  Duke  of  Argyll;  I'eggy  Blount,  the  favorite  of  the  poet  Pope; 
Sir  Robert  Walpole,  I-idy  lietty  Cromwell,  Sir  Wilfred  I^wson.  Sir 
Robert  5>outhwell.  and  others,  of  Colonial  distinction,  with  those  of  the 
second  William  Byrd  and  of  members  of  his  family,  in  a  gallery  form- 
erly at  "  Westover,"  are  now  preserved  at  the  hospitable  scat,  "  Lower 
Brandon,"  on  famfs  river.  The  Earl  died  at  I'aris,  December  22, 
•  754.  and  w.i  ''cl  by  his  eldest  son.  George,  third  Earl.     Com- 

modore Axi^  I'iH-l,  of  the  text,  was  his  second  son. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  209 

that  river ;  in  the  Mo.  of  Apr.  the  French  came  down  that 
river  in  300  Canoes,  with  near  1,000  Men;  they  imediately 
march'd  up  to  the  Fort  I  ordered  to  be  built,  and  sumoned  them 
to  dehver  the  Fort  to  them  ;  as  it  was  not  finished  and  but  few 
men,  they  were  obHged  to  surrender,  and  thereon  returned  to  the 
Inhabitants.  I  then  had  300  Men  on  their  march  to  join  those 
that  were  building  the  Fort,  and  were  within  75  Miles  of  them 
w'n  they  surrendered.  A  detachm't  of  150  marched  out  within 
35  Miles  of  the  Fort,  where  they  entrench'd  themselves.  On  the 
26th  of  May  the  French  sent  out  a  Party  of  about  40  Men  to  re- 
connoitre and  discover  our  Strength ;  one  of  the  Chiefs  of  the 
Ind's  sent  to  our  Small  Camp  an  Acc't  of  the  French  Party,  and 
said  if  they  w'd  join  the  Ind's  with  him  they  c'd  cut  them  off. 
Colo.  Washington,  with  forty  Men,  march'd  out  that  Night,  and 
about  six  next  morning  joined  the  Ind's  and  march'd  out.  One 
of  the  Ind'n  runners  tract  the  Feet  of  the  French  and  came  up  to 
their  Lodgment  about  nine.  The  French  seeing  our  People,  got 
under  Arms,  a  Skirmish  ensued,  w'n  we  lost  one  Man  and  had 
two  wounded;  the  French  had  12  killed  on  the  Spot  and  21 
taken  Prisoners,  w'ch  I  have  in  Prison  in  this  City.  After  they 
were  taken  Prisoners,  they  pretended  they  were  sent  Ambas- 
sadors from  the  Com'd'r  to  the  English  Camp,  w'ch  must  appear 
an  Idle  Story,  from  their  hankering  round  our  small  Camp  for 
three  or  four  Daies,  and  their  Intentions  will  appear  more  plain 
from  their  Instruct's  from  their  Com'd'r,  w'ch  I  have  in  my  Hands, 
and  a  Copy,  I  have  sent  to  S'r  Thos.  Robinson.  His  M'y  was 
pleas'd  to  order  an  Independ't  Compa.  from  So.  Caro.,  w'ch  have 
now  joined  our  Forces,  and  two  Independ't  Compa's  from  N. 
York,  who  are  on  their  way  to  join  them.  The  Colony  of  No. 
Caro.  have  rais'd  about  400  Men,  who  are  also  on  their  march. 
W'n  all  collected  together,  they  will  not  make  above  900  Men  ; 
the  other  Colonies  have  granted  no  Supplies,  tho'  His  M'y  dis- 
tinctly ordered  them.  The  Proprietary  Gov'ts  of  M'yl'd  and 
Pensylv'a  have  been  very  obstinate,  and  afford  Us  no  Assistance ; 
their  disobedience  to  His  M'y's  Comands  will  be  properly  noticed 
at  Home.  With  our  small  Army  I  am  determin'd  to  keep  up  to 
my  Orders,  and  w'n  join'd  together  to  summons  the  French  to 
deliver  up  our  Fort,  w'ch  contrary  to  Law,  in  tranquil  Peace  with 
the  Crown  of  France,  they  took  from  us.  V'r  L'ds.  will  observe 
we  are  now  in  a  State  of  War,  begun  very  unjustly  by  the  French 


210  DINWIDOIK    PAPERS. 

Forces,  w'ch  I  am  infonnil  consist  of  near  i.5t)0  Men.  \Vc  have 
always  acletl  on  the  iklenhive,  and  the  coinandinj;  officer  liad  my 
Orders  accord i n>{ly :  and  the  last  Skirmish  was  be^jun  by  the 
Inds  supfmrted  by  our  Men;  that  now  all  these  ceremonies  sub- 
side, and  we  must  endeavour  ti)  repell  l-orce  by  Force.  Hut  I 
am  in  a  |)oor  situation— few  Men  and  very  little  Money.  I  have 
wrote  home  on  this  Subject  and  desired  .Assistance  and  hope  to 
receive  it,  for  it  will  be  a  Pitty  to  j^ive  Possession  of  these  Lands 
to  the  French,  w'ch  arc  the  just  rijjht  of  the  Crown  of  G.  B.,  and 
prol).ibly  the  richest  soil  on  this  Cont't.  and  the  French  have  not 
the  least  Shadow  of  ri^ht.  but  w't  they  assume  by  Numbers  and 
their  Sword.  I  thouj^ht  it  my  Duty  to  give  ^"r  L'ds.  a  detail  of 
the  whole,  and  I  tloubt  not  \'ou  will  j^ive  \'our  Interest  to  sup- 
port me  in  an  AtVair  of  so  much  Coiiseciuence  to  the  Nation  and 
these  Colonics,  for  if  the  French  are  allowed  to  settle  so  near  our 
Frontiers,  in  case  of  War,  all  these  Colonies  will  be  exposed  to 
their  Inviisions  and  Depredations.  Mr.  Peter  Leheup,  who  was 
A^ent  for  the  Council  here,  bein^  untler  the  Frowns  of  the  Min- 
istry. I  believe  is  turned  out  of  all  his  Office[s].  I  intend  to  re- 
comend  Jas.  Abercrombie,  Fsq'r.  to  succeed  him.  and  I  hope  this 
will  meet  with  Y'r  L'd's  Approbation.  The  Hon'r  of  a  Letter 
from  Y'r  L'ds.,  in  answer  to  this,  will  be  very  acceptable,  and  I 
desire  to  assure  \ou  that  I  am,  with  i^reat  deference  and  due 
respect, 

R't  Hon.,  ^"^  L'd's  most  ob.  h'ble  scrv't. 


GOVERNOR  DlNWlDDIi:  TO  JAMES  ABERCROMBY. 

June   i8th,  [1754J. 
Dear  Sir  : 

Y'r  several  Letters  I  have  duely  reed,  and  observe 
the  Steps  taken  in  regard  to  the  Pistole  Fee,  w'ch  I  approve  of, 
and  as  it  is  in  a  proper  Channel,  I  rcm'n  mighty  easy  on  that 
Head.  An  Affair  of  much  more  Consecjuence  enhances  my 
thoughts  and  time:  the  I'rench  have  invaded  His  M'y's  Lands 
on  the  Ohio;  they  took  from  us  a  Fort  I  ordered  to  be  built  in 
his  M'y's  Name,  and  are  re-inforc'd  with  a  large  Number  of  Men. 


DINWIDUIE    PAPERS.  211 

I  am  endeavouring  to  repell  them  by  Force,  and  am  in  hopes 
soon  to  have  900  Men  nigh  to  the  Fort  they  took  from  us  last 
Mo.  They  sent  out  a  small  Party  to  reconnoitre  our  Forces. 
Colo.  Washington,  who  com'ds  our  Forces,  march'd  out  with  40 
Men  and  join'd  some  Ind's,  who  discover'd  their  Lo'gm't;  a  Skir- 
mish ensued,  we  had  i  Man  kill'd  and  two  wounded;  we  killed  12 
of  the  French  and  took  21  Prisoners,  who  are  now  in  Goal  here. 
My  Heart  is  set  on  this  Expedition,  but  [I  am]  very  poorly  as- 
sisted by  our  neighbouring  Colonies.  No.  Car.  has  behav'd  well 
by  giving  Us  a  Supply  of  Men.  M'yl'd  and  Pensyl'a,  two  Pro- 
prietary Gov'ts,  do  nothing,  tho'  equally  concern'd  and  more  ex- 
posed than  this  Dominion.  I  have  wrote  fully  to  S'r  Thos. 
Robinson,  and  the  B'd  of  Trade,  on  this  Head,  and  have  desired 
Assistance  from  Home.  This  is  an  Affair  of  the  greatest  Con- 
sequence to  the  Nation  and  the  Colonies  on  this  Cont't.  My 
Endeavours  shall  be  very  sanguine  to  dispossess  them  of  the 
Fort  they  have  most  unjustly  taken  from  Us.  I  shall  recomend 
You  strongly  to  the  Council  to  succeed  Mr.  Leheup,  but  it's  mon- 
strous that  You  sh'd  agree  to  give  that  Man  any  Money;  he  has 
no  Int't  here  to  recomend  any  Person,  and  Y'r  giving  him  Money 
for  a  Place  he  c'd  have  no  Pretentions  to  name  to,  and  under  his 
present  Disgrace,  is  surely  very  inconsiderately  done.  Or  sh'd 
You  have  mention'd  anything  of  it  to  Lord  Albermarle  till  You  was 
appointed,  and  then  I  w'd  have  wrote  to  him,  however,  I  shall 
now  desire  his  concurrence  if  [you  are]  appointed,  and  I  shall  soon 
have  a  Council,  w'n  the  Affair  will  be  settled.  I  shall  desire  You 
to  write  me  fully  of  the  Pistole  Affair.  Write  more  plain,  for 
really  some  of  your  Letters  I  cannot  well  read ;  ''^"  and  as  I  conceive 
that  Affair  will  be  finish'd  before  this  reaches  You,  I  rem'n  easy 
in  whatever  the  Council  thinks  proper,  as  I  am  convinc'd  they 
will  not  find  that  I  have  done  anything  contrary  to  Instruct's,  or 
in  the  least  tending  to  Arbitrariness.  I  have  not  Time  to  write 
fully,  as  the  King's  Ship  sails  this  Day,  and  the  publick  Letters 


1'*  Though  the  chirography  of  the  Governor  Iiimself,  in  the  latter  part 
of  his  life,  from  a  stroke  of  paralysis,  was  most  crabbed  and  vague  in 
its  presentment,  that  of  his  London  Agent,  as  evidenced  by  the  voknne 
of  his  letters,  before  referred  to,  and  by  testy  observations  in  print  of 
those  plagued  by  it,  was  e.xasperatingly  and  wantonly  undecipherable — 
certainly  infinitely  worse  than  that  of  Rufus  Choate  or  Horace  Greeley. 


212  niNWIUDIE    PAPERS. 

hiui  inljanc'il  my  Time  both  Ni^lu  and  Day,  Jor  I  arriv'd  here 
bul  ihrcc  Days  ajjo  Irom  a  lonj;  Journey  to  Win.,  above  500 
Mill's  K">"K  '»"*'  coming.  My  next  will  be  more  full,  bul  be 
assur'd,  I  always  am.  with  .Sincerity, 

Sir.  V  .  <-—  i.'i.i-  ^.Mv'r 


C.OVERNOR   DlNWIDDIi:  To  (.oXKkNoK  SHAKrK. 

June   20th,   1754. 
Sir: 

1  hope  you  got  well  to  Annapolis  with't  much  rain.  Agree- 
able to  my  Promise,  I  enclose  \'ou  a  Copy  from  our  Records  of 
the  whole  Papers  relatinij  to  Colo.  (ieo.  Talbot  for  the  murder  of 
Mr.  Christo.  Rousley.  N'ou  will  observe  that  after  the  Sentence 
of  Death  was  pron<niiic'd  ag'st  him  he  pleaded  his  Maj'y's  Par- 
don. I  cannot  say  whether  it  re-posscss'd  him  of  his  Lands  w'ch 
were  forfeited  on  his  Condemnation. 

Capt.  Legj;.  of  His  M'y's  Ship,  .Shorcham,  bro't  here  as 
Pri.soners.  Jno.  Wrij^ht.  Jno.  .Smith  and  Anil'w  Lewis  who  were 
comitted  to  (ioal  in  So.  Carolina  for  the  Murder  of  Capt.  William 
Curtis  on  board  [the]  Sloop  I  lopewell ;  he  also  bro't  Jas.  .Maiishore, 
and  (ieo.  Cook,  a  Negro  Man,  who  were  decoy'd  on  board  said 
Sloop  after  the  Murder  was  comitied.  I  have  orderd  them  into 
the  public  Prison  in  this  City,  but  as  I  conceive  the  Murder  was 
comitted  on  the  narrow  .Seas  in  Y'r  (iovt,  I  think  they  ought 
accordingly  to  be  tried  in  M'yl'd,  and  therefore  desire  You  will 
please  to  Order  a  N^essell  with  a  proper  Guard  to  York  Town  on 
York  river,  where  I  shall  deliver  them  to  \"r  Order,  and  I  have 
also  the  Affidavits  and  Confessions  seal'd  up,  w'ch  I  shall  transmit 
to  Y'r  Kxcell'y  with  the  Prisoners.  I  am  further  to  inform  \'ou 
that  Jno.  .Smith  having  made  the  first  discovery  of  the  Murder,  he 
had  assurances  of  Mercy  and  Favo.  at  Cha's  Town,  and  [I]  there- 
fore hope  he  will  be  admitted  Kings  Evidence,  to  encourage 
others  in  such  Cases  to  declare  the  Truth ;  the  sooner  you  are 
plcas'd  to  send  for  them,  the  better.  I  herewith  send  a  Letter  to 
Mr.  Creah,  I  suppose  the  (Jwner  of  the  Sloop,  w'ch  probably  may 
be  information  to  him  in  regard  to  the  Vessell.     The  two  Inde- 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  213 

pendent  Compa's  from  N.  Y.  are  gone  up  to  Alex'a  in  the  King's 
Ship,  Capt.  Whitwell,  Com'd'r.  I  c'd  not  review  them  here,  but 
have  order'd  Colo.  Fairfax  to  review  them  and  give  me  a  distinct 
Acc't.  I  fear  they  are  not  so  good  Compa's  as  I  c'd  wish;  how- 
ever, they  have  my  Orders  to  march  directly  to  join  our  Camp. 
The  No.  Car.  Forces  are  on  their  March,  w'n  collected  together, 
they  will  be  few  in  Comparison  with  the  French.  The  Gov'r  of 
N.  York  writes  me  30  large  Canoes  have  passed  Oswego  Fort, 
full  of  Men,  supposed  to  re-inforce  those  on  the  Ohio.  It's  cruel 
our  neighboring  Colonies  are  so  backw'd  in  granting  Supplies, 
and  I  find  I  shall  be  much  straiten'd  for  Money  to  furnish  Provi- 
sions, &c.  I  therefore  still  have  a  dependence  on  some  Assist- 
ance from  your  Province,  being  thorowly  convinc'd  of  your 
hearty  Inclinations;  and  [I]  hope  Your  Endeavours  will  be  at- 
tended with  Success.  To  quell  the  great  Feud  subsisting  be- 
tween the  Independ't  Compa's  and  our  Forces  in  regard  to  rank, 
I  have  formed  the  following  regulation :  Colo.  Innes  to  Com'd  in 
Chief,  Colo.  Washington  to  have  the  second  Com'd,  Capt.  Clark, 
of  the  N.  Y.  Compa's,  to  have  my  Com'o.,  a  Lieut.  Colo.,  to  be 
the  third  in  Com'd;  Capt.  McKay,  of  the  So.  Caro.  Compa.,  to 
have  a  Lieut.  Colo.'s  Com'o.,  and  to  be  fourth  in  Com'd  on  the 
Expedition.  This  Expedient  was  agreed  to  by  Capt.  Clark,  and 
was  the  only  Method  I  c'd  think  of  to  keep  up  Harmony 
amongst  them.  Pray  give  me  your  Opinion  thereon.  A  Dis- 
traction or  Confusion  among  our  Forces  w'd  be  ruining  to  the 
Expedition,  and  give  the  Enemy  Advantages  on  our  Divisions. 
[I]  therefore  hope  the  above  will  thorowly  reconcile  all  Disputes. 
I  shall  be  glad  to  hear  frequently  from  You.  With  my  Com- 
plim'ts  to  Messrs  Tasker'"  and  Calvert,'^^  I  am  most  sincerely, 
and  with  great  Truth, 

Y'r  Exc's  most  obed't,  h'ble  Serv't. 


^^'  Benjamin  Tasker,  then  President  of  the  Council. 
^^*  Charles  Calvert,  a  member  of  the  Council. 


214  UINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 


C.OVKRNOR  DINWIDniK  TO  r.OVKRNOR  HAMILTON,  OF 
I'KNNSVIAANIA. 

June   1 8th,   1754. 

\"r  Favo.  of  22d  May,  I  rcc'cl  on  my  iLturn  from  Winches- 
ter. The  Chiefs  of  the  Inds  tlid  not  meet  meatVV.:  they  sent 
an  Kxpress  that  in  their  pres't  Situation  they  c'tl  not  leave  their 
youn>j  People,  but  intended  to  join  our  I'orces  under  the  Com'd 
of  Colo.  Washington,  antl  tlesired  me  to  send  them  some  of  the 
Pres't,  well   was  done.     On  the  27th   May  the    Half- King  sent 

Colo.  W n  Notice  that  a   Party  from   the    French   Army 

were  hankering  about  his  Camp;   if  he  w'd  march  some  of  his 
People  to  join  him,  he  did  not  doubt  to  cut   them  off.     Colo. 

W n  march'd  that  Night,  and  came  up  to  the  Ind's;  one  of 

their  runners  tract  the  Frenchmen's  Feet,  and  came  up  to  their 
Lodgment;  they  discover'd  our  People  ab't  ico  Yards  distant, 
flew  to  their  Arms,  and  a  small  Engagement  ensued ;  we  lost  one 
Man  and  another  wounded;  the  French  had  12  killed  and  21 
taken  Prisoners,  who  are  now  in  our  Prison;  the  Ind's  scalp'd 
many  of  the  dead  French,  took  up  the  Hatchet  ag'st  them,  sent 
their  Scalps  and  .String  of  black  Wampum  to  several  other 
Tribes  of  Ind's,  with  desire  that  they  sh'd  also  take  up  the 
Hatchet  ag'st  the  French,  w'ch  I  hope  they  have  done.  Before  I 
left  Win.  I  rec'd  three  Strings  of  Wampum  from  the  Wyandotts, 
and  some  other  Tribes,  assuring  me  they  w'd  not  only  take  up 
the  Hatchet,  but  were  in  hopes  of  bringing  over  those  Ind's  that 
had  joined  the  French.  Therefore,  if  y'r  Colony  and  the  others 
had  granted  Supplies,  it's  probable  by  this  Time  we  sh'd  have 
been  able  to  dislodge  them  from  that  Fort  I  order'd  to  be  built 
and  [which]  they  unjustly  took  from  Us.  As  my  Orders  to  our 
Com'd'r  m  Chief  was  to  be  on  the  Defensive,  this  small  Skirmish 
was  bejjun  by  the  Ind's  and  supported  by  our  Men.  I  am  sorry 
Y'r  Assembly  is  so  obstinate  and  disobedient  to  the  royal  Comands, 
as  I  had  a  thorow  dependence  on  You  for  a  Supply  of  Bread,  the 
want  of  w'ch  puts  me  to  great  difficulties.  I  wish  the  Bill  of 
[/]ioooo  Supply  had  pas.sed  ^  "r  Upper  Hou.se  in  any  .Shape,  as 
the  Exigency  of  our  Affairs  so  much  wanted  it;  but  You  are  the 
best  judge  of  the  Cloggs  in  the  Bill  and  the  Inconveniency 
thereof,  in  reg'd  to  \'our  Instructions,  w'ch,  if  possible,  You  c'd 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  215 

have  got  pass'd  at  this  Time,  with  a  saving  Clause  to  prevent  its 
being  a  Precedent  for  the  Future,  w'd  have  been  of  Infinite  Ser- 
vice. I  hope  you  have  represented  the  Affair  properly  Home, 
that  they  may  see  w't  little  Dependence  there  is  on  Assemblies  in 
this  Part  of  the  World,  and  really  I  hope  the  Ministry  will  take 
some  proper  Course  to  bring  all  the  Colonies  into  a  proper  Sense 
of  their  Duty.  The  Acc'ts  you  have  in  Y'r  Place  is  without 
Foundat'n.  We  have  rais'd  Money  on  the  Credit  of  our  Funds, 
but  the  small  Sum  given  is  but  a  Trifle  to  the  Duty  to  be  per- 
formed ;  but  my  great  Dependence  was  on  you  for  a  Supply  of 
Flour.  I  see  Mr.  Croghan,  at  Win,,  who  told  me  that  he  had 
Your  Orders  to  purchase  a  large  Qu'ty  of  Flour,  w'ch  I  was  in 
hopes  was  for  the  Expedit'n,  till  I  rec'd  y'r  Letter.  I  employ'd 
him  to  go  to  our  Camp  to  be  Interpreter,  and  I  gave  Mr.  Mon- 
tour a  Capt's  Com'o.  to  head  a  Select  Compa.  of  friendly  Ind's  as 
Scouts  from  our  Small  Army.  I  am  surpriz'd  that  any  Person 
sh'd  report  that  I  had  given  up  the  Expedition  and  disbanded 
the  Men;  it's  undertaken  by  the  King's  Com'd,  and  I  will  not 
give  it  up  till  the  last  Extremity,  w'ch  I  hope  will  not  happen. 
Two  Independ't  Compa's  arriv'd  from  N.  York,  one  from  So. 
Caro.;  the  No.  Car.  Forces  are  on  their  march.  W'n  all  are 
collected  in  a  Body,  I  think  we  shall  have  900  Men,  besides  our 
friendly  Ind's ;  and  if  our  neighboring  Colonies  had,  consistent 
with  their  Duty  to  the  King  and  their  own  Preservation,  given 
Us  a  proper  Supply,  I  think  it  w'd  have  been  an  easy  matter  to 
have  dislodged  the  French  from  that  Fort  and  built  some  others 
to  take  full  Possession  of  the  Ohio  river  and  prevented  their 
Encroachments  for  the  future.  All  I  c'd  wish  from  you  at  pres- 
ent is  a  Supply  of  Flour,  to  be  carried  out  to  our  Camp  at  the 
Meadows,  near  red  Stone  Creek.  I  shall  be  glad  to  hear  the  re- 
sult of  the  Meeting  at  Albany,  and  hope  the  Six  Nat's  have  taken 
up  the  Hatchet  ag'st  the  French,  w'ch  will  put  Spirits  into  all  the 
other  Nat's  of  Ind's.  With  the  litde  I  have,  I  am  determined 
with  vigour  to  prosecute  the  Plan  of  Opperations  already  begun. 
I  shall  be  glad  to  know  on  the  return  of  this  Express  if  You  can 
supply  some  Flour  as  above. 

I  am,  with  very  great  respect, 

S'r,  y'r  most  obed't  serv't. 


216  UINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  C.OVKRNOR  DkLANCEY. 

June  20th.  [1754]- 
Sir  : 

V'r  Letters  of  the  9th,  17th,  and  25th  May,  I  duely  rec'd. 

I  hope  this  will  find  Vou  safely  arrived  from  the  Treaty  at 
Albany.  I  shall  be  >;lad  to  know  w't  was  done  there,  and  if  the 
Six  Nat's  have  taken  up  the  Hatchet  ag'st  the  French.  The 
Ind'n  Chiefs  on  the  Ohio,  Twijjhtwees,  &c.,  did  not  meet  me  at 
Win.  as  e.xpected,  they  sent  me  Strings  of  \Vam|)um,  with  a 
Speech,  that  as  the  French  had  invaded  their  Lands,  they  c'd  not 
at  this  Time  leave  their  young  Men,  but  that  they  were  march'g 
to  join  our  Forces  under  Colo.  Washington's  Com'd.  I  sent 
them  some  Cioods  to  encourage  them  to  our  Int't  On  the  27th 
of  May  the  Half-King  sent  a  runner  to  our  Camp  to  acqu't  them 
y't  a  detachment  of  the  French  from  the  Fort  were  hankering 
about  our  Camp:    if  they   w'd  join   them    with    some   of   our 

Forces  they  believ'd  they  c'd  cut  them  off.     Colo.  W n 

imediately  march'd  in  the  Night  with  Forty  Men;  being  dark 
and  rainy,  they  lost  Seven  of  their  Men  in  the  Woods;  in  the 
morning  they  join'd  the  Half-King  with  their  Ind's;  one  of  the 
Ind's  tract  the  Feet  of  the  French  and  came  in  Sight  of  their 
Lodgm't.  They  discover' d  our  People  at  a  Distance,  tlew  to 
their  ( iuns,  and  a  small  Kngagcm't  ensued;  we  had  one  man 
kill'd  and  one  man  wounded;  we  kill'd  12  of  the  French,  and 
took  21  Prisoners,  who  are  now  in  Goal  in  this  Town.  The  Ind's 
scalp'd  the  French  that  were  kill'd,  and  took  up  the  Hatchet 
ag'st  them.  Sent  Scalps  to  the  Six  Nat's  and  the  other  Tribes, 
assuring  them  they  w'd  not  only  take  uj)  the  Hatchet,  but 
were  in  hopes  of  bringing  over  the  Ind's  that  had  join'd  the 
French,  and  if  the  Six  Nat's  have  declar'd  ag'st  the  French,  it 
will  give  proper  .Spirit  to  the  other  Nat's  of  Ind's.  If  y'r  Colony 
and  the  other  neighbouring  ones  had  granted  proper  .Supplies 
according  to  His  M'y's  Com'ds,  I  think  we  sh'd  [have]  be[en] 
able  to  dislodge  the  French  from  the  Fort,  and  clear' d  the  Ohio 
river  of  these  bad  Neighbours.  Y'r  two  Compa's  are  at  last  ar- 
rived, after  ten  Weeks  daily  expectat'n  of  them,  but  they  are  not 
agreeable  t<>  th«-  Order  frr>ni  H'>ni«-.  w'ch  was  to  be  two  compleat 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  217 

Compa's  w'ch  sh'd  have  been  drafted  out  of  y'rfour  Compa's  on 
so  extraordinary  Duty,  agreeable  to  the  Compa.  from  So.  Caro., 
contrary  to  that,  they  are  not  Compleat  in  Numbers  ;  many  of 
them  old  that  cannot  undergo  a  March  of  200  Miles  from  Alexa., 
and  burthen' d  with  thirty  Women  and  Children;  and  to  com- 
pleat the  Whole,  no  Provisions,  w'ch  Y'r  former  Letters  gave  me 
reason  to  expect;  no  Tents,  w'ch  obliges  me  to  make  new  Tents  ; 
or  any  Blankets,  &c. ;  in  short,  much  worse  than  new  rais'd 
Forces.  This  Conduct,  I  acknowledge  I  am  surpriz'd  at;  it  ap- 
pears to  be  throwing  all  possible  Inconveniences  and  Hindrances 
on  the  Expedition  so  earnestly  recomended  by  His  M'y  at  Home. 
The  want  of  Provisions  puts  me  to  much  Difficulty,  as  I  had 
taken  no  Care  for  them,  fully  depending  on  six  Months  [supply] 
of  all  kinds  being  sent  with  them  from  You.  I  know  not  the  great 
difficulty  of  passing  the  resolve  of  Y'r  House  for  ^10,000;  it  was 
not  so  regular  as  it  sh'd  have  been  ;  but  on  this  Emergency  I 
think  You  w'd  have  been  excused.  And  w't  You  have  Acc't  of 
the  many  Forces  passing  Oswego  Fort  to  re-enforce  the  French, 
and  still  to  remain  easy  without  assisting  Us  in  protecting  his 
M'y's  Lands,  is,  I  think,  very  unaccountable  Conduct.  I  cannot 
lay  this  to  you,  as  I  suppose  you  are  very  earnest  for  a  Supply, 
but  w't  can  be  said  to  Y'r  Assembly  to  be  so  obstinate  and  un- 
dutiful  to  His  M'y's  Com'ds?  As  in  Duty  bound  by  my  Orders, 
I  am  determin'd,  with  the  few  Men  I  have,  and  the  little  Money, 
to  carry  on  the  Expedition  with  all  the  Vigour  our  small  Forces 
will  admit  of,  still  hoping  that  Y'r  Assembly  will  consider  the 
necessity  of  our  present  Situation  and  grant  a  handsom[e]  Supply. 
Suppose  the  French  remain' d  undisturb'd  on  the  Ohio,  w't  will 
the  Consequence  be  to  the  British  Colonies  on  this  Cont't?  as  un- 
doubtedly they  will  make  depredations  on  our  present  Settlem't, 
and  You  may  bid  farewell  to  the  Furr  and  Skin  Trade.  This 
Dom'n  has  very  little  trade  with  the  Ind's.  I  think  Y'rs  in  very 
considerable,  but  la3'ing  aside  all  these  Observat's,  and  consider 
His  M'y's  Com'ds  for  a  mutual  Supply.  I  hope,  if  they  will 
seriously  consider  Things  as  they  really  are,  they  cannot  shun  to 
shew  themselves  good  Subjects  b}'  giving  due  Obedience  to  the 
royal  Mandat[e].  The  Compa's  from  You  are  to  be  review' d 
properly  at  Alexa.  by  one  of  my  Council,  and  [I]  shall  be  oblig'd 
to  send  my  Observat's  on  them  Home.     I  shall  be  glad  to  hear 


218  DINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

from  You  on  return  of  this  Express,  if  I  can  have  any  dependence 
on  a  Supply  from  V'r  Colony. 
I  am,  with  j^rcat  Kstccin, 

\"r  Hon'r's  most  obed't  humble  Serv't. 

P.  S. — 1  c'd  raise  .Men  here  if  I  had  a  Supply  of  Money. 


r.OVKKXoR   KINWIDDII-:    lO  COI.()Ni:i.  WASHINGTON. 

June  25,  [1754-] 

Sir  : 

This  will,  I  hope,  be  deliver'd  \'()u  by  Colo.  James   Innes, 

who  has  my  Com'o.  to  Com'd  in  Chief  on  the  Kxpedilion,  w'ch 
I  dare  sity  will  be  very  aj^reeable  to  You,  and  [I]  am  in  hopes  w'n 
all  the  Forces  are  collected  together  in  a  Body  You  will  be  able 
to  turn  the  Tables  on  the  French  and  dislodge  them  from  the 
Fort,  and  in  Time  to  take  full  possession  of  the  Ohio  river.  As 
I  am  affraid  of  Disputes  from  the  Officers  of  the  Independ't 
Companies,  to  prevent  that,  I  have  order' d  Colo.  Innes  to  Com'd 
in  Chief,  and  ^'ou  are  to  be  second  in  Com'd;  have  sent  a 
Briveate  Com'o.  of  Lieut.  Colo,  to  Capt.  Clarke  to  be  third  in 
Com'd,  and  the  same  to  Capt.  McKay  to  be  fourth  in  Com'd  on 
this  Fxpedit'n,  and  have  dcsir'd  Colo.  Innes  to  allow  their  Lieut's 
to  ranks  with  our  Capt's;  this  is  only  Feathers  in  their  Caps  to 
prevent  any  ill  Blood  in  regard  to  rank,  as  Unanimity  is  the  only 
.Step  towards  Success  in  ^"r  I^.xpcd'n,  and  I  doubt  not  all  the 
Ofhcers  will  perceive  my  meaning  in  this  regulat'n.  I  have 
directed  His  M'y's  Present  to  be  sent  out  to  be  given  among  the 
Ind's.  as  Colo.  Innes  may  think  proper,  with  Y'r  Advice.  I 
have  given  orders  to  keep  You  duely  supplied  with  Provisions, 
and  I  am  in  great  Hopes  w'n  joined  in  a  Body  You  will  be  a 
proper  Match  for  the  French,  as  I  am  in  Hopes  You  will  have  a 
good  number  of  our  friendly  Ind's  to  Y'r  Assistance.  I  have 
no  more  to  add,  but  recomending  You  to  the  Protect' n  of  God 
and  wishing  Success  to  attend  all  ^'our  Undertakings,  I  rem'n 
in  Truth, 

.S'r,  Y'r  most  h'ble  serv't. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  219 

GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  MAJOR  CARLYLE. 

25  June,  [1754-] 
Sir: 

This  will  probably  be  deliver' d  You  by  Colo.  Innes,  Com'd'r 
in  Chief  on  the  Expedition,  he  will  acq't  You  how  his  regim't 
comes  to  join  the  Forces.  I  think  there  went  up  last  Friday  in  a 
Schooner,  130  Men  and  Officers.  Thirty  odd  comes  this  Week 
for  Alex' a  with  100  small  Arms,  some  Bullets,  and  4  bis.  Gun 
Powder,  all  w'ch  please  forward  to  the  Camp,  and  I  think  in  a 
Week's  Time  all  the  Forces  may  be  at  Winchester  on  their  way 
to  join  those  with  Colo.  Washington.  1  hope  you  met  with  Suc- 
cess at  Phila'a  in  geting  some  Money,  and  w'n  You  come  down, 
w'ch  I  think  is  to  be  in  a  Fortnight,  You  may  expect  some 
Money  here,  and  pray  take  a  great  Care  that  the  Army  be  duely 
supplied  with  Flour,  &c.,  that  no  delay  may  be  laid  to  Y'r 
Charge.  You  have  now  a  large  Family  to  maintain,  so  I  desire 
You  w'd  be  very  assiduous  in  sending  out  to  them  the  necessary 
Supplies.  Colo.  Innes  will  probably  want  some  of  the  present, 
let  him  have  what  he  may  want,  taking  his  receipt  for  it.  This  I 
ment'n  in  case  Colo.  Fairfax  is  not  at  Winchester.  I  wish  You 
Health;  my  Comple'ts  to  all  F'ds  at  Alex' a.  I  am  sincerely, 
S'r,  Y'r  most  humble  serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  MAJOR  CARLYLE. 

June  27th,  [1754]. 
Sir: 

I  rec'd  Y'rs  of  the  21st  Curr't.  The  Mo.  sent  by  Mr.  Har- 
rison'^* was  all  that  c'd  be  got  then,  and  hope  You  had  Success  in 
Phil' a  and  with  Mr.  Loyd  ;'■*"  if  disappointed  there,  I  can  promise 
You  1,000  or  1,500  in  a  Fortnight.  I  do  not  think  the  Messenger 
You  sent,  proper  to  carry  any  Money  up  to  You.  The  N.  Y. 
Forces,  and  three  Compa's  of  N.  Car.  Forces,  I  hope  arrived  at 

'^'Presumed  to  be  Henry  Harrison,  at  the  time  a  Lieutenant  in  the 
Virginia  regiment. 

""  Probably  Edward  Lloyd  of  Maryland;  a  name  distinguished  in  its 
annals  in  successive  generations. 


2'J}J  DINWIDIUE    PAPERS. 

Alcx'a,  and  [are]  on  ihcir  Mar.  to  Win.,  where  Colo.  Innes  will 
be  next  Sunday,  in  his  way  to  the  Camp  I  have  a  Let'r  from 
Colo.  Washinjjton,  tiill  of  Complaints  of  ill  Isage  from  Y'r 
deputies.  They  have  been  six  tlays  Without  Flower,  and  they 
hear  of  none  un  the  roatl  to  them;  such  Nejjiect  will  ruin  the 
Ex[)cd'n.  The  Men  must  have  proper  .Supplies,  I  therefore  desire 
Vou  wd  [not]  trust  to  Promises,  but  be  certain  of  the  Purchase 
and  of  its  bein^  properly  convey' d  to  them.  He  says  they  have 
not  Provisions  of  any  sort  for  two  days,  tho'  he  has  wrote  Vou 
frequently  thereof,  and  luckily  i)urchas'd  a  little  from  a  Trader  at 
2is.  Sd.  f*  Hhd;  he  also  complains  for  want  of  Ammunition, 
and  Capt.  Mackay  complains  that  the  Wagj^ons  did  not  appear. 
These  Complaints  give  me  threat  uneasiness,  I  therefore  desire 
\ou  will  prevent  them  for  the  Future,  and  be  sure  to  keep  them 
well  supplied  with  Flower,  and  if  You  slid  be  disappointed  from 
M  yl'd  or  Phil' a  in  K^'^'^iJ  Cash,  send  a  proper  Person  here  and 
I  will  endeavour  to  send  \'ou  I.OOO;^.  Cro^han  has  deceived  L's, 
but  pray  put  it  out  of  the  Power  of  any  to  do  so  for  the  Future. 
The  Soldiers,  to  be  sure,  sh'd  be  supplied  with  Cash,  and  hope 
\'ou  will  be  able  to  do  it;  if  any  disappointm'ts  as  above,  send 
here  for  a  Supply.  If  Colo.  Fairfax  is  not  in  imediate  want  of 
the  Money  I  hope  he  will  stay  a  little  longer.  I  doubt  if  Mr. 
Loyd  will  send  the  Money  without  the  Speaker's  giving  satis- 
factory Security,  ^"r  Messenger  says  he  has  lost  the  Letter  to 
Mr.  Nelson.'*'  if  so,  he  will  e.xpect  You  loih  July,  w'ch  if  You  c'd 
conveniently  come,  ^'ou  may  be  assured  of  i,^ooj[,;  and  surely 
no  Person  will  refuse  a  month's  Credit,  I  have  done  all  in  my 
Power  to  supply  \'ou  with  Cash.  Pray  send  out  imediatly  such 
Amunition  as  they  want.  I  fear  the  Waggoners,  c*tc.,  tritle  with 
^'ou.  and  do  not  perform  their  Duties,  .Send  out  two  Hhds.  of 
rum.  to  give  the  People  w'n  on  Extraordinary  Duty,  and  more  as 
it  may  be  wanted;  draw  it  off  into  portable  Casks.  I  think  with 
the  Stores  that  went  with  the  Can'n  there  was  some  Cartredge 
Paper ;  none  to  be  had  here,  but  have  .sent  by  the  Hearer  6 
Quires  of  thick  brown  Paper,  w'ch  may  do  for  Swivell  Guns,  but 


'"This  was  prohably  William  Nclsnii.  ( father  «jf(ic-ncTal  and  (iov- 
ernor  Thomas  Nelson.  Ir).  a  meml)er  of  the  Council,  and  later,  its 
President. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  221 

if  You  can  buy  any  with  \'ou,  pray  send  some.     My  kind  re- 
spects to  Mrs.  Carlyle.     I  am  sincerely, 

S'r,  Y'r  Friend  and  h'ble  serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  CAPTAIN  MACKAY. 

June  27th,  [1754]. 
Sir: 

I  rec'd  Y'r  Lett'r  of  the  loth  June,  from  Wills's  Creek.  I 
am  sorry  You  were  detain' d  there  for  want  of  Flower,  but  hope 
this  will  find  You  joined  with  Colo.  Washington's  Forces,  and  I 
doubt  not  before  this  reaches  You,  Colo.  Innes  is  with  You,  who 
has  my  full  Instruct' s  for  conducting  the  Expedition,  and  I  doubt 
not  You  and  the  other  Officers  will  lay  aside  any  little  Punctilios 
in  rank.  I  have  done  all  in  my  Power  to  reconcile  these  Things, 
therefore,  hope  You  will  be  unanimous  in  doing  Every  Thing  for 
the  Service,  and  as  Y'r  Corps  are  maintain' d  by  this  Colony,  I 
think  that  they  will  assist  in  clearing  the  roads  and  building  the 
Forts,  as  occasion  may  require.  The  Conduct  of  each  Corps 
will  be  represented  [at]  Home,  and  I  have  not  the  least  doubt  of 
Capt.  Mackay's  exerting  himself  on  this  Occasion.  W't  you 
heard  from  Hands  about  the  Cherokees  is  without  Foundation. 
Capt.  Legg  has  been  here,  and  does  not  mention  one  Sylable 
thereof.  They  had  taken  a  Canoe,  with  four  French  Men,  going 
up  the  Ohio;  they  killed  one  and  took  two  Prisoners.  As  this 
Expedit'n  is  [by]  the  imediate  Order  from  His  M'y,  and  the  Con- 
duct thereof  left  with  me,  I  have  nothing  more  at  Heart  than  that 
it  may  meet  with  Success,  w'ch  greatly  depends  on  the  resolution 
and  unanimity  of  the  Forces.  I  wish  You  Health,  and  am  Sin- 
cerely, 

S'r,  Y'r  F'd  and  humble  serv't. 


2:!-  DINWIDDIK    I'AI'KKS. 

GOVERNOR  DINVVIDDIE  TO  COLONKl.  WASHINGTON. 

June  27tlj.  [1754] 
Sir: 

V'r  Let'r  witlioiii  date  1  m  m  .  .mi  Mjrry  \'ou  have  occasion  to 
comprn  lor  want  of  Flower.  «S:c.,  it  j»ives  me  much  Uneasiness,  and 
[I]  have  wrote  stronj»ly  to  Mr.  C[arlyle]  to  prevent  any  such 
Comphimts  for  the  Future,  and  I  hope  Vou  will  have  no  room  to 
complam  lor  the  want  of  Provisions  or  Amunition  ;  having  desir'd 
that  the  last  may  be  imediateiy  sent  out.  Before  this  reaches 
You  I  doubt  not  Colo.  Innes  will  be  with  N'ou,  who  has  my  full 
Instruct's  for  conducting  the  E.xpcdilion,  and  a  regulat'n  in  re- 
gard to  the  Comds  (jf  the  Independ't  Compa's,  w'ch,  I  hope  will 
prevent  any  murmuring  in  regard  to  rank.  I  wish  You  had  sus- 
pended \"r  going  to  red-stone  Creek  till  You  was  join'd  by  the 
other  Forces,  being  much  afraid  of  a  surprize,  ^'ou  know  the 
French  act  with  great  Secrecy  and  Cunning,  and  therefore  I  do 
not  doubt  You  will  be  on  Y'r  Guard.  I  shall  be  glad  Mr.  Per- 
roney  be  appointed  Adjui't.  I  have  left  all  Appointm'ts  to  Colo. 
I.,  and  on  Y'r  Ap|)liral'n.  I  dare  say  he  will  appoint  him,  and 
regulate  the  Affairs  in  regard  to  the  regulars  working  on  the 
roads,  building  Forts,  <S:c.  I  am  excessively  hurried  with  Affairs 
of  great  Consef}uence,  that  I  cannot  answer  Y'r  Lct'r  fully,  but 
be  always  assur'd  that  I  have  a  true  regard  for  Y'r  Merit  and 
Conduct,  and  I  shall  be  very  careful  in  representing  the  same  w'n 
I  have  the  ()[)p'ty  of  Serving  \'ou.  I  refer  N'ou  to  Colo.  I.,  who, 
no  doubt,  will  consult  with  \ou  in  most  Things.  I  have  order' d 
two  Hhds.  of  rum'*'  out,  and  w'n  in  want  [you  will]  desire  Colo. 
1.  to  write  to  Mr.  C.  for  more.  I  am,  with  ILsteem  and  respect, 
S'r.  \"r  friend  and  h'ble  serv't. 

P.  S. — The  Frenchman  You  recomended,  does  not  appear. 
Let  Capt.  Trent  and  his  Lieut,  be  dormant  for  some  Time.  I  am 
well  pleiis'd  to  have  the  Half-King  my  Name  Sake;'"  my  Ser- 
vice to  him. 


'"The  cost  of  rum  at  this  period  was  3s.  6d.  per  gallon. 

'**The  exchange  by  an  Indian,  of  his  name  with  a  white  man,  was  in 
token  of  his  res|K-ct,  and  was  attended  with  much  ceremony.  It  was 
a  seal  of  friendship  and  deemed  to  create  a  degree  of  relationship  Ix;- 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  223 

GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  COLONEL  INNES. 

27th  June,  [1754.] 
Sir  : 

I  hope  this  will  meet  You  safe  arrived  at  the  Camp,  and 
that  most  of  the  Forces  will  be  very  soon  be  joined  in  a  Body, 
after  w'ch  a  Council  of  War  will  be  necessary  to  consult  a  Plan 
of  Opperations.  If  it  sh'd  be  judged  necessary  to  sumons  the 
Fort  to  surrender,  will  it  not  be  proper  to  mention  it  as  the  King 
of  England's  Fort,  taken  by  them  w'n  directed  to  be  built  for 
His  M'y's  Service,  and  on  His  M'y's  Lands?  however  proper 
this  may  be,  must  be  left  to  Y'r  Council.  The  Independ't 
Compa's  probably  m[a]y  complain  in  clearing  the  roads,  build- 
ing Forts,  &c.,  as  being  Extra  duty.  You  must  argue  they  are 
maintain' d  by  this  Colony  so  they  save  all  their  Pay,  and  w'n  on 
any  such  Duty  they  sh'd  beallow'd  a  little  Rum.  I  have  order'd 
out  two  Hhds.  and  You  may  send  for  more  as  wanted.  There  is 
one  Mr.  Perroney  that  the[y]  say  has  behaved  well  and  [who  is]  a 
good  Officer  ;  he  is  recomended  to  be  Adjut't,  but  as  I  leave  these 
Appointm'ts  to  You,  I  only  recomend  him  if  You  think  him 
proper.  I  shall  be  glad  to  have  a  Line  from  You  that  the  Inde- 
pend't Compa's  shew  a  good  Example  to  the  others  and  are  not 
rusty.  You  may  at  proper  Times  let  the  Officers  know  You 
have  Power  to  suspend  if  they  refuse  Y'r  Comands.  I  recomend 
You  to  the  Protect' n  of  God.  Wishing  You  Health  and  Suc- 
cess to  our  just  Designs,  I  am  in  Truth, 
Sir,  Y'r  friend  and  h'ble  serv't. 

P.  S.  Ask  Capt.  Mackey  if  he  thinks  on  this  Expedition  My 
Powers  from  the  King  does  not  enable  me  to  give  a  Com'o. 
superiour  to  [his,  and]  which  he  must  obey,  and  [say  that]  he  and 
his  Compa.  is  imediately  recomended  to  be  under  my  Com'd, 
and  in  Course,  whoever  I  may  appoint. 


tween  the  parties.  Washington  had  conferred  on  him  the  name  of  Con- 
notaucarius,  and  Governor  Dinwiddle  bore  that  of  Assaragoa,  but  this 
last  was  not  personal,  but  appertained  to  the  office,  each  successive 
Governor  being  designated  by  the  same  name. 


224  1»IN\V1I>1>IK    PAPKRS. 

r.i)\TK\i»K   I»I\\V!I)I>1K    ro  COI.UNKI.  1  AIKKAX. 

June  27th.  [1754] 

SiK 

1  .1111  v.i\  m-iw  <  ai-i.  Whuwcll  is  arrived  at  Alex'a.  I  shall 
bo  ^lad  if  I  am  di^appoinl'tl  in  the  N.  V.  Compa's,  but  suspend 
my  Opinion  till  I  have  Y'r  review  and  remarks.  I  am  of  opinion 
150  of  N.  Car.  Forces  must  be  with  Vou  the  day  after  the  M[an] 
of  War,  and  ab't  40  more  will  be  up  in  a  few  days,  w'ch,  I  think, 
are  the  last  y't  jjo  by  water.  Colo.  Innes  left  this  on  Tuesday, 
and  I  suppose  will  be  at  Win[chester]  on  Sunday  or  Monday, 
and  I  am  in  Hopes  w'n  he  arrives  at  the  Camp,  he  will  reconcile 
all  dirt'crences  in  regartl  to  rank,  workinj^'  on  the  roads,  Sic.  The 
want  of  Money  is  a  j^rcai  Loss  and  Hindrance  to  Maj'r  Carlyle; 
the  Council  agreed  on  my  Applical'n  to  borrow  [;^]2,ocxd  out  of 
the  2s.  Fund  ;  1,000  or  1,500  will  be  at  com'd  soon,  so  if  M[ajor] 
C  sends  or  comes  down,  he  shall  have  1,000  or  1,500,  on  the  C'r 
thereof  he  may  venture  to  send  Flower,  «S:c.  that  the  Soldiers 
may  not  want  Provisions.  I  fear  he  is  ill  used  by  the  Wag- 
goners ;  the  Cireat  Guns  and  Amunition  were  not  at  the  Camp 
as  might  [have]  reasonably  been  expected.  I  am  heartily  fa- 
tigued in  managing  Affairs  for  the  Service,  but  the  disappointm't 
of  Money  is  a  great  Loss;  however,  if  Mr.  C.  have  [success]  in 
M'yld  or  Pensylvaa  with  w't  is  here,  we  shall  be  easy  for  some 
Time.  I  am  sorry  John  Gladden  has  been  so  stupid  as  not  to 
take  proper  Care  of  his  register.  c\:c.,  as  she  is  under  seizure  I  can 
not  interfere ;  if  I  can  hereafter  be  of  Service  [I]  shall  be  glad.  As 
registered  here,  recourse  may  be  had  to  the  records  in  [the]  Sec- 
retary's Oftice,  but  what  can  be  done  for  want  of  Clearances  I 
cannot  tell,  but  all  the  Indulgence  the  Law  can  allow  sh'd  be 
given  to  the  owners,  to  whom  I  have  a  proper  reg  »'<!  My 
Complim'ts  to  Y'r  Sons  and  all  F'ds. 

I  am,  in  great  Truth,  Worthy  Friend, 

Y'r  atTect'o.  h'ble  serv't. 


DINWIDDIE   PAPERS.  225 

MONSIEUR  DRUILLON  TO  GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE. 

Sir: 

As  I  am  apprehensive  that  w't  I  had  the  Hon'r  to  ofter  to 
You,  w'n  I  appear' d  before  You  last,  was  not  interpreted  so  ex- 
actly as  it  sh'd  have  been,  I  beg  Y'r  Hon'r's  Permiss'n  to  repeat 
my  representat'n  of  the  Hardship  it  appear' d  to  me,  to  be  attack' d 
by  those  to  whom  Mr.  Jumonville  and  I  went  on  an  Embassy. 
The  Sieur  Jumonville,  who  was  killed,  being  an  older  Officer  than 
me,  had  the  written  Order  w'ch  Mr.  Washington  ought  to  have 
sent  You.  Mr.  Washington  said  that  he  w'd  have  treated  Us  in 
the  same  maner  that  he  was  treated  w'n  You  were  pleas' d  to 
send  him  on  an  Embassy  to  Us,  if,  like  him,  we  had  come  in  a 
smaller  Number.  The  Kind  treatment  of  the  Ind's  to  all  the 
English  on  the  Belle  reviere  (Ohio)  was  an  assurance  to  him  of 
the  same  kindness  from  them,  and  from  Us  he  c'd  not  apprehend 
any  danger  in  coming  without  Forces  to  a  French  Fort.  On  the 
contrary,  our  Situation  was  quite  different;  the  Ind's  had  assured 
Us  that  the  English  Troops  were  on  their  March  to  attack  Us; 
whereupon  our  Comand'r  did  all  in  his  Power  to  engage  them  to 
conduct  Us  to  their  Camp,  that  we  might  inform  ourselves  of 
your  Intent's,  and  those  of  Y'r  King;  but  none  of  them  c'd  be 
prevailed  on  to  be  our  Guides.  Last  Year  two  of  our  Couriers 
were  killed  by  these  same  Ind's,  and  the  Letters  lost;  and  lest 
we  might  meet  with  the  same  Fate,  he  thought  proper  to  give 
Us  the  small  Compa.  y't  we  had,  as  You  know  Sir.  Mr.  Wash- 
ington might  have  taken  Notice  w'n  he  attacked  Us  at  about  7 
or  8  o'clock  in  the  Morning,  y't  neither  we  nor  our  own  Men 
took  to  our  arms:  he  might  have  heard  our  Interpreter,  who  de- 
sir' d  him  to  come  to  our  Cabbin,  y't  we  might  confer  together, 
instead  of  taking  that  Opp'ty  to  fire  upon  Us.  Had  he  come  and 
given  Us  the  reason  on  w'ch  the  King  of  Eng'd  founds  his  Pre- 
tent's  to  the  Belle  reviere  (Ohio),  we  sh'd  have  imediately  born 
his  Answer  to  our  Com'd'r,  who  then  might  have  withdrawn  his 
Troops.  We  were  encamp' d  within  one  or  two  Miles  of  the 
Road.  This  Officer  w'd  not  have  reproach' d  Us  with  this,  if  he 
had  observ'd,  that  being  compelled  by  the  Rain  to  encamp  in  an 
extremely  mountainous  Country,  we  were  obliged  to  fix  on  the 
rivulet  where  he  found  Us,  for  the  Conveniency  of  Water.     He 


220  DINWIDDIK    PAPERS. 

adds  that  he  cM  not  rri'usc  the  Sohcitatiuns  of  the  Ind's  to  attack 
Us.  It'  this  reiusiin  were  MiHicient  to  aiithori/e  his  violating;  the 
Law  ol'  Nat's,  yet  alter  the  Action  \v;is  over,  and  he  came  to  read 
the  Order  and  Instruct's  we  were  charged  with,  I  sh'd  have 
flatier'tl  myself,  .Sir,  y't  instead  n(  senchnj;  Is  to  N'oii,  he  w'd 
have  srnt  Is  back  to  our  Camp  We  had  continued  a  day  in  the 
Place  where  we  were  attack'd:  we  were  encamp'd  there;  and  we 
were  not  above  7  miles  from  the  Knjj.  Camp.  VVc  were  so  far 
from  knowinjj  this,  y't  we  had  only  the  most  uncertain  Acc'ts 
that  the  Knj^.  were  at  all  in  those  Parts.  We  knew  indeed  that 
we  follow'd  a  plain  road,  but  we  were  ignorant  y't  it  w'd  carry 
Us  to  the  Kng.,  whom  we  only  knew  to  be  approachinjj  by  the 
Acc'ts  of  the  Ind's.  w'ch  wc  always  consider  as  very  uncertain. 
As  therefore  we  were  ignorant  of  our  nearness  to  the  Kng.  Camp, 
it  was  incumbent  on  us  to  preserve  our  Provisions,  w'ch  consisted 
in  Bread  only,  as  he  might  have  seen,  in  order  that  w'n  the  rain 
ceas'd  we  might  be  in  a  Condit'n  to  comply  with  our  Instruct's. 
These,  Sir,  are  the  only  Pretences  Mr.  Washington  has  for  de- 
taining me,  and  to  justifie  his  sending  me  to  N'ou.  I  flatter'd 
myself  at  Winchester,  that  I  slid  have  the  Hon'r  to  present  ^'ou 
there  with  this  request,  and  the  Interpreter  \'ou  had  there,  and 
whom  I  had  charg'd  with  my  .Solicitat'n  to  \'ou  for  a  (juarter  of 
an  Hour's  Audience,  continually  gave  me  Hopes  y't  N'ou  wou'd 
condescend  to  come  to  the  Tavern  where  Vou  had  placed  me. 
The  ne-xt  Morning  they  signified  to  me  Y'r  Pleasure  that  I  sh'd 
set  out,  and  this  obliged  me  to  dcler  till  now  to  address  my.self  to 
You,  as  I  now  do,  .Sir,  considering  and  hoping  in  Y'r  Justice  that 
^"r  Hon'r  will  be  plcas'd  to  remit  me  and  my  People  to  our 
Camp,  and  that  1  may  carry  our  Comaiid't  the  Answer  y't  he 
desires  to  have  from  You. 

I  have  the  Hon'r  to  be  with  the  most  profound  respect. 
Sir.  \"r  Hon'r's  most  h'ble  anil  most  obed't  Serv't, 

Druillon. 


DINVVIDDIE    PAPERS.  227 

MONSIEUR  DRUILLON  TO  GOVERNOR  DlNWll  )1  )I1-:. 

June   17th,  [1754.] 
Sir: 

The  first  Favo.  y't  I  sh'd  ask,  w'd  be  to  have  the  Hon'r  of 
pay'g  my  respects  to  you  and  present' g  You  with  our  People, 
but  the  Pillage  vv'ch  ensued  Mr.  Washington's  Attack,  and  the 
meanness  of  our  Cloths,  w'ch  we  have  been  obliged  to  accept 
from  one  and  another,  leaves  me  only  the  permission  to  beseech 
You  to  accept  in  Writing  the  Assurances  of  our  regard.  Be 
pleas' d  I  intreat  You  to  give  a  favorable  reception  to  the  request 
that  accompanies  this,  [in]  w'ch  I  refute  all  the  Pretences  that  Mr. 
Washington  has  used  to  induce  Y'r  Hon'r's  Approbat'n  of  His 
Conduct  in  siezing  Us  and  send'g  us  Prisoners  to  ^'ou.  If  he 
has  added  any  y't  I  am  not  acquainted  with,  I  beg  the  Favo.  o^^ 
you  Sir  to  impart  them  to  me,  and  I  do  assure  You  y't  I  can 
without  any  Difficulty  confute  them.  But  S'r,  if,  regardless  of 
my  representat's.  You  do  not  think  proper  to  return  us  to  the 
French  Fort,  and  lest  You  sh'd  determine  to  continue  our  stay 
for  some  Time  in  this  Town;  I  pray  y't  you  w'd  be  pleas' d  to 
appoint  some  Merch't  to  furnish  us  with  the  necessaries  we  want, 
y't  w'n  we  are  supplied  with  decent  Clothing  we  may  have  the 
Hon'r  to  pay  our  Complim'ts  to  You  and  the  other  Persons  of 
distinction,  who  have  done  us  the  Hon'r  of  their  Visits.  I  beg 
leave  Sir,  further  to  observe,  y't  there  is  only  one  small  room  in 
this  Prison,  w'ch  we  are  extremely  incomoded  in.  We  await  the 
result  of  Y'r  Goodness;  and  I  have  the  Hon'r  to  be  with  the 
most  profound  respect. 

S'r,  y'r  Hon'r's  most  h'ble  and  most  obed't  Serv't, 

Druillon. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE'.S  REPLY  TO  MONS'R  DRUILLON. 

June  19th,  1754. 
Sir: 

Y'r  Letter  and  the  request  that  accompanied  it  were  pre- 
sented to  me,  to  w'ch  I  give  You  the  Civility  of  an  Answer, 
tho'  I  am  perswaded  You  cannot,  Y'r  Self,  think  it  deserves  one. 


228  DINWIDUIK    I'AI'ERS. 

The  Protecin  due  to  Messengers  of  Peace  is  so  universally 
acknowledged,  and  the  Sacredness  a\  their  Characters  is  so  invi- 
olably  I)re^erved  y'l  even  aincMigst  the  most  barbarous  Nat's 
their  Persons  are  always  sale  and  unhurt.  \'ou  cannot  be  igno- 
rant how  much  all  the  various  Tribes  of  Ind's  revere  the  Calumet, 
and  Vou  must  know  y't  a  Flag  of  Truce  w'd  have  sooner  in- 
duced our  Protect' n  and  Regard,  than  a  Body  of  Men  arm'd 
with  the  Instruments  of  destruction. 

Thus.  I  think  the  Inconsistency  of  Vour  Appearance  with  Y'r 
Pretenl's,  obliges  me  to  consider  You  in  no  other  Light  than  y't 
in  w'ch  Vou  presented  \'ourselves.  Vou  rcm'd  several  days  ab't 
our  Camp  wiiht  telling  V'r  Message,  nor  w'd  not,  till  Vou  were 
prepared  for  our  destruct'n.  Vou  had  neither  a  right  to  dem'd, 
nor  Colo.  Washington  to  discuss,  the  King  my  Master's  Title  to 
the  Lands  on  the  Ohio  river ;  such  a  disquisition  lay  only  with 
\"r  Superiours:  but  it  was  his  duty  to  preserve  His  Majesty's 
dominions  in  Peace  and  protect  His  subjects,  and  those  who 
attempted  the  Violat'n  of  either  must  acknowledge  the  Justice  of 
their  Fate  if  they  meet  with  destruct'n.  Colo.  Washington 
assures  me  of  the  contrary  to  w't  you  represent  regarding 
the  Circumstances  of  the  Action,  and  after  it,  the  Paper  of 
Sumons  and  Instrnct's  to  Sieur  Jumonville  are  incontestible 
Proofs  and  Justifications  of  his  Conduct,  and  laid  him  under  a 
Necessity  of  continuing  to  act  as  he  since  did.  I  conceive  Your 
dresses  the  same  in  w'ch  \'ou  were  found  by  Colo.  Washington, 
and  therefore  it  was  of  V'r  own  Choice;  however,  I  shall  not 
hinder,  but  be  glad  if  any  of  our  Merch'ts  are  inclinable  to  give 
Vou  proper  C's,  altho'  the  severities  with  w'ch  many  of  His  Ma- 
jesty's Subjects,  whose  Persons  and  I'Lffects  ^'()U  have  unwar- 
rantably seiz'd,  have  been,  and  as  I  am  inform' tl  at  this  Time,  are 
treated  by  V'r  Forces  on  the  Ohio,  and  in  other  Parts  of  this 
Dom'n.  w'd  justifie  a  retaliative  Usage;  yet,  more  attentive  to 
the  Sentiments  of  Humanity  than  the  .Suggestions  of  revenge,  I 
shall  cause  V'r  Confinement,  w'cli  I  find  it  my  duty  to  continue, 
to  be  made  as  easy  to  \ou.  otf  receiving  proper  I^ngagem'ts  for 
Y'r  suitable  Behaviour,  as  the  nature  of  it  will  admit. 
I  am,  .S'r,  \"r  H'blc  Serv't. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  229 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  COLONEL  WASHINGTON. 

I  rec'd  Y'r  Letter  of  June  3d,  and  I  am  very  glad  to  know 
by  it  y't  the  Half-K'g,  with  80  Persons,  is  arriv'd  at  Y'r  Camp.  I 
have  given  all  necessary  Orders  for  a  proper  Supply  for  Y'r  R't, 
and  Y'r  [self?]  not  doubting  but  by  this  Time  Muse  has  joined 
You.  The  barbarous  Intent's  of  the  French  surprizes  me,  and  Y'r 
Speech  to  the  Wayandotts,  Twightwees,  &c.,  and  it  gives  me 
Pleasure  y't  those  Nat's  have  declared  Y'r  Inclinations  in  our 
Favo,,  and  Y'r  endeavouring  to  get  the  Chippaways  and  Otta- 
ways  to  our  Int't,  w'ch,  at  this  Time,  will  be  of  very  great  Ser- 
vice, as  we  have  begun,  not  doubting  but  they  will  take  up  the 
Hatchet  ag'st  the  French.  I  hope  the  Half- King's  Message  by 
Monacatoocha  will  have  its  proper  Effect  by  drawing  these  Nat's 
to  our  Int't.  I  approve  of  Y'r  Proposal  to  the  Half-King,  of 
sending  the  Women  and  Children  into  the  Inhabit's ;  if  he  agrees 
to  send  them,  they  will  be  taken  proper  Care  of,  having  given 
Orders  Accordingly. 

I  thorowly  consider' d  the  great  Use  Montour  w'd  be  to  You, 
and  was  uneasy  y't  You  had  no  Interp'r.  I  therefore  gave  him 
a  Com'o.  to  select  [a]  N.  of  Ind's  on  this  Expedition,  and  hope 
he  is  with  You  before  this.  I  further  engag'd  Mr.  Croghan  to 
repair  to  Y'r  Camp,  and  there  to  rem'n  as  Y'r  Interpreter.  I 
firmly  believe  w't  the  deserters  mention  in  regard  to  the  Master 
Traders  being  confined  at  the  Fr.  Fort,  and  of  the  Party  sent 
down  the  Ohio  to  kill  and  take  Prisoners  all  the  English,  w'ch  I 
beg  You  will  make  proper  Use  of  in  being  on  Y'r  Guard  from 
any  Surprize.  From  the  Appearance  of  the  Prisoners,  I  judge 
that  the  Party  under  Jumonville  was  of  chosen  Men,  but  I  hope 
their  Numb's  at  the  Fort  cannot  be  1,100.  However,  act  with 
Caution  as  if  they  were  so;  tho'  it  gives  me  Pleasure  to  find  Y'r 
resolut'n  not  to  be  Shaken  by  the  apprehension  of  Superiour 
Numbers,  as  appear' d  by  the  late  Action,  w'ch  was  conducted 
with  good  Sense  and  Bravery.  My  God  Son's  Behaviour  gives 
me  Pleasure,  and  I  fiesire,  w'n  the  Goods  come  out.  You  may 
equip  [him]  agreeable  to  his  Merit  and  his  being  my  God  Son.  I 
have  order' d  the  remainder  of  the  Goods  to  be  kept  at  Win[chester] 
till  the  So'ern  Ind's  arrive  there.  They  are  to  have  some  of 
them,  and  the  remainder  to  be  sent  to  the  Camp  to  be  distributed 


230  DINWIUDIK    PAPERS. 

to  the  Ind's  occ.usionally.  ajjrecablc  to  V'r  former  IVoposal.  I  am 
j{lad  Vou  have  fmislietl  \'t  PallisadcKHi  Fort,  and  hope  the  In- 
dcpcnd't  Compa.  from  So.  Car.  will  join  You  this  Nij{ht.  The 
two  Cumpa's  from  N.  \.  are  every  Minute  expected,  havinj^  been 
cmbark'd  abt>ve  a  Fortnight,  anil  they  shall  have  my  Orders  to 
march  imediately.  w'ch.  with  the  Forces  from  N.  Car.,  the  So'th'n 
Ind's  and  our  friendly  Ind's  on  [the]  C)hi().  w'n  collected  in  a 
Body,  will  make  a  ^ood  Fifjure  aj^'st  any  Number  the  Fr.  can 
bring  ag'st  L's.  I  have,  with  great  Pleasure,  rec'd  the  3  Strings 
of  Warn,  from  the  \V>and()its  ami  the  other  Wariors.  I  desire 
Vou  will  make  a  Speech  in  my  Name,  and  give  3  Strings  pro- 
perly in  return.  \'r  Conduct  gives  me  great  Satisfact'n  and 
Pleasure,  and 

I  am,  Sr,  \"r  real  I'riLiul. 

P.  S. — If  the  Women  and  Children  come  into  the  Inhabil's,  I 
think  they'll  be  taken  the  best  care  of  at  \Vin[chester],  w'ch  You 
may  propos*-  to  the  Half-King.  I  am  in  my  way  to  W'msburg. 
but  I  have  order" d  .Maj'r  Carlyle  to  send  me  imediately  any  Mes- 
sage and  Informatn  y't  Y^ou  find  necessary  to  send. 


GOVF.RNOR  DINWinnii:  Tf)  C.APT.MN  CI..\KKF..  OF  THF 

NTW  \()kK'    I\I>M'I'\"I)l-\T  COM  PAN"  IKS. 

Sir  : 

The  great  tlelay  in  ^*our  not  coming  sooner  to  this  Gov't, 
agreeable  to  His  .M'y's  Com'd,  has  been  of  very  great  Prejudice 
to  the  txpedil'n  to  the  Ohio;  y't  I  am  directed  to  prosecute  the 
reasons  for  this  You  are  best  able  to  answer.  I  have  directed 
Colo.  Fairfax,  one  of  His  M'y's  Council,  in  my  absence  to  review 
Y'r  two  Compa's.  and  transitjit  me  a  perfect  and  exact  Muster 
roll,  lo  qualific  me  to  write  to  Eng.  After  he  has  review'd  \  r 
Compa's,  I  order  You  with  all  possible  I)is{)atch  lo  march  to  our 
Camp  near  to  the  Ohio  river  and  join  the  other  Forces,  of  w'ch 
Colo.  J.  Innes  is  appointetl  by  me  Com'd'r  in  Chief,  and  has  my 
Instruct's  for  conducting  the  same,  and  he  will  give  ^'ou  Orders 
from  Time  to  Tinie,  and  I  expect  You  will  make  some  amends 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  231 

for  Y'r  long  Delay  by  a  quick  March.  Maj'r  Jno.  Carlyle  is  ap- 
pointed Comissary  of  Stores  and  Provisions,  to  whom  You  are  to 
apply  for  Waggons,  &c.  I  wish  You  a  happy  Junction  with  the 
other  Forces,  and  am. 

Sir,  Y'r  Friend,  &c. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  MAJOR  CARLYLE. 

July  5th,  1754,  Capt.  Cock's,  Winchester. 
Sir: 

Deliver  the  Bearer  hereof,  Mr.  Ab'm  Smith,  12,  >^  bis.  Gun 
Powder,  1,000  lb  w't  of  Lead,  and  two  of  the  Medals;  take  his 
receipt  for  them,  to  be  deliver'd  to  the  Cherokees  and  Catawbas; 
keep  6  of  the  Medals  and  6  of  the  best  Guns  to  be  sent  down  to 
me  by  the  first  proper  Opp'ty  ;  the  rest  of  the  Goods  are  to  be  at 
the  Disposal  of  Colo.  Wm.  Fairfax.  I  wish  You  Health,  and  am, 
S'r,  Y'r  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  ABRAHAM  SMITH. 

July  5th,  [1754-] 
Sir: 

You  are  to  deliver  the  Blankets  and  Check  Linen  to  the 
Cherokees  and  Catawbas  (now  at  Petersburg)  [stc']  as  a  Pres't 
from  this  Gov't  as  also  the  b'l  of  Powder  and  Lead  to  serve  them 
in  their  March  to  their  own  Co't'y.  You  have  a  Let'r  to  Capt* 
Wm.  Cocke  at  Win'r  for  12  half  bis.  of  Powder  and  1,000  Ih  of 
Lead,  w'th  two  Medals.  You  are  to  deliver  8  of  the  half  bis.  of 
Powder  and  700  ttj  of  the  Lead  to  the  Cherokees,  4  bis.  Powder  and 
300  ttj  Lead  to  the  Catawbas,  as  a  Pres't  from  their  Father  the 
King  of  G.  B.  Give  one  of  the  Medals  to  the  Emperor  of  the 
Cherokees  and  the  other  to  the  King  of  the  Catawbas.  They  are 
to  receive  these  Things  from  You  on  the  back  Part  of  this  Dom'n. 
Give  my  Service  to  them  and  tell  them  I  shall  be  glad  if  they  will 


232  DINWIODIE    PAPERS. 

hunt  lhi»  next  Winit-r   near  the  Ohio,  in  caxc  the   French  sh'd 
diiiturb  our  People  there.  I  ho|M'  they  will  in  that   Case  assist  Us. 
I  am,  S'r,  Y'r  h'blc  scr\'t. 


UU\1.K.N<JK    PINW  ll>l>ll,    lo  (  «  tloNia,   INNF-S. 

July  20.  [1754] 
Sir  ; 

I  nc'd  Y'r  two  Letters  of  the  8th  and  nth,  and  [you]  refer 
me  to  one  cnclos'd.  w'ch  Vou  forj^ot.  The  Misfortune  attending 
our  Mxpedit'n  is  entirely  owin^  to  the  delay  of  ^'our  Forces,  and 
more  particularly  the  two  Ind't  Compa's  from  N.  Y. ;  how  they 
can  answer  their  disobedience  to  His  Majesty's  Com'ds  I  know 
not,  and  w'n  ^'ou  have  review'd  them,  j^ive  me  a  particular  Acc't. 
As  to  Y'r  rcgim't  I  can  say  little  to,  as  You  are  talking  of  dis- 
banding them  before  they  join  the  other  F"orccs.  I  sh'd  think 
the  [;{')' 2.000  has  been  ill  managed,  if  expended  already,  or  can 
I  tell  the  Fay  and  Cha's  attending  them  till  this  Time;  they  have 
been  very  dillatory  and  keep  droping  in  one  after  another.  Maj'r 
Rowan's  Compa.  took  .Shipping  on  Tuesday  last  for  Alex'a;  they 
all  have  call'd  on  me  for  Money  to  pay  their  Arrears,  to  buy 
Cloths.  «Ivc.  The  arrears,  I  think,  should  have  been  p'd  in  No. 
Car.  in  Y'r  Paper  Curr'cy,'**  You  gave  me  no  Orders  to  ad- 
vance Money,  or  can  I  do  it;  our  own  rcgim't  has  got  all 
the  Money  I  can  spare,  and  that's  attended  with  heavy 
Cha's  to  this  Co't'y,  and  each  Colony  is  to  subsist,  &c., 
their  own  F-'orces.  The  Pork  gives  but  a  poor  Prospect  of  rais'g 
Money  from  its  Condition,  fas  to'  w'ch  fll  refer  ^'ou  to  my  former 


•*•  An  act  was  passed  Fehniary  19.  1754.  by  the  Assembly  of  North 
Carolina,  authorizinn  and  commissioning  John  .Swann.  Ix'wis  DeRosset, 
Sam'ISwannand  j<jhn  .Starkcy  "to  .Stamp  and  make  out.  or  cause  to 
be  stam|»e<l  with  copinrr  plates  and  si^iied  with  their  hands,  Public  Bills 
of  Credit."  to  the  amount  of  /'4o,r)oo  "at  the  rate  of  Proclamation 
Money"  [four  shiltiniri  f«)r  three  of  sterlinRl  in  various  denominations, 
from  four  p<-nre  to  thirty  shillings.  Davis's  Rn'isat  of  Laws  of  N.  C, 
Nr-uftcm,  rj^j,  pp.  155-S. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  233 

Letter,  and  y't  Comodity  is  now  sold  at  a  large  Credit/*^  y't  You 
can  have  no  dependence  on  it  lor  Cash,  unless  You  order  it  to  be 
sold  at  public  Vendue.  Colo.  Hunter,  Maj'r  Carlyle  and  Self, 
are  in  Advance  to  Y'r  regim't,  and  expect  Paym't  from  the  Pro- 
duce of  the  Pork.  I  think  if  You  can  State  the  Acc't  of  Y'r  Dis- 
bursem'ts  and  Cha's,  You  sh'd  transmit  the  same  to  Mr.  Dobbs 
(who  is  daily  expected)  and  have  his  determinat'n  w't  You  are 
to  do  for  the  Future,  and  it's  probable  he  will  find  some  Method 
of  keeping  Y'r  regim't  together  for  8  Mo's  longer.  As  for  Y'r 
Operat's  now,  I  desire  You  will  call  a  Council  of  Y'r  field  Officers 
and  consult  a  proper  Place  for  building  a  Log  Fort,  and  erecting 
a  Magazine  to  receive  6  mo's  Provisions  for  12  or  14  [j^/V.^]  men, 
as  I  think  it's  not  prudent  to  march  out  to  the  Ohio  till  You  have 
a  sufficient  Force  to  attack  the  Enemy,  and  y't  You  be  properly 
provided  with  every  thing  for  y't  purpose.  The  Independ't 
Compa's,  I  think,  sh'd  remain  there,  and  w't  of  Y"r  regim't  You 
may  think  proper ;  the  other  You  may  order  to  Alexa.  and 
Win[chester]  for  some  Time,  and  y't  they  may  be  ready  at  a 
Call.  I  am  told  You  can,  from  the  Forces,  hire  workmen 
sufficient  to  build  the  Fort  and  Magazine.  Maj'r  Carlyle  will 
agree  with  them  to  pay  so  much  a  day  for  their  Labour, 
and  supply  Tools,  Nails,  &c. ;  this,  I  think  is  w't  is  proper 
to  be  done  at  present.  The  French  Prisoners  are  to  be  ret'd 
by  the  Articles  agreed  on  by  our  People  and  the  French, 
and  [I]  shall,  therefore,  send  them  up  to  You  soon,  to  be  sent 
by  a  proper  Escort,  and  to  have  the  two  Hostages'*"  ret'd, 
Capt.  Clark  has  wrote  me  for  leave  to  go  Home.  He,  nor  those 
Compa's  deserve  any  Indulgence,  from  their  unaccountable  delays, 
w'ch  they  must  answer  to  higher  Powers ;  however,  as  You  are 
Com'd'r  in  Chief,  if  You  see  proper.  You  may  give  him  a  Furlow 
for  some  Months  I  promised  Capt.  McKay  leave  to  go  Home 
to  his  Family,  You  may  some  Time  hence  give  him  leave,  but  to 
return  again  in  Jan'ry  next.  Colo.  Muse  desires  leave  to  resign 
his  Com'd ;  as  he  is  not  very  agreeable  to  the  other  Officers,  I  am 
well  pleas'd  at  his  resignat'n,  and  have  now  sent  You  ten  blank 
Com'o.  to  be  filled  up  properly,  take  the  advice  of  Colo.  W.  in 

"'The  price  of  pork  at  this  period  was  30  shillings  per  barrel. 
'** Captains  Van  Braain  and  Stobo,  who  were  surrendered  at  the  affair 
of  the  Little  Meadows. 


2S4  OINWIDDIF.    PAPERS. 

this  affair  as  ihcy  musi  be  liird  up  from  ihcir  own  Coqw.  The 
laic  unlucky  Knua^ni'l  jjives  mc  Concern,  however,  we  must  look 
I'orw.iriiH  in  hi>|K>^  ol  turning  thf  tables  on  the  Knemy;  w'ch  I 
am  not  wilhn^  to  venture  till  N'ou  have  a  sutticient  Force  and 
pro|>er  Supplies.  I  sent  up  the  Small  Arms.  Bayonets.  Powder, 
and  Shott  for  V'r  People,  w'ch  Maj'r  Carlyle  tells  me  arriv'd  safe 
at  Alexa'a.  and  1  doubt  not  Vou  have  pr<)(>erly  dis|X»sed  of,  as 
beft)re.  I  can  v;ive  no  (Jrders  lor  entertaining^  Y'r  retjim't,  as  this 
Dom'n  will  maintain  none  but  their  own  Forces,  You  must, 
therefore,  write  to  Mr.  Hobbs  on  tin*  affair,  and  the  sooner  the 
better.  Enclo8e<l  I  send  N'ou  a  Let'r  and  1  )fp<»sit'n.  to  w'ch  I  refer 
You.  After  Y'r  Fort  and  Maj^azine  is  built.  I  sup{>ose  the  Inde- 
pen<rt  Compa's  may  e.\|H.'Ct  a  little  Recess  in  coming;  to  proper 
Places  down  the  Co't'y.  tho'  to  l>e  at  call ;  in  that  c;ise  N'ou  must 
always  take  care  to  have  a  proi)er  [force]  at  the  Fort  and  Maga- 
zine, so  that  two  Compa's  at  least  l>e  there.  If  leave  be  jjiven  to 
one  Compa.  for  a  Mo.,  on  their  return  another  [isj  t«»  have  the  s.ime 
Leave,  but  this  or  any  other  Affairs  y't  be  necessary.  1  desire  may 
he  settled  at  Y'r  Coimcil  of  War.  Write  how  the  Officers  of  the 
liuUpend't  Compa's  and  those  of  our  Forces  are  likely  to  agree, 
w'ch  I  expect  You  will  by  Y'r  Authority  Kndeav'r  to  promote, 
y't  everything  may  be  conducted  with  Order  for  the  benefit  of 
the  Ser\ice.  1  am  quite  weary,  must  therefore  leave  off,  ex- 
pecting soon  to  hear  from  ^'ou,  and 

I  am,  S'r,  \"r  h'bk-  Scrv't. 

Maj'r  Carlyle  will  receive  Y'r  Orders  for  supplvinc  Y'r  regim'l 
for  the  Pres't. 


OOVER.NOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  GOVERNOR  SHARrK. 

July  [24.   1754].'" 
Sir: 

Agreeable  to  \'r  Desire,  I  have  deliver'd  the  Prisoners  to 
Capt.  Sirahan.  The  Cha[rgc]s  in  Imnging  them  from  the  King's 
Ship,  and  keeping  ihcm  in  Prison  here,  I  ih'wU  >.Ii<l  l.«    p-u<1  by 


•"Mentioned  in  a  pre\ious  letter,  p.  212. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS  235 

Your  Treasurer.  You  have  the  Acc't  enclosed.  I  wish  You  an 
agreeable  Meeting  with  Your  Assembly,  and  [I]  hope  they  will 
now  be  convinc'd  of  the  Necessity  of  granting  a  Supply  for  con- 
ducting the  E.xpedition  ag'st  the  comon  Enemy,  and  more  so  as 
the  Property  of  every  Individual  in  those  Colonies  are  so  much 
concern'd,  and  in  danger.  I  thank  You  for  Y'r  Advice  in  regard 
to  the  rank  of  the  Officers.  The  Com'o's  I  proposed  to  Capt. 
Clark,  who  is  ne.xt  to  Colo.  Innes,  he  then  seem'd  well  pleas'd 
with  the  Method  I  propos'd.  I  hope  they  will  agree  so  not  as  to 
hurt  the  Expedition.  I  shall  be  glad  to  hear  the  result  of  Y'r 
Assembly,  and  I  am  with  very  great  Esteem  and  regard, 
Y'r  Exc'y's  most  h'ble  Serv't. 

P.  S.  The  Bearer  brings  the  Examinat'n  of  the  Prisoners  in  So. 
Carolina.     Penman's  Acc't,  /^i6,  7. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  JAMES  ABERCROMBY. 

July  24th,  [1754]. 
D'r  Sir: 

I  wrote  to  You  the  i8th  Ulto.  by  His  M'y's  Ship 
Centaur,  w'ch  [I]  hope  came  safe  to  Y'r  Hands,  and  desire  to  be 
refer' d  thereto.  The  Council  retracting  from  their  former  unani- 
mous Opinion,  doth  not  appear  to  me  w'n  at  the  Board,  or  can  it 
be  suppos'd  here,  w'n  You  see  their  Address  to  His  M'y  in  sup- 
port of  my  Administrat'n.  I  know  some  of  them  from  Consan- 
guinity, Some  of  [them]  my  Opponents,  and  out  of  [a  desire  for] 
Popularity,  have  not  acted  properly  out  of  doors ;  but  w't  can  be 
s'd  in  vindicat'n  of  any  Person  y't  on  the  two  above  Heads  sh'd 
resign  their  Hon'r  and  Trust?  Surely  they  must  give  a  Holy-day 
to  their  Senses  if  they  appear  ag'st  me  at  Home,  and  [I]  shall  be 
glad  to  know  who  are  the  Persons.  I  am  well  convinc'd  w'n 
the  resolves  of  the  Ho.  of  Burgesses  are  properly  consider'd,  will 
occasion  more  reflections  on  them  y'n  any  Foundat'n  of  a  Com- 
plaint ag'st  me  on  acc't  of  the  Fee  w'ch  was  so  circumspectly 
establish' d.  I  cannot  tell  who  You  mean  by  Doct'r  M.,  who- 
ever he  is.  His  Arguments  are  both  Superficial  and  inconsis- 
tant.     If  any  of  my  Predecessors  suffer'd  by  Addresses  and  Ap- 


23''  1  1 1  N  \\   I  i  •  I  M  I         i      \  : 

plic.ii'.s  Iroin  iliis  ll)t»niinionj  Udmk-.  vny  likely  they  dcscrveti 
ihcir  Kale,  and  1  shall  always  think  inyscll  Subject  to  the  same 
Trcatm'i  w'n  I  ircsjiass  Irom  my  Instructs,  or  [am]  guilty  of  any 
Arbitrary  Actions  in  my  AclminiNtraiit)n ;  and,  on  the  other 
Hand.  I  doubt  not  of  proper  Support  at  Home  when  I  act  con- 
sistently on  n>y  l)uty,  and  in  suppoit  of  His  M'y's  revenue  of 
quit  rents.  As  I  presume  the  Affair  has  had  a  proper  Hearing 
belore  the  King  and  Council.  1  daily  wait  in  Hxpectal'n  to 
hear  the  Determinat'n.  The  Teople  here  are  too  much  on  a 
republican  Spirit.  The  Ho.  of  B.  making  resolves  in  dispos'g 
of  tie  Kings  Money  without  the  Concurrence  of  the  other 
iJranches  of  the  Legislature,  is  without  Precedent,  and  I  shall 
be  on  my  (lUard  not  to  allow  any  suni  to  be  paid  but  agree- 
able to  my  Instruct.  I  send  you  by  the  rev.  Mr.  Hotchkis"* 
our  Laws  bound  and  those  of  the  two  last  Sessions.  The  Act 
for  the  Encouragem't  and  Trolection  of  the  Settlers  on  the 
Waters  of  the  Mississippi,  you  will  please  observe,  it's  clogg'd 
with  many  Things  not  regular,  or  w'd  I  have  given  my  Assent 
to  it.  if  it  had  not  been  the  Lnurgency  of  our  present  Affairs  ; 
without  the  Money  given  by  that  Act.  I  c'd  not  have  carried  on 
the  L.xpedition.  for  w'ch  reason.  I  hope  I  shall  stand  e.xcus'd. 
Pray  w  rite  me  the  Opinions  of  the  Lords  for  Trade  on  this  Act. 
for  I  was  very  averse  to  the  Passing  of  it.  but  they  were 
determined  to  give  no  Money  in  any  other  Shape,  and  if  I  had 
not  assented  to  it.  the  French  must  have  cjuietly  possess'd  His 
Majesty's  Lands  on  the  Ohio.  Whereas  now  I  have  a  prospect 
of  retaking  the  I'orl  and  driving  them  from  that  river,  w'ch 
w'd  have  been  done  before  this,  if  «»ur  neighl>ouring  Colonies 
had  shown  a  due  obedience  to  His  M'y's  Commands  and  con- 
sider'd  truely  the  Support  of  their  own  Properties.  I  think  we 
are  now  upwards  of  Kof)  strong,  and  Jas.  Innes,  who  Com'ds  in 
Chief,  has  my  Orders  to  sumons  them  to  deliver  up  the  Fort,  to 
take  it  by  Storm,  or  to  Starve  them  to  a  Compliance.  I  have 
been  greatly  fatigu'd  in  this  AtVair.  and  greatly  in  want  of  Money 


'••  The  editor  has  been  unable  to  trace  this  clergyman,  but  his  friend, 
Maj«)r  Jed.  Hotchkiss.  (whose  ancestor.  .Martial  llotrhkiss.  from  Scot- 
land, was  Hi^h  Sheriff  of  New  Haven.  Connecticut.)  surmises  that  it 
may  have  been  the  Rev.  Frederick  W.  Hntrhkiss.  who  was  stationed  in 
New  Haven.  Connecticut,  in  1754.  and  died  there  in  1820. 


DINVVIDDIE    PAPERS.  237 

and  Men.  I  have  therefore  wrote  tor  Assistance  from  G.  B.,  and 
I  shall  be  mighty  Glad  it"  my  Fatigue  and  Conduct  meet  with  the 
desired  Efifect,  trusting  in  God  for  Success  in  our  just  and 
Equitable  Expedition  in  support  of  His  M'y's  undoubted  right 
to  the  Lands  on  the  Ohio  river.  I  can  do  no  more,  than  with 
Vigour  and  resolut'n,  conduct  the  whole  with  Oeconomy  and 
Spirit.  Enclos'd  Vou  have  Copy  of  a  resolve  of  the  Council 
appointing  Vou  Agent  in  the  room  of  Mr.  Leheup;  his  Salary  was 
^loo  '^  Ann.  Y'rs  is  the  same,  and  will  be  p'd  every  six  mo's 
by  Bills  of  Excha.  Your  Agency  comences  the  20th  April  last, 
and  this  is  all  I  c'd  [do]  for  you.  I  c'd  not  propose  Augment' g  the 
Salary ;  if  hereafter  the  H.  of  B.  can  be  prevail' d  on  to  appoint  You> 
it  will  be  d[ou]ble  the  above  sum,  but  y't  Ho.  is  so  diffident  and 
jealous  of  the  Council,  y't  they  never  c'd  be  prevail' d  on  to  have 
the  same  Agent.  I  am  now  much  hurried,  must  therefore  make 
an  end  of  this  long  Letter,  with  my  Wife  and  two  Girls'  kind 
Complim'ts  to  You,  I  am  in  great  Sincerity, 

Sir,  Y'r  affect.,  h'ble  Serv't. 

[P.  S.] — Write  me  more  frequently ;  at  least  four  Ships  from 
Londo.  without  a  Line  from  You. 

[N.  B.] — Sir:  Since  writing  the  above  we  have  had  an  Acc't 
of  an  Engagem't  between  our  Small  Number  of  Forces  and  900 
of  the  French.  The  enclos'd  Paper  will  give  You  the  Particulars 
deliver' d  me  by  two  of  our  Officers.  This  Misfortune  is  occa- 
sion'd  by  the  dillatoriness  of  the  two  Independ't  Compa's  from 
N.  Y.  and  the  Forces  rais'd  in  No.  Car.  not  having  join'd  the 
Forces  rais'd  here,  and  the  Independ't  Compa's  from  So.  Car. 
The  two  last  bore  the  whole  brunt  of  the  Action,  and  considering 
their  few  Numbers,  they  behav'd  with  great  resolut'n,  and  indeed, 
1  think  they  acquir'd  much  Hon'r,  tho'  the  French  had  the  Vic- 
tory. I  expected  Assistance  from  the  Catawbas  and  Cherokees, 
[and]  Creeks  or  Chickasaws,  for  they  belong  to  this  Gov't.  There 
is  an  Infatuation  that  too  much  prevails  on  this  Cont't,  by  the 
Gov'ts  ascerting  seperate  Int'ts  and  not  acting  as  Subjects  to  one 
Prince,  w'ch  occasions  many  unreasonable  Disputes  with  the  Ind's. 
I  always  look  on  these  People  as  Fr'ds  and  Allies  to  the  Subjects 
of  G.  B.  in  general,  without  any  private  Views,  and  this  Co't'y  has 
very  little  of  the  Ind'n  Trade,  the  support  of  w'ch  to  Carol.,  I  sup- 
pose is  Mr.  Glen's  View ;  but  tliis  sh'd  be  laid  aside,  w'n  the  I<"rench 


288  DINWIODIE    PAPERS. 

apiK'ar  s«»  strenuuus  to  possess  themselves  of  the  King's  Land; 
that  (iem.  lurther  drj.ires  me  to  return  the  Independ't  Compa. 
sent  me  by  His  My's  Urdtrs,  but  he  sh'tl  consider  they  are  not  to 
be  ret'd  without  His  M'y's  Orders,  in  short,  his  Letters  are  in  so 
dictatorial  a  Style,  y'l  I  shall  not  answer  them ;  or  do  I  complain 
Home.  ;is  I  hear  he  is  superceeded  in  his  Ciov't.  The  three  Ind't 
Comjvi's  are  sup|)lied  by  me  with  all  Necessaries,  except  their 
Pay.  viz.  Tents,  HIankets,  Kettles,  Knapsacks.  Spatterdashes.'*" 
\Vagi,'ons  and  Provisions.  I  have  wrote  to  S'r  Thos.  Robinson, 
and  Secly  ol  War  lor  Orders  to  draw  lor  my  reimbursement. 
Speak  to  Mr.  H[anbury  ?J  and  endeavour  to  have  this  settled  in  a 
proper  manner,  y't  I  may  not  suffer.  I  have  also  wrote  for  a 
regim't  or  two  of  Men.  and  sundry  Necessaries  from  the  B'd  of 
Ordnance.  N'ou  are  to  apply  to  S'r  Thos.  Robinson  on  this 
Head,  and  as  by  the  late  Action  we  are  now  in  open  War  with 
the  French  in  this  Part  «»l  the  Worltl.  1  presume  there  will  be 
Application  to  that  Ct)uri  to  know  the  reasons  of  this  Hehaviour 
of  the  French  in  invading  the  Lands,  the  just  Property  of  His  M'y 
of  (j.  B.,  [to]  w'ch  I  am  convinc'd  they  can  deduce  no  right,  but 
by  the  force  of  Arms.  1  have  had  the  F.xpedii'n  much  at  Heart, 
and  I  may  venture  to  say,  witho't  X'anity.  y't  no  Person  in  my 
Situai'n  c'd  do  more,  considering  how  I  have  been  supported, 
without  any  Aid  from  the  neighbouring  Colonies.  The  two  Pro- 
prietary (jov'ts  of  iNPyl'd  and  Pensy.  have  been  very  obstinate 
and  refractory;  their  Assemblies,  tho'  often  call'd,  have  granted 
no  Supplies.  I  have  propos'd  [to]  S'r  T.  R.  an  Act  of  Parlia- 
ment for  a  general  Poll  Tax  over  all  this  Cont't,  of  2s.  6d.  St'g, 
w'ch  I  think,  (if  eligible),  will  answer  the  Expenses  of  this  Kx- 
{>ed'n  in  regard  to  the  Forces  rais'd,  or  to  be  rais'd,  in  the  differ- 
ent Colonies.  If  this  meets  with  Approbat'n  pray  write  me,  and 
take  pains  to  procure  me  a  Liberty  to  draw  for  my  Advance,  for 
w'ch  Sums  I  shall  transmit  proper  Vouchers.  I  doubt  not  the 
Ministry  will  agree  that  no  Time  is  to  be  lost  in  obliging  the 
French,  by  I-orce,  to  retire  from  His  M'y's  Lands.  If  I  be  pro- 
perly inform'd,  this  Scheme  of  theirs  has  been  forming  for  above 
Seven  years,  and  y't  they  expect  Forces  from  France  to  support 
them.     The   Ind's,  I  observe,  arc  tn  lie  ncutre  till   tlicv  see  who 

■'"  .->ji.iU'rii.isiK-N   wcTC   U"KK"iK"'  "'   * '"l"   "r  «.(\f<l  Iiikh   lor  soldiers, 
for  protection  from  wet;  now  catk-d  long  gaiters. 


DINWIDOIE    PAPERS.  239 

Conquers;  with  them,  they  join,  and  [I]  dare  say  [this]  is  a  settled 
rule  with  them;  and  I  am  convinc'd,  if  in  any  subsecjuent  Action 
we  sh'd  prevail,  all  the  Ind's  now  with  the  I^'rench  will  join  our 
Forces.  As  I  have  wrote  to  [the]  Sec'y  of  State,  and  B'd  of 
Trade  pretty  fully  on  these  Affairs,  give  V'r  Attendance  also  to 
the  Sec'y  of  War,  and  know  their  determinat's.  I  keep  the 
Forces  in  Pay  and  have  order'd  a  Fort,  [and]  a  Magazine  for 
Stores  and  Provisions,  to  be  built  at  Wills's  Creek,  about  70 
Miles  nigher  the  Inhabitants  than  the  Place  where  the  Engagem't 
was,  till  I  hear  from  Home.  You  may  believe  I  shall  be  uneasy  till 
I  hear  w't  is  determin'd  to  be  done,  and  receive  His  M'y's  Com'ds, 
w'ch  shall  be  duely  put  in  Execution. 
I  am  with  great  regards, 

S'r,  Y'r  affec.  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  THE  LORDS  OF  TRADE. 

[July  24th,  1754.] 
R't  Hon.: 

Inclos'd  You  have  Copy  of  my  last,  to  w'ch  please 
be  refer' d.  A  few  Days  ago  arriv'd  here  Colo.  W.,  Com'd'r  of 
the  Forces,  rais'd  in  this  Dom'n,  and  Capt.  McKay,  of  the  Ind't 
Compa.  from  So.  Car.,  from  our  Camp  at  the  Meadows,  near  the 
Ohio  river,  who  gave  the  following  melancholy  Acc't  of  an  En- 
gagem't between  our  Forces  and  the  French.  On  the  3d  of  this 
Mo.  they  had  Intelligence  y't  the  French  were  re-inforc'd  (at  the 
Fort  they  took  from  Us,  in  May  last,  near  the  Ohio,)  with  700 
Men,  and  y't  they  were  in  full  March  with  900  Men  to  attack  our 
small  Camp,  w'ch  consisted  of  few  more  than  300  Men  besides 
Officers.  They  imediately  connected  and  prepared  to  make  the 
best  Defence  their  small  Numbers  w'd  admit  of,  by  throw'g  up  a 
small  Intrenchm't,  which  they  had  not  Time  to  compleat,  before 
their  out  Centry  gave  the  Alarm,  by  firing  his  Gun,  of  the  ap- 
proach of  the  Enemy.  Imediately  they  appear'd  in  Sight  of  our 
Camp,  and  fir'd  at  our  People  at  a  great  Distance,  w'ch  did  no 
harm.  Our  small  Forces  were  drawn  up  in  good  Order  to 
receive  them  before  their  Intrenchni'ts,  but  did  not  return  their 


240  DINWIDUIK    I'APKRS. 

First  Fire,  rcscrvinj^  it  lill  ihcy  came  nij'hcr.  The  enemy  ad- 
vanc'cl  irrfv;nl.irlv  within  to  N'arcis  ol  our  Forces,  anti  y'n  made 
a  'second  I  )ischar^e,  anil  observing'  they  did  nt>t  intend  to  attack 
them  in  open  Field,  they  reiird  within  their  Trenches,  and  rc- 
serv'd  their  Fire,  thinking,  from  their  Nuinl)ers.  they  w'd  force 
their  Trenches,  but  finding  lliey  made  no  Attempt  of  this  kind, 
the  Colo.  Rave  Orders  to  our  People  to  fire  on  the  Knemy,  w'ch 
they  did  with  j»reat  Briskness,  and  the  officers  declare  y's  Kn- 
^a^em't  continue!  ilj  from  ii  o'clock  tills  ( )'Clock  at /Ni'ight,  they 
being  without  Shelter,  rainy  weather,  and  their  Trenches  to  the 
knee  in  Water,  whereas  the  French  were  shelter'd  all  round  our 
Camp  by  Trees ;  from  thence  they  gall'd  our  People  all  the 
Time  as  above.  About  H  O'Clock  at  Night  the  French  call'd 
out  to  Parley:  our  People  mistrusting  their  .Sincerity,  from  their 
Numbers,  and  other  Advantages,  refused  it.  At  last  they  desir'd 
[usj  to  sent!  an  Officer  y"t  c'd  speak  French,  anil  they  gave  their 
Parole  for  his  safe  ret'n  to  them,  on  w'ch  the  Comd'r  sent  two 
Officers,  to  whom  they  gave  their  Proposals,  copy  of  w'ch  I  send 
Vou  here  enclos'd.  From  our  few  Numbers,  and  our  bad  .Situ- 
ation, they  [our  forces]  were  glad  to  accept  of  them  ;  otherways, 
were  determin'd  to  loose  their  Lives  rather  than  be  taken 
Prisoners.  The  next  morning  a  Party  from  the  French  came  and 
took  Possession  of  our  ICncampm't.  and  our  Pei)ple  march'd  off 
with  Colours  flying  and  beat  of  Drum,  but  there  apear'd  a 
fresh  I*arly  of  ko  Ind's  to  join  the  French,  who  gall'd  our  Peo- 
ple much,  and  with  difficulty  were  restrain'd  from  attacking  them  ; 
however,  they  pilfr'd  our  People's  Baggage,  and  at  the  Beginn'g 
of  the  Kngagem't  the  French  killed  all  the  Horses,  Cattle  and 
live  Creatures  they  saw.  so  y't  our  Forces  were  oblig'd  to  carry 
off  the  wouniled  Men  on  their  Backs  to  some  Distance  from  the 
Place  of  the  F^ngagem't,  where  they  left  them  with  a  Guard  ;  the 
.Scarcity  of  I'rovisions  made  them  make  quick  Marches  to  get 
among  the  Inhabits,  w'ch  was  about  60  Miles  of  bad  road.  The 
Surgeon's'*"  Chest  was  destroy 'd.  w'ch  was  a  great  Loss  to  the 
Wounded.  The  Number  of  the  Fnemy  killed  in  this  Action  is 
uncertain,  but  by  Acc't  from  some  Dutch  in  their  Service,  they 
say  were  300,  and  many  wounded.  From  their  great  Superiority 
of  Numbers  at  the  Beginning  of  the   Kngagem't,  it  may  be  pre- 


'This  officer,  as  appe.irs  l.TtiT,  w.is  Dr    Aiulcrsoii. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  241 

sum'd  they  lost  many  Men,  or  some  other  Disaster  y't  they  de- 
sired to  parley,  so  much  contrary  to  the  Expectat's  of  our  Forces, 
who  were  determin'd  to  sell  their  Lives  dear  rather  than  be  taken 
Prisoners.  The  Number  of  our  People  kill'd  in  the  Action  were 
30,  and  70  wounded.  Our  few  Forces  have  behav'd  with  threat 
Intrepidity  and  resolution  in  this  Action.  I  beg  leave  to  observe 
to  Y'r  L'ds.  the  Misfortunes  attending  thro'  [the]  Expedit'n.  His 
M'y's  orders  for  two  of  His  Independ't  Compa's  at  N.  Y.  was 
transmitted  me  by  the  E,  of  H.,  the  latter  end  of  Feb'ry  last ;  I 
enclos'd  the  Order  to  the  Gov'r  of  N.  Y.  by  Express  the  ist  of 
Mar.  They  delay 'd  com'g  here  till  late  in  June,  and  were  the 
1 2th  of  this  Mo.,  only  at  Winchester,  in  their  way  to  our  Camp. 
They  were  unprovided  with  anything  for  a  March  ;  they  had  no 
Tents,  Blankets,  Knapsacks,  Spatterdashes  or  Kettles,  nay  only 
one  bl.  of  Gun  Powder  quite  spoiled,  and  the  Companies  not 
Compleat.  The  Muster  roll  and  the  Capt's  Certificate  for  the 
deficiency  of  Men,  I  have  transmitted  to  the  Sec'ry  of  War, 
and  have  given  them  a  proper  Supply  of  every  Necessary  and 
directed  the  supplying  them  and  the  other  Compa.  from  So.  Car. 
with  Provisions,  and  hope  You  will  please  give  Orders  how  I  am 
to  draw  for  re-imbursement.  If  these  two  Compa's  had  joined 
our  Forces  at  the  Time  they  sh'd,  the  French  w'd  not  have 
attack' d  Us,  or  if  they  had,  if  these  Compa's  had  behav'd  with 
the  Valour  and  Resolution  of  the  others,  in  all  probability  we 
sh'd  have  defeated  them.  The  Aid  given  by  No.  Car.,  are  in  their 
March,  but  [have]  not  as  yet  join' d  the  other  Forces;  their  delay 
is  greatly  misfortunate.  The  other  Colonies  have  not  given  any 
Assistance,  and  I  fear  do  not  intend  to  do  anything,  unless  oblig'd 
by  an  Act  of  Parliam't  for  a  general  Poll  Tax  of  half  a  Crown 
St'g  for  conducting  this  Expedit'n;  one  Shill'g,  by  computation, 
will  be  two  little.  I  forgot  to  mention  some  of  the  Ind's  rem'n 
with  our  People,  but  generally  speaking  these  People  side  with 
the  Conquerors.  The  French  had  pretty  many  Ind's  they  bro't 
from  Canada,  and  high  up  the  river  Ohio,  who  were  in  the 
Engagem't  and  I  suspect  many  of  our  friendly  Ind's  on  the 
Ohio,  &c.,  will  join  them  out  of  fear,  and  if  the  French  are 
allow' d  a  quiet  Settlem't  on  y't  river,  its  more  than  probable  they 
will  ext'd  their  Incursions  into  our  pres't  Settlem'ts  ;  indeed  we 
had  several  Families  settled  within  a  few  miles  of  the  Fort  they 
took  from  Us.     I  shall  comply  with  the  Articles  agreed  on.  by 


242  DINWIUDIK    PAFKKS. 

rcturiiin);  the  PriHoncrs.  in  order  lo  recover  our  two  Capl's  who 
are  Hosiaijej*  for  the  IVrlormancc  thereof.  Under  these 
Misi'ortunes  I  thought  proper  to  order  the  buildin^i:  of  a 
Fort  near  VVills's  Crerk,  about  seventy  Miles  from  the  I'lace 
of  Action,  and  to  build  a  larjije  Maj^a/inc  for  Provisions 
and  lo  keep  the  People  in  Pay  till  I  hear  from  H.  and  have 
Order>  w't  to  d<»  luieafler  in  rej^ard  to  the  Kxpedition.  I*"or 
the  forementioned  reasons  1  fear  we  shall  not  be  able  to  dislodj^e 
the  French  from  the  Fort  without  Assistance  from  B[ritain], 
This  Donj'n  has  always  been  in  Peace  and  not  accustom 'd  to 
War,  therefore,  their  Mafja/ims  are  quite  empty,  no  Bombs, 
Coehorns.  or  Granade  Shells,  without  them  [we]  cannot  carry  on 
a  Siev;e  against  a  Fort;  no  Iiij^ineer  in  this  Co't'y,  w'ch  is  much 
wanted,  antl  in  my  private  (Jpinion.  with'l  a  rejjim't  or  two  from 
Home,  and  proper  Supplies  of  the  above  Articles,  we  shall  not  be 
able  to  force  them  from  His  M'y's  Fort  and  Lands.  And.  as  the 
Money  granted  by  our  Assembly  is  now  near  e.xpended,  I  have 
by  Proclamat'n  called  them  to  meet  the  22d  of  next  Mo.,  w'n  I 
hope  to  prevail  with  them  for  a  further  Supply;  but  this,  if  ob- 
tiiin'd.  will  l>e  oi  little  Service  if  the  i»ther  Colonics  do  not  join  in 
a  mutual  Supply,  and  then,  with't  assistance  of  Forces,  «S:c  ,  from 
Home,  I  shall  (ear  [want  of]  Success,  as  I  think  it  will  not  be  proper 
to  march  out  any  Forces,  till  we  can  send  such  a  Number  as  may 
l>e  able  to  defeat  them.  My  Orders  to  Colo.  \V,  were  not  to  attack 
the  Fnemy  till  the  other  If)rces  had  join'd  him,  but  the  sudden- 
ness of  the  Inlormat'n  of  the  French  marchinj^  to  attack  them, 
oblij.j'<l  our  I'orces  to  stand  on  the  defensive  This  small  Fnj,'a^e- 
mt,  conducted  with  Judjjmt  by  the  Ofticcrs,  and  j^reat  Bravery 
by  our  few  Forces,  vjives  them  Hour,  and  at  [the]  same  Time 
sh'd  open  the  ICyes  of  our  nei^hbourinj^  Colonies,  [and]  rouse 
them  from  their  Infatuation,  w'n  they  see  their  Properties  so  much 
Expos'd  to  a  merciless  Fnemy,  but  I  fear  nothinj^;  but  an  Act  of 
Parliam't  will  oblijje  them  to  their  Duty.  The  French  'as  I 
am  inlorm'd  >  have  been  perpetrating;  and  layinj;  the  Founda- 
tion of  their  unjust  Encroachment  for  upwards  of  seven  years 
past,  and  if  not  imtdiately  repell'd,  will  be  of  the  ^ft^^'^^st 
J're^udice  to  the  Nat'n  and  to  all  His  iNPy's  Colonies  on  this 
Cont't  w'ch  1  submit  to  Y'r  superiour  Judgm't  and  pray  for 
proper  Orders  ami  Directs,  w'ch  shall  be  i)unctually  put 
in    Execution    lo    the   outmost    of    my    Power    and    Capacity. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  243 

If  His  M'y  shall  think  proper  to  t>end  out  the  Supplies 
mention'd,  the  Officers  at  the  B'd  of  Ordnance  will  direct 
the  proper  sorts  for  this  Expedit'n,  w'ch  must  be  carried  300 
Miles  by  Land  over  some  high  Mountains.  I  cannot  conceive 
w't  the  Court  of  France  can  advance  in  support  of  this  unjusti- 
fiable Encroachm't  and  Invasion  of  His  M'y's  Lands,  and  taking 
a  Fort  built  by  His  M'y's  Comands,  in  the  Time  of  Tranquil 
Peace  between  the  two  Crowns.  I  now  send  You  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Hotchkis,  a  Passinger  in  the  Ship,  a  Plate  of  Copper  with  an 
Inscription  on  it,  w'ch  the  French  fix  on  Trees,  lodge  in  the 
Earth  and  sink  in  rivers,  w'ch  they  conceive  is  sufficient  Marks 
of  Possess' n  and  y't  this  piece  of  Copper  is  sufficient  to  vindi- 
cate their  Invasions.  Y'r  Ld's.  will  observe  y't  the  Inscript'n 
mention' g  the  Treaties  are  actually  against  them,  for  these 
Treaties  confirming  the  Six  Nations  to  be  our  Allies  and  Friends, 
those  Lands  they  Invade  belong  to  them  and  was  by  several 
Treaties  here  given  to  the  King  of  G.  B. ;  indeed  I  cannot  see 
any  pretence  of  right  they  can  set  up,  but  by  Force  of  Arms,  to 
Invade  and  take  Possession  of  His  Majesty's  Lands.  I  shall  wait 
with  great  Impatience  for  Orders  how  to  proceed  for  the  Future, 
and  I  doubt  not  Y'r  L'ds.  will  think  no  Time  is  to  be  lost  in  forc- 
ing the  French  from  the  Ohio.  Any  Com'ds  I  may  have,  shall 
be  executed  with  diligence  and  Care.  I  beg  leave  to  assure  You, 
I  rem'n  with  great  Truth, 
R't  Hon., 

Y'r  most  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  SECRETARY  ROBINSON. 

July  24th,  [1754.] 
S'r: 

Inclos'd  You  have  Copy  of  my  last  Letter,  to  w'ch  please  be 
referr'd.  A  few  Days  ago  arriv'd  here  from  our  Camp  at, the 
Meadows,  near  the  Ohio  river,  Colo.  W.,  Com'd'r  of  the  Forces 
rais'd  in  this  Dom'n,  and  Capt.  McKay,  Com'd'r  of  His  M'y's 
Independ't  Compa.  from  So.  Caro.,  who  gave  me  the  following 


DINWIDDIE    PAPKkS. 

melancholy  Acc'l."*  1  hfse  Atlairs  I  think  myself  in  Duty  to 
transmit  to  You.  to  lay  before  His  My  lor  Mis  Com'ds,  w'ch 
shall  l>c  dut.tullv  ..Ix  v'<i  I  rrm.iin,  with  i^n-M  Deference  and 
due  rcspei  • 

K  t    I  l"l),.    ■»    I    III'  |^!  oiK-d  [   I)  i.i<-  .^rrv  t. 


GOVERNOR     IHNUIDI^IK    TO     III.NKV    H  )X.'"    SIXRKTARV 

AT  WAR. 

24  July.  [»754-] 
Rr  Hon.: 

In  the  Mo.  of  I'cbry  last  the  ICarl  of  Holdernesse, 

Sec'ry  of  Slate,  transmitted  me  His  M'y's  Orders  for  two  of  his  In- 

dcpend't  Compa's  at  N.  ^^,  and  one  from  So.  Carolina,  [which]  sh'd 

come  to  this  Pom'n.  to  be  under  my  Com'd.  and  to  be  employ 'd 

in  an  ICxpcdit'n  to  the  river  Ohio,  by  His  M'y^  Com'ds;  in  Con- 

se<|uencc  thereof,  I  enclos'd  His  M'y's  Order  to  the  Gov'r  of  N. 

Y.,  and  sent  it  by  Express  the  ist  of  Mar.  last,  and  the  other  to 

the  Gov'r  of  Caro.  the  6th  of  [the]  same  Mo.  The  Carolina  Compa., 

under  the  Com'd  o\  Capt.  Jas.  McKay,  had  a  long  Passage,  but 

"•  Reference  is  here  made  to  the  preceding  letti-r  to  the  Lords  of 
Trade  (pp.  239-24.^).  the  lan^jiingc  of  which  from  "On  tlie  .vl  of  this 
Mo.,"  etc..  to  "tranquil  peace  hotwcni  tlit-  two  Crowns,"  iiirliisivf,  it  is 
indicated,  was  reix-ated. 

'"Henry  Fox,  first  Lord  llollaiui,  w;is  tlu-  st-coixl  son  l»y  .1  Mi«>nd 
marriaKc  of  .Sir  .Stephen  Fox,  the  foiiiuler  of  a  famous  family;  was  horn 
in  171.S;  died  July  i,  1774,  after  several  years  in  Parliament,  where  he 
acquired  distinction  as  a  subtle  debator.  He  w.is,  in  174.V  constituteil  a 
Conuiiissionfr  of  the  Treasury;  in  1746  .appointed  .St-cretary  of  War, 
and  in  the  s;»me  year  a  Member  of  the  I  "rivy  Council;  April  26,  1755, 
one  of  the  Lords  Justices  during;  the  absence  of  the  Kinji,  and  Novem- 
ber 14th,  the  same  year,  one  of  the  Principal  .Secretaries  of  .State,  which 
office  he  held  until  1756,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  the  celebrated 
William  Pitt,  afterwnrtis  Karl  of  Chatham.  He  was  appointed  Paymaster 
CJeneral  July  5.  1757,  and  amassed  a  stupendous  fortune  from  the  office. 
Created  .April  16.  1763,  Lord  Holland,  Baron  of  Foxley  county,  Wilts  ; 
marrietl  May  2,  1744.  I-itly  (ieorjjina  Caroline,  daughter  of  the  Duke  of 
Richmond.  The  third  son  of  this  marriage  was  the  brilliant  Charles 
lamrs  Fox. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  245 

arriv'd  in  good  Time,  the  ist  of  May,  and  join'd  the  Forces 
rais'd  in  this  Dom'n.  They  were  Com[)leat  in  Number,  and  a 
very  good  Compa.,  wanting  Tents,  Blankets,  Provisions  and 
Waggons,  all  w'ch  I  imediately  order'd  them.  The  two  Compa's 
from  N.  Y.  did  not  arrive  here  till  the  middle  of  June,  and  were 
in  want  of  almost  every  Thing,  not  compleat  as  to  Numbers,  and 
otherways  but  indifferent  Men.  As  they  came  to  Alexandria, 
about  170  Miles  from  this  [place],  I  order'd  one  of  my  Council 
to  review  them,  and  inclos'd  I  send  You  the  muster  rolls  for  both 
Compa's,  signed  by  Capt.  Thos.  Clark,  and  Wm.  Ogilvie,  Lieut, 
to  Capt.  Jno.  Rutherford's  Compa.,  and  the  only  Officer  belong- 
ing to  that  Compa.  I  also  send  the  Certificates  for  the  deficiencies 
of  their  Men,  w'ch,  if  Customary,  it  will  meet  with  Y''r  Appro- 
bat'n;  if  otherways.  You  will  Order  accordingly.  These  two 
Compa's  had  nothing  fit  for  a  March  or  an  Engagem't;  had  only 
one  b'l.  of  Powder,  very  old  and  not  fit  for  Use.  I  have  order'd 
them  Tents,  Blankets,  Knapsacks,  Kettles,  Provisions,  Waggons 
and  other  necessaries,  and  I  hope  You  will  give  me  Orders  to 
draw  for  my  re-imbursement.  The  long  delay  of  these  Companies 
[in]  coming  here  has  been  a  very  great  Loss  to  His  M'y's  Service, 
and  to  this  Expedition  in  particular,  w'ch  You  will  please  observe 
from  a  just  Detail  given  me  of  an  Engagem't  at  the  Great  Mea- 
dows, near  the  Ohio,  ag'st  900  French,  as  in  the  enclos'd  News 
Paper.  If  these  two  Compa's  had  come  here  as  might  reason- 
ably [have]  been  expected,  and  join'd  our  other  Forces,  I  think 
the  French  w'd  not  have  ventured  to  attack  Us,  and  if  they  had 
behav'd  as  well  as  those  that  were  engaged,  it's  more  than  prob- 
able we  sh'd  have  obtain'd  the  Victory.  How  they  came  to 
delay  coming,  where  the  distance  is  not  near  so  far  as  Carolina, 
they  must  acc't  for,  tho'  they  cannot  make  up  the  Loss  His  M'y's 
Service  has  sufter'd  by  this  monstrous  delay,  for  if  I  had  wrote 
the  ist  of  Mar.  to  Eng.  for  Forces,  and  His  M'y  had  thought 
proper  to  send  them,  they  w'd  [have]  been  here  as  soon  as  these 
Compa's  from  N.  Y.  I  enclose  You  a  Memorial  of  Alex'r  Col- 
houn's,^^^  the  Doct'r,  to  the  Ind't  Compa's  at  N.  Y.  Sir,  this  is 
an  Affair  y't  I  must  intreat  Y'r  Opinion  and  direction  in.  His 
M'y  having  order'd  this  Expedition  to  the  Ohio  to  ascertain  his 

^^*Dr.  Alexander  Colhoun  was  Deputy  Secretary  of  Indian  AflTairs  in 
New  York  in  1753. 


240  IiINWIDDIK    I'AI'KRS. 

just  ri^lit  lo  ihcsc  Lands,  and  to  prevent  any  Foreigners  settling 
there,  by  N'irtue  ol  this  Com'il  I  appoiiitcti  Oft'icers  and  rais'd 
Men.  and  ^^nw  the  Chief  Cont'd  to  J  as.  Iinics,  llstj'r,  who  was  a 
Capt.  in  the  American  regim't  on  the  Kxpedit'n  to  Carthej^ena, 
and  is  an  experienc'd  Otliccr.  There  was  also  a  Colo,  and 
Lieut.  Colo.  In  the  re^im't  rais'd  here  and  in  No.  Car.  The  Offi- 
cers of  these  Ind't  Compa's  refuse  doin^  duty  with,  or  receiving 
orders  from  the  Ofticcrs  api)ointcd  by  me;  they  are  not  Militia, 
but  properly  enlisted,  and  paid  out  of  His  M'y's  revenues  rais'd 
in  this  Colony.  There  can  be  but  one  Com'd'r  in  Chief.  A  mixt 
Com'd  may  hurt  any  ICxpediin,  and  I  think  the  Officers  of  the 
Indcpend't  Compa's  will  submit  to  your  Determinal'n  on  this 
Aflair,  w'ch  I  hope  you  will  furnish  me  with  as  soon  as  possible. 
I  have  wrote  to  the  Sec'ry  of  .State  for  one  or  two  regim'ts  for 
this  Lxped'n,  for  our  neighboring  Colonics  are  very  backw'd  ; 
nay,  have  actually  refus'd  their  Assist'ce.  I  know  no  Method  to 
compel  them  to  their  Duty  to  the  King,  and  for  the  Preservat'n 
of  these  Colonies,  and  in  Course  their  Properties,  but  by  Act  of 
I'arliam't  for  a  general  Poll  Tax  of  2s.  6d.  "{^  Head  from  all  the 
Colonies  on  this  Cont't,  if  tho't  eligible.  I  think  it  may  answer 
all  the  Expences  of  all  the  Forces  rais'd,  or  to  be  rais'd,  in  this 
Part  of  the  World  on  the  present  Kxpedition.  I  hope,  Sir,  You 
will  please  give  me  Direct's  how  to  draw  for  rcpaym't  of  my 
Advance  for  Supply  of  the  three  Ind't  Compa's  now  here  and 
engaj^'d  on  the  Kxpeditn.  I  have  orcler'il  a  Fort  to  be  built,  and 
a  Magazine  Un  .Stores  and  Provis's  at  a  Place  call'd  Will's  Creek, 
upwards  of  300  Miles  from  this,  and  propose  keeping  the  Forces 
rais'd  here  in  Pay  till  I  receive  his  M'y's  Com'ds.  As  this  Aflair 
relates  to  the  Nation  and  these  Colonies,  I  ho|)e  You  will  excuse 
the  length  of  this  Let'r,  and  [I]  beg  leave  to  assure  Yow,  I 
rem'n  with  j^rcat  deference  and  respect, 

R't  Hon.,  V'r  most  obed't  h'ble  Serv't. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  247 

GOVERNOR    DINWIDDIE    TO    THE    EARL    OF    AI.I'.l-MARLE. 

^,    ,,  July  24th,  [1754-] 

R  T  Hon.: 

The  enclos'd  is  [a]  Copy  of  my  last,  to  w'cli  please  be 
refer' d.  The  3d  of  this  Mo.  our  small  Forces  at  the  Great 
Meadows  near  the  river  Ohio,  had  Intelligence  that  the  French 
at  the  Fort  taken  from  Us  in  May  last,  were  re-inforc'd  with  700 
Men  from  Canada,  and  that  they  were  in  their  March  with  900 
Men  to  attack  our  small  Camp,  they  accordingly  appeared  y't 
Morning  in  sight  and  an  Engagem't  ensued,  the  Particulars 
thereof  is  incerted  from  our  Officers  in  the  enclos'd  News  Paper, 
w'ch  I  beg  to  refer  you,  and  enclos'd  I  send  You  a  Copy  of  the 
Capitulat'n  made.  As  the  French  desired  a  Parley,  it's  to  be  sup- 
pos'd  their  Loss  in  the  Engagem't  must  be  great,  or  some  other 
considerable  Affair  occurr'd,  as  their  Numbers  and  Situat'n  gave 
them  great  Advantages  over  Us;  it's  certain  our  few  People 
behav'd  with  great  resolution,  and  altho'  the  French  obtain' d 
the  Advantage  by  the  Capitulat'n,  yet  much  Hon'r  is  due  to  our 
Forces  for  their  Courage  and  good  Rehav'r  in  this  Act'n.  The 
Misfortunes  attending  this  Engagem't  is  greatly  owing  to  the 
Delay  of  two  Independ't  Compa's  from  N.  Y.,  order'd  by  His 
M'y  to  this  Place  to  be  under  my  Direction  in  this  Exped'n. 
His  M'y's  Com'ds  were  forward' d  to  me  the  end  of  last  Feb'ry 
by  the  Earl  of  Holdernesse.  The  ist  of  Mar.  I  sent  them  by 
Express  to  the  Gov'r  of  N.  Y.,  desiring  him  to  forw'd  them 
imediately,  but  they  were  so  backw'd  they  did  not  come  here  till 
late  in  June.  If  they  had  come  to  the  Time  they  might  [have] 
reasonably  been  expected,  they  w'd  have  join'd  our  Forces  long 
before  the  Engagem't  and  probably  the  French  w'd  not  have 
attack'd  Us,  and  if  they  had,  and  these  Compa's  had  behav'd 
with  the  same  resolut'n  as  the  others,  it's  likely  we  might  have 
got  the  Victory ;  however  that  might  be,  I  cannot  see  w't  excuse 
can  be  made  for  their  not  punctually  comply'g  with  His  M'y's 
Com'ds.  This  Affair  gives  me  much  Concern  and  my  Situat'n 
is  very  disagreeable,  as  our  neighbouring  Colonies  afford  Us  no 
Assistance.  No.  Carolina  propos'd  Six  Compa's  but  they  have 
been  so  slow  in  their  March  y't  they  have  not  yet  join'd  the 
others.     The  Independ't  Compa's  wanted  Tents,  Blankets,  Knap- 


24H  UlNWlDltlK    PAPERS. 

sacks,  VVaKKt>ns.  Provisions.  Ac,  w'ch  I  supply  ihem  with  and 
havr  wroif  home  lor  LilH-riy  to  draw  Hills  lor  my  rc-imburscm't. 
w'ch  I  pray  \"r  Interest  in  prjKrurin)^.  y'l  I  may  not  suHer  in  my 
readiness  to  Ibrw'd  the  Service.  As  I  am  now  convinc'd  this 
K.xprtlii'n  cannot  be  contlucted  by  any  I)e|)endence  on  our  neij^h- 
b<»urin){  Colonies,  [I  J  have  therelore  desir'il  Assistance  fr<jm  I  lome, 
anil  I  have  wrote  the  Sec'ry  of  State,  and  B'd  of  Trade  to  that 
Purpose.  And  as  this  Dom'n  lias  always  been  in  a  peaceful  .State 
we  have  no  Mortars,  Coehorns'"  or  (iranade  .Shells,  w'ch  \'r 
L'ds.  knows  is  necessary  in  Ijesic^inj^  of  Forts.  [Ij  have,  there- 
fore desired  a  Supply  from  the  Ordnance,  and  hope  ^'ou  will  l>e 
so  kind  to  this  Co't'y  as  to  strenj^then  this  dem'd  with  Y'r  Int't. 
If  the  French  are  allow'd  a  quiet  Settlem't  on  the  Ohio,  it  will  be 
a  monstrous  Loss  to  the  Nat'n  and  to  all  these  Colonies.  They 
can  ort'er  no  pretext  of  rijjht  but  by  their  Arms,  w'ch  in  Time  of 
Peace  is  contrary  to  the  Law  of  Nat's,  but  they  are  now  in- 
vading His  Mys  Lands  from  the  Northw'd  to  the  So'w'd,  and 
surrounding  all  our  pres't  Settlem'ts,  and  if  not  an  imediate 
[stop  is]  put  to  their  unjust  I)esij.,Mis,  I  fear  in  two  Years  they  may 
be  too  strongly  settled  to  be  dislodged.  I  therefore  hope  the  Min- 
istry will  think  no  Time  is  to  be  lost.  I  think  it  my  Duty  to 
acqu'l  Y'r  L'ds.  of  the  State  of  AtTairs  here,  and  I  order'd  a  Fort 
and  Majjazine  for  Stores  and  Provisions  to  be  built  near  Wills' s 
Creek,  about  300  Miles  West  of  this  Place,  and  to  keep  them  in 
Pay  till  I  have  His  M'y's  Com'ds  for  my  future  Proceedinj;,  w'ch 
shall  befjbey'dand  comply'd  with  to  the  utmost  of  my  Power 
and  Capacity.  The  Council  have  appointed  Jas.  Abercrombie, 
I-ls<j'r,  to  be  their  Aj^ent  in  the  rocjm  of  Mr.  Leheup.  w'ch  I  hope 
will  meet  with  Y'r  Approbai'n.  I  beg  leave  to  assure  You,  that 
I  rcm'n  with  great  deference  and  due  respect, 
Ri  Hon., 

\'r  L'ds.  most  obed't  h'ble  .Scrv't. 


'**(Johorn,  a  small  m<jrtar,  (wliicli  took  its  name  from  the  cele- 
brated Knvcineeri  the  bore  of  vvliidi  anpears  to  have  been  fixed  at 
4  and  -fg  of  an  inch  in  diamett-i 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  249 

GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  EARL  (IRANVll.I.E. 

July  24tli,  [1754-] 
R't  Hon.: 

Inclos'd  Vou  have  a  Let'r  iVom  \"r  Agent,  Mr.  Cor- 
bin,  who  sent  me  ^555.  7.  6.  [in]  this  [Colony's]  Mo[ney,  or 
currency]  for  vv'ch  I  send  you  my  Draft  on  Messrs.  J.  <S:  C. 
H[anbury]  for  ^427.  4,  w'ch  at  30  'p^  C't  excha.  is  equal  to 
the  above  Sum.  I  desire  to  inform  Y'r  L'ds.  that  I  have  been 
very  assidious  in  conducting  the  Expedition  to  the  Ohio,  and 
to  prevent  the  French  making  any  Settlem'ts  on  those  Lands 
belonging  to  His  M'y.  In  order  thereto,  I  directed  [the]  building 
a  Fort  on  y't  river,  w'ch  the  French  in  a  large  Body  sumon'd 
[to  surrender]  and  took  from  our  People,  in  March  last,  I  have 
endeavor'd  ever  since  [to  prevail]  with  our  neighbouring  Colo- 
nies to  assist  Us,  but  none  of  them  gave  [me]  any  reason  to 
expect  their  Aid  but  No.  Car.,  and  they  have  been  so  very 
tardy  that  their  Forces  have  not  yet  join'd  our  Camp.  At  a 
place  call'd  the  Meadows  near  the  Ohio  river,  the  Forces  from 
this  Domin'n,  and  an  Ind't  Compa.  from  So.  Car.  to  the  num- 
ber of  300  Men,  besides  Officers,  were  encamp'd.  The  French 
at  the  Fort  they  took  from  Us,  were  re-inforc'd  with  700  Men, 
and  on  the  3d  of  this  Mo.  they  march'd  with  900  Men  to  attack 
our  Camp.  Our  People  had  but  a  very  short  Notice  thereof,  how- 
ever they  endeavour' d  to  entrench  themselves,  but  before  [the 
works  were]  compleated,  their  out  Centry  gave  them  the  Alarm 
of  the  Enemy's  approach,  on  w'ch  they  had  their  Men  drawn  up 
in  proper  Order,  w'n  the  Enemy  appear' d  in  Sight,  and  dis- 
charg'd  a  Volley  at  a  great  Distance.  Our  People  kept  their  fire 
'till  they  came  nearer ;  w'n  within  60  yards,  they  discharg'd 
another  Volley  with't  any  Prejudice  to  Us.  Our  Forces  finding 
they  w'd  not  attack  us  in  open  Field,  retired  to  their  Trenches, 
w'n  they  say  the  Engagem't  begun  at  11  o' Clock  and  continued 
till  8  o'clock  at  Night,  w'n  the  French  desired  a  Parley.  Our 
Officers  believing  they  were  not  in  earnest,  but  had  some  Design, 
refus'd  it.  They  then  desir'd  an  Officer  to  come  to  them  and 
gave  Parole  of  being  safely  return' d.  They  sent  two  Officers, 
w'n  they  gave  Proposals  for  our  Forces  to  march  ofi'  with 
the  Hon'rs  of  War,  to  carry  off"  their  Baggage,  &c.,  and  give 
up  the  Encampm't  to    the  French  and   return  [to  them]  some 


2iO  DINWIDUIK    PAI'KKS. 

Prisoncni  that  were  lormcrly  taken  by  u».  Our  Forces  march'd 
a.         '       '  *'  '  ■  r'd  to  the  Inhabitants,  where 

I  .  i/ine  U)r  .Si«»rcH  and  Provia's 

to  be  buiit.  ami  lu  keep  the  Suldient  in  I'ay  till  I  hear  truni  liume. 
I  have  wrote  lully  to  the  Sec'ry  of  State,  and  U'd  of  Trade  on 
thts  unlucky  Atlair.  We  lost  in  the  Knuaj^em't  .v>  killed,  and  70 
\Vound«tl.  They  report  the  I-oss  of  the  French,  ,v*'  killeil.  and 
many  woundetl.  There  is  no  probability  of  prevailing  with  the 
different  Assemblies  on  this  Continent  to  contribute  their  Aid  for 
the  I'reservation  from  the  Invasi'ns  of  the  French.  I  therefore 
believe  an  Act  of  i'arliam't  for  a  j^eneral  I'oll  Tax  of  2S.  6<.l.  p* 
Head  will  raise  a  considerable  Sum  for  conductinfr  this  Expedit'n; 
without  some  such  Thinj^',  these  obstinate  People  will  ^rant 
Nothinjj.  1  have  further  desiretl  one  or  two  rejifim'ts  of  .Men  to 
be  sent  out  here,  with  several  other  Necessaries  from  the  Ord- 
nance, w'ch  I  have  mention'd  to  the  Sec'ry  of  State,  but  in  my 
humble  Opinion,  no  Time  is  to  Ik?  lost,  for  if  left  in  quiet  Posses- 
sion one  Year,  they  will  put  it  out  of  our  Power.  (I  fear),  to  com- 
pell  them  to  leave  His  Majesty's  Fort  and  Lands.  As  I  am  well 
assur'd  [of]  \"r  L'tl's  rcj^jard  for  these  Colonies,  and  the  interior 
parts  of  this  Cont't,  I  jjive  \ou  the  Trouble  of  this  Let'r.  and  I 
hope  soon  to  receive  Orders  how  to  conduct  the  F.xpedition  for  the 
future,  w'ch  1  have  much  at  Heart.  I  have  hitherto  been  earnest 
and  indefati{>;able  in  directinjj  and  conducting  it.  and  shall  con- 
tinue in  putm^  in  due  execution  any  Com'ds  I  may  receive,  but 
think  no  Time  sh'd  be  lost.  The  Hour  of  a  Line  from  V'r  L'ds. 
will  very  much  oblijje, 

R't  Hon..  N"r  most  ob«-d  t,  h'liic  ^1  tv  t. 


(iOVEKNOR  DI.WVIDDIK  TO  LORD  H.M.il  AX. 

July  24th.  (t 754.] 
R't  Hon.: 

As  I  am  thorowly  convinc'd  ol  V'r  L'ds,  regard  for 
the  Colonics  in  America,  and  Y'r  desire  to  support  the  British 
rights  to  the  interior  parts  of  this  Cont't.  is  the  reason  of 
troubling  You  with  this  Let'r.     The  Kxpedit'n  for  erecting  Forts, 


IJINWIUDIK    PAPERS.  251 

and  makino  Settlement's  on  the  river  Oliio,  and  particularly  re- 
comended  by  His  M'y  to  me,  was  accordingly  undertaken  and 
promoted  by  me  to  the  utmost  of  my  Power  and  Capacity ;  but 
contrary  to  His  M'y's  Convds,  and  my  sanguine  Expectat's,  our 
neighbouring  Colonies  have  afforded  Us  no  supply  or  Assistance 
whatever,  except  No.  Carolina,  who  engag'd  Six  Compa's,  but 
[these  have  been]  so  dillatory  in  their  Marches,  y't  they  have  not 
yet  join'd  the  other  Forces.  And  the  two  Ind't  Compa's,  by  His 
M'y's  Order,  from  N.  Y.,  sh'd  have  been  here  in  April,  [but]  did  not 
arrive  till  late  in  June,  w'ch  being  known  to  the  French,  they  took 
the  Advantage  of  those  Delays  and  attack'd  our  small  Forces  at 
the  Great  Meadows,  near  the  Ohio;  the  particulars  thereof,  is  from 
our  Com'd'r's  report  inserted  in  the  within  News  Paper,  to  w'ch  I 
beg  to  be  refer'd.  My  Situation  is  bad  in  discharge  of  a  Duty  I 
had  so  much  at  Heart,  and  enter'd  on  with  great  Inclinat'n  and 
resolution  to  support  and  conduct  it  with  Spirit  to  the  outmost  of 
my  Power.  I  have  wrote  many  Letters  to  the  different  Gov'ts,  en- 
deavouring to  rouse  them  from  their  Lethargic  Stupidity,  to  obey 
the  Com'ds  of  their  Prince,  and  to  support  Y'r  private  Properties 
from  the  Insults  of  the  comon  Enemy.  The  Gov'rs  write  me  they 
continue  obstinate,  and  cannot  bring  them  to  reason,  and  I  am  of 
Opinion,  with't  an  Act  of  Parliam't  to  lay  a  general  Poll  Tax  of 
half  a  Crown  St'g  for  the  Support  of  the  Ohio  Expedit'n,  that  not 
the  least  dependence  can  be  had  on  the  Assemblies  here.  Y't  Tax, 
I  conceive  moderate,  and  [it]  will  be  sufficient  for  the  Expences, 
Pay,  &c  ,  of  Forces  now  rais'd,  and  hereafter  to  be  raised,  for  that 
Service.  The  Money  given  by  our  Ho  of  Burgesses  is  near  ex- 
hausted, y't  I  am  obligd,  contrary  to  my  Inclinat'n,  to  call  them  to- 
gether for  a  further  Supply,  w'ch  I  have  good  reason  to  expect,  and 
nothing  but  the  pres't  Emergency  c'd  have  prevail'd  with  me  to 
call  them,  till  I  heard  from  Home  in  regard  to  the  extraordinary 
resolves  they  made  last  Nov'r.  I  am  also  of  Opinion,  y't  with- 
out some  regular  Forces  from  Home,  we  shall  hardly  be  able  to 
dislodge  the  French  from  the  Fort  they  took  from  us  last  May, 
and  indeed  as  this  has  always  been  a  Pacifick  Co't'y,  so  y't  we 
have  no  Arms  fit  for  Siege.  I  have  now  wrote  to  the  Secr'y  of 
State  for  a  Supply  from  the  Ordnance  and  an  Ingineer,  for  there 
is  no  such  Person  in  this  Co't'y.  I  can  answer  to  my  God  and 
my  King,  y't  every  Thing  in  my  Power  has  been  done  for  this 
Expedition.     Having  but  few  Men,  and   very  little  Money,  no 


'Zii'Z  DINWIDUIE    PAPRKS. 

Ijrcai  Thinjj*  c'd  Ixr  cx|H-cttHl.  My  Orders  to  the  Coni'd'r  in 
Chief  of  our  Forces,  was  lo  remain  in  the  Camp  until  the  June* 
lion  of  all  the  Forces,  but  the  Fncmy  knowing;  the  slowness  of 
our  Motionn.  l(M>k  the  Advantage  o|  atlackm^;  I's  w'n  but  weak, 
tho'  our  People's  C»)nduct  and  Delence  is  to  l>c  remark 'd  to  their 
Credit.  I  hojic  if  the  Ministry  think  pro|)cr  to  send  out  some 
Men  and  other  Supplii-s.  it  will  l>e  s«)on.  for  I  think  no  Time  sh'd 
be  lust,  and  very  early  in  the  Sprinj^j  to  Ix*  ready  for  Action.  If 
the  French  have  two  Years  quiet  Settlem  t.  I  fear  it  will  be  difficult 
to  disknlvie  them.  I  wait  with  Impatience  till  I  receive  my 
Orders  for  future  Conduct,  w'ch  I  shall  dutifully  obey  to  the 
utmost  of  my  Capacity.  I  hope  \"r  L'ds.  will  excuse  my 
troubling  N'oii  with  my  Letters.  The  I'atron.ijje  and  Counlen'ce 
I  rec'd  w'n  at  Home,  and  N"r  disiinj{uish"d  rej^ard  for  the  Ameri- 
can Setllem'ts.  prevail'd  with  me  to  trouble  You  with  this,  and 
at  [the)  same  Time  to  assure  You  I  shall  always  retain  a  j^rate- 
ful  remembrance  of  Y'r  Fre(}ucnt  Marks  of  Friendship,  and 
am  with  great  Heference  and  dutiful  regards. 

R't  Hon..  \'r  L'ds  most  obrd't  and  very  h'bic  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIK  To  J.  \  C.  HANHIRY. 

July  24th.  [1754] 
Gent.  : 

I  wrote  \'ou  last  .Mar  in  nj^aul  to  the  Ind't  Compa's  his 
M'y  was  picas'd  to  order  here  under  my  Com'd  ;  on  their  arrival 
here.  I  found  each  had  their  Agent  at  Home  to  receive  their  Pay 
so  You  need  take  n<»  Trouble  on  y't  Hcid,  but  as  they  wantiil 
Tents,  Blankets.  Kettles,  Waggons  and  Provisions,  I  am  oblig'd 
to  give  them  the  pro|)er  .Supplies  of  all  these  Things,  w'ch 
amounts  to  large  .Sums;  [I]  therefore  must  lx*g  You  to  apply  to 
the  Sec'ry  of  State  and  Sec'ry  of  War,  to  ({ualifie  me  to  draw  for 
re-imbursem't.  I  have  wrote  to  them  on  the  head,  and  therefore 
desire  ^'ou  will  l>c  earnest  in  Y'r  Applicat'n:  if  they  sh'd  say  that 
this  Co't'y  sh'd  pay  it.  pray  let  them  know  y't  it's  with  Difficulty 
I  can  get  the  Suljsistance,  &c.,  for  the  Forces  rais'd  here  for  the 
Expedition,  and  the  Carriage  of  Provisions  has  been  monstrously 


DINWIDUIE    PAPERS.  253 

high.  So  that  on  the  whole,  1  am  very  considerably  in  Advance, 
and  mubt  continue  to  be  so.  Therefore,  I  entreat  You  will  take 
some  Trouble  in  this,  y't  I  may  be  qualified  to  draw  for  my 
reimbursem't,  for  I  am  sure  I  have  had  a  monstrous  deal  of 
Trouble  and  Vexation,  promot'g  and  conducting  this  Expedit'n. 
A  few  Days  ago  Colo.  W.,  Com'd'r  of  our  Forces,  and  Capt. 
McKay,  of  the  So.  Caro.  Ind't  Compa.,  came  here  from  our 
Camp,  gave  an  Acc't  of  an  Engagem't  the  3d  of  this  Mo.  be- 
tween them  and  900  French,  the  Particulars  of  w'ch  You  have 
in  the  enclos'd  News  Paper,  distinctly,  as  they  related  it  to  me. 
The  few  People  we  had,  behav'd  with  great  resolut'n,  and  tho' 
the  French  got  the  Victory,  yet  the  Fngagem't  gives  great  Hon'r 
to  our  Forces.  What  a  poor  Situat'n  am  I  in,  in  executing  the 
Com'ds  of  His  M'y  ;  no  Assistance  from  the  neighbouring  Colo- 
nies ;  M'yl'd  and  Pensylv'a  so  obstinate  as  not  to  grant  any  Supply 
whatever.  No.  Car'o.  had  order'd  Six  Compa's  to  be  rais'd,  but 
[they  have  been]  so  very  backw'd  y't  they  are  not  yet  join'd  the  other 
Forces.  The  two  Ind't  Compa's  from  N.  Y.  have  been  equally 
remiss  ;  tho'  I  sent  His  M'y's  order  the  ist  of  Mar.  last,  to  the  Gov'r 
of  N.  Y.  to  send  these  two  Compa's  imediately,  to  be  under  my 
Com'd  to  assist  on  this  Expedit'n,  they  did  not  arrive  till  late  in 
June,  and  as  yet  have  not  join'd  our  Forces.  This  delay  has  been 
the  Loss  of  the  late  Engagem't,  for  if  they  had  come  to  the  Time 
they  might  reasonably  have  been  expected,  and  join'd  the  other 
Forces,  it's  likely  the  French  w'd  not  have  attack'd  Us  or  if  they 
had,  if  they  had  behav'd  equal  to  those  that  were  engag'd,  it's 
more  than  probable  we  sh'd  have  obtain'd  the  Victory,  and  likely 
taken  Possess'n  of  the  Fort.  The  French  are  now  about  1,000  or 
1,200  strong,  so  y't  I  do  not  think  it  prudent  to  march  out  any 
Forces  against  them  till  we  have  a  sufificient  Number  to  carry 
the  Point.  [I]  have  therefore  order'd  a  Fort  to  be  built  near 
Wills's  Creek,  and  a  Magazine  for  Stores  and  Provisions, 
there  to  rem'n  till  I  have  Orders  from  Home.  I  have  wrote 
accordingly,  to  the  Sec'ry  of  State  for  one  or  two  regim'ts 
and  a  Supply  of  necessaries  from  the  Ordnance.  You  know 
this  Co't'y  has  always  been  at  Peace,  and  [we]  have  nothing  in 
the  Magazine  for  conducting  a  Seige.  This  Affair  gives  me  very 
great  Concern,  but  w't  can  be  done  after  such  monstrous  Delay's, 
few  Men  and  no  Money?  It's  of  great  Consequence  to  the 
Nation  and  these  Colonies,  that  I  think  no  Time  is  to  be  lost,  for 


2M  DINWIDOIK    l-AI'KKN. 

ifthcy  have  a  quiet  Srnlniu-ni  l<>r  two  N'c.irs,  u«-  xhall  never  be 
able  to  root  them  out.  1  therelore  ho|>e  the  Ministry  will  do 
something  essential,  by  StrentflheninK  i"y  handM,  y't  we  may  be  in 
Action  early  in  the  Spring.  I  think  I  may  ascert,  with't  N'anity, 
y't  no  I'erson  in  my  Situ.ition  c'll  tlo  more  than  I  have  tlone,  but 
the  intolerable  obstinancy  of  our  nei){hl)ourin){  Coloniesi  and 
the:  <•  to   His   M'ys  C'om'ds,  and  great    Neglect  in 

pre-  ^  private  Properties,  is   not  to  l>e  parrallelled  in 

History  ;  if  they  had  enter 'd  heartily  into  the  Affair,  I  am  assur'd 
the  French  at  this  Day  w'd  have  been  drove  ort  the  f)hio,  and  I 
am  of  Opinion,  nothing  will  bring  them  to  their  duty  but  a 
general  Poll  Tax  of  2S.  6d  St'g,  by  a  British  Act  of  I'arliam't, 
w'ch  I  have  propos'd  to  the  Sec'ry  of  Stale  and  B'd  of  Trade, 
I  have  advanc'd  all  the  .Money  I  cd  comand.  and  am  ready  with 
my  Life  to  support  an  Kxpedit'n  of  so  much  Consecjuence  to  the 
Nat'n  and  to  the  Colonies  on  this  Cont't.  but  I  cannot  com'd  the 
Assistance  so  absolutely  necessary  for  an  AtVair  <*f  this  Conse- 
quence. Mr.  Abercrombie  will  call  on  you  for  Advice  in  regard 
to  my  tirawing  Bills  for  my  re-imbursem't,  w'ch  I  desire  Vou 
will  assist  him  [in].  I  shall  rem'n  uneasy  till  I  hear  from  the 
Ministry,  and  [will  be]  glad  if  made  able  to  show  a  proper 
rcsentm?   "t    »I"-    I-riivh    In-^nlis.     I  .nn   wiili  im.-im   tii';u<l   .«iul 

I'^tcem. 

UciU..  V  I  ino^l  h'ble  Sci  \  l. 


COVKRNOR  DINUIDDIK  TO   PKTF:K  WKAXAI.I..  luSgriRE,"** 
SKCKKT.\KV    KJ  THK  CONilKlCSS  AT  .\I.HA^^ 

July  31st,  L1754J 

SiK 

I  rcc  d  \  I  Litter  <»l  the  iMh  Cun't.  and  thank  Vou  for  a 
copy  of  the  Plan  for  an  Union  of  the  ditlennt  Colonies  on  this 
Com' I.  I  desire  You  will  furnish  me  with  the  whole  Proceedings 
of  the  Congress  at  Albany,  and  the  Six  Pistoles  I  shall  very 


•••Colonel  Peter  Wraxall,  long  the  .Agent  of  Indian  Affairs  for  the 
province  of  New  York,  and  in  1755.  ;\id  t\v  Camp  of  (if-nrr.nl  Wm. 
Johnson. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  255 

readily  pay  to  Y'r  Order.  As  I  have  no  Occasion  to  send  an  Ex- 
press, I  know  not  how  to  convey  the  Money,  but,  if  suitable, 
shall  pay  it  here  to  Y'r  Order.  You  may  send  the  Copy  by  Post 
if  You  have  no  other  good  Opp'ty.  I  thank  You  for  Y'r  Wishes 
for  Success  on  my  Undertaking.  I  sh'd  have  a  better  Prospect 
if  the  neighbouring  Colonies  wou'd  grant  their  Assistance.  I  am, 
S'r,  Y'r  most  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  GOVERNOR  HAMILTON. 

July  31st,  1754. 
Sir: 

Y'rs  of  the  21st  Curr't  I  rec'd  the  29th.    The  late  Aci'n  with 

the  French  gave  me  much  Concern;  my  Orders  to  the  Com'd'g 
Officer  were  by  no  means  to  attack  the  Enemy,  till  all  the  Forces 
were  join' d  in  a  Body.  They  were  surpriz'd,  and  had  no  Acc't  of 
their  March  till  the  Morning  before  the  Act'n,  w'ch  oblig'd  them  to 
be  on  the  defensive,  and  indeed  consider' g  the  few  Numbers  of  our 
Forces,  the  Enemy  have  nothing  to  vaunt  of,  but  w't  they  got  by 
the  Capitulat'n;  Copy  of  w'ch  I  now  send  You.  The  French,  no 
doubt,  will  fortify  themselves  as  strong  as  they  possibly  can  ; 
their  Numbers,  from  the  best  Informal' n  I  can  procure,  does  not 
exceed  1,100  Men,  Ind's  included.  By  the  Advice  of  my  Coun- 
cil, I  give  Orders  to  the  Com'd'r  in  Chief  to  collect  all  his  Forces 
together  at  Wills"  s  Creek,  and  to  march  over  the  Allegany 
Mount's.  If  he  find  it  impossible  to  dispossess  the  French  of  the 
Fort,  he  is  to  build  a  Fort  at  red  Stone  Creek,  the  Crossing 
Place,  or  any  other  Place  proper  that  may  be  determin'd  by  a 
Council  of  War.  The  Numbers  of  our  Forces,  you  have  below. 
I  shall  be  glad  if  they  were  augmented  by  two  or  three  Compa's 
from  Y'r  Province.  I  think  the  sooner  we  endeavour  to  make  a 
Settlem't    and   build    a   Fort    the   other   side    the    Allegany^^ 


'^The  Cojumercia/ Gazei/e,  {Vlttshurg,  Pa.,)  December  i,  1SS2,  has 
an  interesting;  article  by  Isaac  Craig,  Esq.,  Allegliany,  Pa.,  on  tlie  proper 
orthography  of  this  name,  which,  it  will  be  observed  in  the  text,  is  uni- 
formly spelled  Allegany.     15y  distinction,  llie  mountain   range  is  ren- 


lUNWIUUlK    I'APEKS. 

Mounts,  the  bi-ttcr ;  for  if  wc  allc»w  them  a  quiet  Settlcm't.  their 
Numbcpi  will  K''<^'"'y  incre;i.se  in  the  Sprinjj ;  we  have  now  3 
Mos.  [of  weather]  fit  for  marching;  and  Action  I  w'd  fain 
ho|>e  our  Forces  will  Ik.*  at  Wills' s  Creek  before  the  2oth  of 
next  Mo.,  and  shall  be  jjlad  if  [they  are]  rcinforc'd  from 
V"r  Colony.  If  Vou  send  some  Compa's.  they  may  safely 
march  after  <»ur  l'"nrces  over  the  Moum's.  The  (fov'r  of 
M'yl'd  proposes  building  a  lar^jc  Maj^azine  for  Provisions, 
near  Wills's  Creek;  it  will  be  very  convenient  for  You  (if 
Vr  Assembly  prtives  generous)  to  help  to  fill  it,  and  really 
absolutely  necessary,  as  the  want  of  a  projK-r  Supply  of  Pro- 
visions has  been  much  complain" d  of  by  our  Men.  I  never  the 
le;u»t  doubled  Y'r  earnest  Kndcavours  and  firm  goml  Wishes  for 
this  necessary  E.xpetlition.  and  I  hope  \"r  Assembly  will 
strenjjihen  Y'r  Hands  and  put  it  in  \"r  Power  to  serve  His  My 
and  protect  the  jyivate  Property  of  the  People  You  preside  over, 
an«l  I  tlare  s;iy  they  now  must  think  y't  a  proper  Assistance  anil  a 
mutual  Supply  is  absolutely  necessary,  and  y't  they  will  not  clo^jj 
their  Hill  with  any  Tiling  unreasonable  or  inconstitutional.  \"t 
Observation  is  very  just,  if  the  People  here,  do  force  the  Par- 
liam't  of  Britain  to  interfere  with  the  Legislatures  of  America, 
w'ch  undoubtedly  must  be  the  Case  if  they  continue  obstinate  to 
His  M'y's  Com'ds.  and  the  Preservat'n  of  his  Colonies  on  this 
Continent,  [it]  will  prove  of  very  ^reat  Loss  to  them,  and  curtail  the 
Powers  [the)  Assemblies  in  these  Colonies  unjustly  as:»umc.  Mr. 
Washington  had  many  of  the  Indians  with  him,  but  I  observe 
these  People  remain  inactive  till  they  see  how  AtT.iirs  jijo.  and. 
j^enerally  speaking,  side  with  the  Con<iuen)rs:  y't  in  my  private 
Opinion.  little  dc|)endence  is  to  be  put  in  them;  however,  the 
Half- King  and  several  other  Ind's  are  now  in  the  back  Scttlem'ts 
of  this,  or  N'rCiov't.  I  hear  of  no  Invasion  on  No.  Car.  All 
their  Forces  by  this  Time  are  on  Wills's  Creek.  The  Article  of 
Capitulation  in  regard  to  making  no  Settlem'ls  for  one  Year,  the 
Officers  say  it  was  only  in  regard  Ui  the  I'orces  left  with  their 
Baggage  and  Sick ;  they  gave  no  Parole  for  themselves,  and 
arc  '■■■'•:         •---'<']    with   the  other   Forces.     I    doubt 


dered  Alleghany,  whilst  the  city  of  the  name  in  Pennsylvania,  is  spelled 
Allegheny.  Mr.  Crai^  insists  that  the  first  mmle  sh(juld  Ijc  used  in  both 
instances. 


DINVVIDDIE    PAPERS.  257 

not  w't  V'r  Assembly  observes  how  earnest  we  are  in  sup- 
porting and  prosecuting  this  Expedition,  they  will  cordially  and 
with  Unanimity  grant  proper  Supplies,  and  more  so,  as  the 
Danger  appears  so  near  to  them.  The  Albany  Treaty,  I  have 
not  rec'd,  but  have,  a  Plan  for  an  Union  among  all  the  Colonies 
on  this  Cont't.  As  it's  an  extraordinary  Piece,  and  some  new 
Positions  in  it  not  before  ventur'd  on,  I  do  not  care  to  give 
any  Opinion  on  it  till  I  hear  how  it  is  rec'd  at  Home.  It 
is  most  certain  if  the  neighbouring  Colonies  had  given  due 
Assistance,  the  last  unlucky  Affair  w'd  not  have  happened  ;  to 
the  Contrary,  it's  more  than  probable  by  this  Time  we  sh'd  have 
forc'd  the  Enemy  from  the  Ohio  and  had  Possess'n  of  these 
Lands  Ourselves.  If  Y'r  Assembly  can  be  bro't  to  reason,  to 
their  Duty  to  the  King  and  for  tlieir  own  Preservat'n,  I  hope 
they  will  give  at  least  io,ooo[^];  in  ye  Case  You  Succeed  with 
them,  I  pray  You  to  send  a  large  Qu'ty  of  Flour  to  Wills's 
Creek,  and  I  am  perswaded  You  will  have  no  great  Difficulty  in 
raising  some  Compa's  of  Men  to  join  our  Forces.  As  the 
Money  rais'd  here  is  very  near  exhausted,  I  have  call'd  the  As- 
sembly to  meet  next  Mo.,  having  very  strong  Assurances  y't 
they  will  give  me  a  pretty  generous  Supply,  and  they  will  be  the 
more  engaged  to  do  so,  if  they  find  Y'r  People  in  earnest,  and 
grant  a  suitable  assistance.  I  hope  this  will  be  with  You  in  a 
suitable  Time,  having  dispatch' d  this  Express  with  all  the  Ex- 
pedit'n  I  possibly  c'd;  pray  write  me  by  him  what  they  are 
likely  to  do,  and  [I]  beg  You  will  forvv'd  the  enclos'd  by  the 
Post. 

I  rem'n,  with  very  great  reg'd  and  Esteem, 

S'r,  Y'r  most  obed't  most  h'ble  Serv't, 

The  Number  of  Forces,  Vizt: 

So.  Car.  Ind't  Compa's,       .         .         .  lOO 

N.  York,  2  do.,            ....  i6o 

Virg'a  regim't,              ....  300 

No.  Car.  do., 350 

M'yl'd   Compa.,             ....  100 


1,010  Men. 


I  believe  I  shall  add  200  more  to  our  regim't. 

17 


\lli6  DINWIDDIK    PAPKRS. 

(;(>Vi:RNt)R  DINWIDDIE  TO  (iOVKKNoR  SHARPE 

1.  OKI.   W'n  Ordcn*  lrt»m  im-.  \\«ir  t>y   ii>>   iiu-.ms   t<»  .ill.n  k  liu" 

Encfuy  till  ihr  whole  Forces  were  join'd  in  a  HtKly.  and  they 
knew  no  Intent' n  ol"  the  Kneniy  till  the  very  Morn'jj  they  cn- 
jjajf'd:  and  it  the  Misfortune  attendin^^  our  Forces  has  arous'd 
the  Spirits  of  our  neij^hbour')^  Colonies,  as  Vou  justly  observe,  [it] 
has  done  more  y'n  probably  a  X'ictory  w*d  have  etTectcd.  And 
I  desire  to  congratulate  Vou,  y*t  alter  ^  "r  indefatigable  Trouble 
Y'r  Legislature  have  engag'd  to  grant  6.ooo[/^]  for  His  M'y's 
Service.  The  Wom'n  and  Children  In-longing  to  our  friendly 
Ind's  are  gone  into  [the]  I'ensylv'a  (iov't,  where  no  doubt  proper 
Care  will  Ix*  taken  of  them,  f  call'd  my  Council  this  Day  and 
laid  l)efore  them  \'r  Lei'r;  ihey  are  of  Opinion,  if  agreeable  to 
Vou,  y't  Vou  sh'd  send  lO)  Men  to  join  our  Forces.  Colo. 
Innes.  the  Com'd'r  in  Chief,  will  have  my  Orders  to  march  all 
the  Forces  he  can  collect  together,  over  the  Allegany  Mount's. 
and  if  he  cannot  dispos.sess  the  I-.nemy  of  the  Fort,  he  is  to  binld 
a  Fort  at  red  Stone  Creek,  the  Crossing  Place,  or  any  other  Place 
most  convenient,  as  may  Ix?  determin'd  by  a  Council  of  War.  It 
will  be  very  Agreeable,  if  V'r  F.xcell'cy  will,  with  the  rest  of  V'r 
Men,  order  the  building  of  a  Magazine  for  Provis's  any  where 
near  Wills'.s  Creek,  large  enough  to  receive  Provis's  for  1.500 
Men  for  one  ^'ea^,  w'ch  as  Vou  justly  observe,  is  absolutely 
necessary;  and  the  Comissary  of  our  Stores  being  disappointed, 
was  much  complain' d  of  for  want  of  proper  Supplys.  The 
Pay  and  Allowance  for  our  Forces  are  as  follows:  Capt's.  8s. 
"f*  Day;  Lieut's,  4s. ;  Kngineers.  3s.  [j/V] '*',  .Sergeants,  is.  (h\.; 
Corporals,  is.;  and  every  private  Man.  8d.,  with  Provis's,  that 
is  to  .say.  Flour,  Pork  or  Beef,  one  Pistole  Fntrance  or 
listing  Money,  and  2s.  ThI.  to  buy  them  a  Coat  and  Mreech's.  I 
fear  6d.  a  Week  for  Corn  will  not  l>e  a  proper  Allowance,  as  they 
do  expect  either  Pork  or  Beef.  The  road  You  are  pleas' d  to 
mention  from  rock  Creek  to  red  Stone  Creek  will  l>e  of  •  \ 
great  Use  and  Advantage,  and  ( I J  therefore  ilesire  Vou  will  pi-  1  - 
give  V'r  Orders  to  execute  it  imcdiatcly.     I  send  Vou  a  copy  of 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  259 

the  Capitulat'n,  w'ch,  from  the  small  Numljer  of  our  Troops, 
they  were  oblig'd  to  accept  of  Y't  Article  of  not  Settling  in  y't 
Part  for  a  twelve  mo.  is  conceiv'd  only  to  restrain  these  Persons, 
y't  were  left  with  the  Baggage,  so  the  Otticers  interpret  it,  tho' 
probably  the  French  intended  to  extend  it  further ;  however,  we 
are  now  going  to  prevent  the  French  from  Settling.  I  am  in 
hopes  all  our  Troops  will  all  be  at  Wills' s  Creek  by  the  20th  of 
next  Month,  and  below  I  send  Vou  an  Acc't  of  their  Numbers, 
and  I  doubt  not  You  will  be  able  to  raise  100  Men  to  join  them 
by  y't  Time  (or  to  march  after  them,  as  they  will  be  between  the 
Enemy  and  Wills' s  Creek),  w'ch  is  included  in  the  Calculatn 
below.  The  Gov'  r  of  Pennsylv'  a  has  call[ed]  his  Assembly  to  meet 
the  5th,  and  desires  Answer  to  some  Queries,  w'ch  I  now  send 
him.  I  shall  be  glad  if  You  will  please  order  the  Messenger 
fresh  Horses,  y't  he  may  be  there  in  Time.  Excuse  Brevity  and 
Scra[w]ls,  being  much  hurried,  but  believe  me  to  be  with  great 
Truth, 

Y'r  Excell's  most  obed't  h'ble  Serv't. 

P.  S. — I  have  order' d  the  different  Compa's  to  be  compleated  ; 
pray  give  me  Y'r  Opinion,  if  You  think  I  am  right  in  endeavour- 
ing to  build  a  Fort  the  other  side  of  Allegany  Mount's.  If  it's 
delay' d  till  Spring,  I  fear  the  Enemy  will  be  re-inforc'd. 


GOVERNOR   DINWIDDIE  TO  GOVERNOR  DkLAXCEV. 

July  31st,  1754. 
Sir: 

Y'r  favo.  of  i6th  Curr't  I  rec'd  the  29th,  and  observe  its 
Contents.  As  to  Y'r  two  Compa's  I  have  represented  them  to 
the  Secr'y  of  War  in  a  true  Light.  Their  tedious  delays  in 
coming  here  has  given  the  French  an  advantage  over  us,  w'ch  You 
may  observe  by  the  enclos'd  News  Paper,  w'ch  is  the  true  report 
given  me  by  our  Officers.  If  Y'r  two  Compa's  had  come  in 
Time,  the  French,  in  all  probability,  w'd  not  have  attack'd  us,  or, 
if  they  had,  if  they  had  behav'd  with  the  same  Spirit  the  others 
did,  they  w'd  not  have  obtained  the  Advantage,  and,  indeed,  con- 


200  IIINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

sidcriiii;  the  few  Forcrs  we  had,  they  have  nothing;  to  vaunt  of. 
I  have  now  altoiii  1,000  .Men,  w'ch  I  have  order'd  to  meet  at 
Wilb's  Creek;  they  are  n>  niarcli  over  the  Alli-^iiny  Mount's, 
and  il"  not  able  to  dis|H>sMTis  the  Knemy  «»f  the  Fort,  they  have 
my  orders  to  build  a  I'ori  in  a  projK-r  Place  y't  may  be  pitch' d 
on  by  a  Council  of  War.  If  we  delay  to  the  Spring.  I  fear  the 
Knemy  will  be  greatly  re  inforc'd.  It's  very  (nid  that,  on  so 
emergent  an  occasion.  \'r  Assembly  cannot  l>e  brought  to  their 
I)uty,  to  His  Majesty's  Com'ds,  to  grant  a  mutual  .Supply,  but  I 
an>  in  hoiK^s  on  their  meeting,  and  seri<jusly  considering  our 
Situat'n  and  the  dj-signs  of  the  Knemy,  You  will  be  able  to  pre- 
vail with  them.  As  the  money  rais'd  here  is  very  near  exhaustc-d, 
I  have  calletl  our  Assembly  to  meet  ne.xt  Mo.,  w'n  I  have  no 
doubt  they  will  grant  a  further  .Supply,  and  I  shall  l>e  very  glad 
[if]  you  can  write  me  y't  \"r  Assembly  is  bro't  to  reason,  and  >'t 
they  will  strengthen  V'r  hands  in  the  Com'n  Cause  to  defeat  the 
unjust  Inviisions  of  the  I'rench.  I  have  read  the  Plan  for  an 
Union  of  the  difterent  Colonies  on  this  Cont'l;  as  it  contains 
several  new  Things  not  agreeable  to  the  British  Constitu'n,  1 
do  not  care  to  give  my  Opinn  on  it  till  I  hear  how  it  is  reed  at 
Home;  but  a  Junction  and  a  mutual  Supply  from  each  Colony  is 
by  all  means  necessary  antl  pro|Hr.  I  agree  with  N'ou  y't  a  Fort 
in  the  .Seneca's  Co't'y  w'd  Ix-  very  proper  for  protecting  the 
Women  and  Children  of  the  Ind's  w'n  they  go  to  War.  1  thank 
You  for  th«-  K.xtracts  of  the  Conferences  at  Albany,  and  have 
wrote  Mr.  Wraxall  to  send  [mej  the  whole  I'roceetlings.  I  doubt 
not  wn  Y'r  Ho'r  obser\'es  the  great  Danger  His  M'y's  Colonies  is 
expos'd  to,  they,  [the  New  ^*ork  Assembly.]  will  chearfully  con- 
tribute their  Assistance  in  so  iminent  Danger,  and  ho|)e  \'ou  will 
sec  the  Necessity  of  calling  them  .soon  together.  I  remain  with 
very  great  regard  and  Msteem. 

Y'r  Hon'rs  most  olxrd't  humble  Serv't. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  261 

GOVERNOR  DIXWIDDIK  TO  COLONEL  INNI-.S. 

Aug'st  ist,  [1754.] 
Sir: 

I  detain'd  V'r  Messenger  till  I  consulted  with  my  Council; 
they  advis'd  me,  and  I  hereby  order  You  to  give  proper  Direct's 
for  the  3  Ind't  Conipa's,  to  recruit  them  to  the  Numbers  on  the 
Establishm't;  the  same  orders  to  Colo.  Washington  to  compleat 
His  regim't  to  300  Men,  and  I  hope  Y'r  regim't  consists  of  400. 
You  are  to  order  the  general  rendezvous  to  be  with  all  P3xpe- 
dition  at  Wills' s  Creek,  and  w'n  in  a  Body,  You  are  to  march 
them  over  the  Allegany  Mount's,  and  if  ^'ou  shall  think  it  im- 
practicable to  dispossess  the  French  of  the  Fort  they  now  Pos- 
sess, You  are  to  build  a  Fort  at  the  Crossing  Place,  red  Stone 
Creek,  or  any  other  Place  y't  may  be  fix'd  on  by  a  Council  of 
War,  w'ch  You  are  to  call  for  y't  Purpose,  The  Gov'r  of  M'yl'd 
undertakes  the  ordering  a  Magazine  for  Provis's  to  be  built 
at  Wills's  Creek,  and  I  shall  give  the  necessary  Orders  y't  y'r 
Forces  shall  be  duely  and  properly  supply'd  with  Provis's  and 
any  other  Thing  wanted,  y'ts  in  my  Power.  You  have  now 
three  Mo's  for  Action,  in  w'ch  Time,  I  hope  You  will  be  able  to 
do  something  Essential.  I  presume  Maj'r  Carlyle  must  have  a 
good  deal  of  Powder  and  Lead,  but  write  me  w't  may  be  wanted, 
and  I  shall  send  a  proper  Supply  of  every  Thing  I  have.  I  sup- 
pose You  will  take  the  Swivel  Guns  and  some  of  the  Cannon 
with  You,  w'ch  You  are  to  order  as  You  shall  see  proper.  For 
Tools,  apply  to  Mr.  Carlyle,  who,  undoubtedly,  will  supply  You 
with  w't  You  may  want.  If  he  has  them  not,  he  must  purchase 
them  for  You. 

The  disorder  and  mutinous  Behaviour  of  the  Virg'a  regim't,  I 
am  sorry  for ;  they  have  been  gready  fatigued  and  not  properly 
paid,  but  as  Money  is  order' d  for  them,  I  hope  they  will  proceed 
with  Spirit;  and  as  some  Officers  may  be  wanting  in  y't  regim't, 
consult  with  Colo.  Washington  and  Colo.  Stephens  '^'*  on  y't  head. 
One  Wm.  Wright  '^®  is  strongly  recomended  to  me  ;  if  \'ou  see 


'** Colonel  Adam  Stephen,  whose  name  here  and  elsewhere,  is  incor- 
rectly rendered. 

'^'William  Wriglit,  commissioned  Lieutenant,  November  18,  1754; 
killed  at  the  defeat  of  Braddock.  His  heirs  received  2,500  acres  of  land 
in  1771. 


262  DINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

proper,  I  recomcnd  him  to  Vou,  and  let  the  Com'o.  be  among 
their  own  Corps.  As  OtViccrs  arc  wanted  in  the  Indcpend't 
Conipa's  tVoni  N.  \'ork.  1  think  there  sh'd  be  some  appointed.  I 
recomend  Doct'r  Colhoun  and  another  Cient.  (his  Lei'r  mislaid), 
who  came  from  N.  N'ork  :is  a  Volunteer  or  Cadet.  You  know 
the  Season  of  the  \'ear  re(}uires  j^reat  llxpedit'n  ;  I  therefore  de- 
sire Vou  to  e.xert  ^"rself  accordingly.  Capt.  Clark's  jfoinj^  to 
Phil'a  to  head  their  troops  is  is  idle,  for  as  yet  they  have  not  voted 
any  Supply ;  he  anil  all  other  AHairs,  I  entirely  leave  to  Vou, 
tho'  it's  probable  his  Inclinat's  and  state  of  Health  will  not  admit 
of  any  Fatigue.  As  \'ou  do  not  want  the  Small  Arms  Mr.  Sharp 
sent  Vou,  let  them  be  given  to  the  X'irg'a  regim't,  w'ch  will  pre- 
vent the  delay  of  sending  some  from  this  [place].  I  have  sent 
from  this  [place]  since  the  comencement  of  the  Expedit'n,  400 
Small  Arms,  3,.Soo  Ih  Ball,  2,800  Flints,  and  I  think,  30  th  Gun 
Powder  from  Hampton.  However,  what  further  Supplies  may 
be  wanted,  shall  be  sent  as  soon  as  I  have  notice  of  it.  As  the 
Conducting  this  Expedit'n  is  now  entirely  with  Vou,  I  have  no 
doubt  of  V'r  Care  and  Diligence  in  executing  the  Scheme  pro- 
pos'il  as  above.  That  Health  and  .Success  to  our  Arms  may 
attend  \'ou,  is  the  sincere  Wish  of, 

.Sir,  V'r  Friend  and  h'ble  Serv't. 

VV^rite  me  w't  Vou  have  used  of  the  Ind's  Pres'ts. 

P.  S. — I  have  order'd  And'w  Montour  with  a  Compa.  of  Ind's 
to  \'ou  ;  if  they  come,  shew  him  and  them  a  regard. 


GOVERNOR  DIN\VIDDIK*TO  COLONI.I.  W.ASHINGTON. 

1st  Aug'st,  [1754.] 
Sir  : 

The  Council  met  ^'este^day,  and  considering  the  pres't  State 
of  our  Forces  and  [having]  reason  to  think  the  French  will  be 
strongly  rc-inforced  next  Spring.  It  was  resolv'd  y't  the  Forces 
sh'd  imediately  march  over  the  Allegany  Mount's,  either  to  dispos- 
sess the  French  of  their  Fort,  or  build  a  Fort  in  a  proper  Place 
y't  may  h*-  ••v'!  '.;i  In-  a  Council  of  War.     Colo.    Innes  has  my 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  263 

Orders  for  the  executing  the  above  Affair.  I  am,  therefore,  now 
to  order  You  to  get  Y'r  regim't  compleated  to  300  Men,  and 
have  no  doubt  but  You  will  be  able  to  enlist  w't  You  are  defi- 
cient of  Y'r  Numbers  very  soon,  and  march  directly  to  Wills' s 
Creek  to  join  the  other  Forces.  And  y't  there  may  be  no  delay, 
I  order  You  to  march  w't  Compa's  You  have  compleat,  and 
leave  orders  with  the  Officers  remaining,  to  follow  You  as  soon 
as  they  have  enlisted  Men  sufficient  to  make  up  their  Compa's. 
You  know  the  Season  of  the  Year  calls  for  Dispatch ;  I  depend 
on  Y'r  former  and  usual  diligence  and  Spirit  to  encourage  Y'r 
People  to  be  active  on  this  Occasion.  Consult  with  Maj'r  Car- 
lyle  w't  Amunit'n  may  be  wanting,  y't  I  may  send  it  up  imme- 
diately. I  trust  much  on  Y'r  Diligence  and  dispatch  in  getting 
Y'r  regim't  to  Wills' s  Creek  as  soon  as  possible.  Colo.  Innes 
will  consult  You  in  the  appointing  officers  in  Y'r  regim't.  Pray 
consider  if  [it  is]  possible  or  practicable  to  send  a  party  of  Ind's, 
&c.,  to  destroy  the  Corn  at  the  Fort  and  Logstown.  This  w'd  be  of 
great  Service,  and  a  very  great  disappointm't  to  the  Enemy.  I 
can  say  no  more  but  to  press  Dispatch  of  Y'r  regim't  to  Wills's 
Creek  and  y't  Success  may  attend  our  arms,  and  just  Expedit'n, 
is  the  sincere  desire  of  Sir,  Y'r  very  h'ble  Serv't. 
Inclos'd  You  have  Y'r  Com'o. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  COLONEL  STEPHEN. 

ist  Aug'st,  [1754]. 
Sir: 

As  Colo.  Muse  wrote  me  his  desire  to  resign  his  Com'o.,  I 
suppose  You,  in  course,  succeed  him.  I  have,  with  advice  of  my 
Council,  given  Colo.  Innes  Orders  to  collect  all  the  Forces  to- 
gether at  Wills's  Creek;  from  thence  to  execute  the  Scheme  of 
Operation  I  have  sent  him,  and  I  have  order' d  Y'r  Regim't  to 
be  recruited  and  compleated  to  300  Men ;  I  therefore  expect  You 
will  be  very  assiduous  in  having  them  in  readiness  to  march  to 
Wills's  Creek,  with  all  possible  Expedition,  as  You  know  the 
Season  of  the  Year  requires  it;  and  as  I  can  see  no  difficulty  in 
raising  Men,  I  expect  You  will  soon  be  on  Y'r  March.     What 


264  DtNWlDDIE    PAPERS. 

Officers  may  be  wanted  in  \"r  regim't,  I  have  desir'd  Colo.  Innes 
to  consult  with  Colo  \V;Lshin>;ton  and  Vourstlf.  to  have  them 
from  \"r  own  Corps.  Is  it  not  possible  to  send  a  Party  of 
Indians.  «S:c..  to  destroy  the  Corn  the  French  have  sown  near  the 
Fort  and  at  Lojjstown?  This  w'd  be  an  essential  .Service  I 
shall  be  )j;lad  if  \ou  can  jjet  some  of  the  Ixick  .Settlers  to  go 
Volunteers,  w'ch  may  be  of  j^reat  .Service  by  incre;isinj4  the 
Numbers  of  our  small  Army.  I  hope  \"r  rej^im't  will  shew  their 
usual  Spirit  and  resolut'n  by  marching;  imeiliately,  to  return  the 
ill  I  sa^e  they  met  with.  I  wish  Success  to  our  Army  and  just 
Desij^jns,  and  I  am. 

Sir,  V'r  most  h'hle  .Serv't. 


<.(»\1.KM»K    l>l.\\\  iniMI.    |(>   MAM  >K   (  AKI.M.I-:. 

isi  Aug'st,  1754. 
Sir: 

The  Council  having  Complaints  of  y'r  not  having  discharg'd 
y'r  duty  as  Comiss'y  of  .Stores  and  Provis's.  with  the  Exactness 
and  Dispatch  ex[)ectcd,  particularly  in  supply'g  the  Forces  regu- 
larly with  rrt)vis's,  w'ch  has  occasioned  a  great  deal  of  Clamour, 
I  am  therefore  to  order  \'ou  to  be  more  exact  for  the  future,  y't 
no  such  C<»mprt  may  subsist.  The  whole  Forces  are  now 
order'd  to  Wills's  Creek,  from  thence  to  march  over  the  Alle- 
gany Mount's  to  execute  a  Scheme  propos'd  and  approv'd  by 
the  Council.  Vou  arc  therefore  diligently  and  expeditiously  [to] 
provide  imcdately,  Provis's  of  all  kinds  for  1200  Men  for  four 
Mo's,  and  have  them  all  at  Wills's  Creek,  to  be  sent  out  to  the 
Army  as  they  may  be  wanted,  and  I  hope  no  delay  will  be  laid 
to  y'r  Charge.  .Send  me  an  Acc't  [of]  w't  Powder  and  Lead  You 
have  remaining,  and  Consult  with  Colo.  VV.  w't  may  be  wanting 
to  send  from  this  [place];  all  .sorts  of  Tools  will  l)e  wanting,  w'ch 
You  must  endeavour  to  purchase.  The  Cannon  arc  not  yet  at 
W's  Creek  or  the  Carriages — many  of  the  Linch  Pins  lost.  I 
cannot  help  saying,  there  has  been  great  Neglect  in  this  Affair. 
The  Gov'r  of  M'yl'd  proposes  building  a  large  Magazine  at 
Wills's  Creek  and  to  open  a  road  from   rock  Creek  t.i  Wills's 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  265 

Creek,  which  we  have  earnestly  desired  his  ordering  it,  as  I  think 
[it]  will  be  of  great  Service  in  carrying  Necessaries  to  y't  Place. 
You  are  imediately  to  purchase  Provis's  as  above,  and  be  sure  to 
have  [them]  in  such  readiness  y't  no  delay  may  be  given  to  the 
Forces.  My  most  sincere  respects  to  Colo.  Fairfax  and  Family. 
I   am   in  Truth, 

Sir,  Y'r  most  h'ble  Serv't, 
Please  forw'd  the  enclos'd  imediately. 


GOVERNOR   DINWIDDIE  TO  CAPTAIN  ANDREW  MONTOUR. 

ist  August,  [1754]- 
Sir: 

I  rec'd  Y'r  Let'r  of  the  17th,  last  Mo.,  and  have  consider'd 
w't  You  write.  I  now  order  You  to  go  to  Wills's  Creek,  and 
carry  with  You  as  many  Young  Warriors  of  the  Ind's  as  You 
can.  Tend  our  Forces,  and  receive  w't  Orders  Colo.  Innes,  the 
Com'd'g  Officer,  shall  see  proper  to  give  You  from  Time  to 
Time.  The  Ind's,  whether  In  this  Gov't  or  Pennsyl'a,  will  be 
taken  proper  care  of;  if  they  had  come  to  Winchester,  I  sh'd 
have  order'd  them  all  proper  Supplies,  as  I  shall  always  have  a 
great  regard  for  them.  Colo.  Innes  will  take  proper  Notice  of 
You  and  the  Ind's,  if  You  join  him  and  his  Forces. 
I  wish  You  very  well,  and  am, 

S'r,  Y'r  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  BENJAMIN  GRYMES,'«o  ESQ'R. 

ist  Aug'st,  [1754]. 
Sir  : 

I  rec'd  Y'r  Let'r,  and  much  approve  of  Y'r  Spirit  and  Love 
of  Y'r  Co't'y.     I   have  order'd  all  our  Forces  to  Wills's  Creek ; 


^®"  Benjamin  Grymes,  son  of  John  Grymes,  Receiver  General  of  Vir- 
ginia, and  grandson  of  John  Grj  mes,  who  died  about  170S,  was  County 


266  DINWIDDIE    PATERS. 

from  ihcncc  to  proceed  over  ihc  Alk'ijany  Mount's,  to  execute 
a  Scheme  propos'tl  by  mr  and  a|)pr<>v'd  by  the  Council.  If 
you  can  raijic  any  projwr  Nunjl>er  »»l  \'(iluntccrs  to  join  the  other 
Forces,  I  shall  be  ready  to  ^ive  ^'ou  a  Com'o,  and  all  the  As- 
sistance in  my  Power.  Vou  know  the  Sc;u»on  of  the  ^'ear  calls 
for  I)is|)alcli,  therflore.  it  you  can  raise  a  Number  of  Men,  as 
Vou  proposed,  it  must  be  immediately,  for  the  Forces  have  my 
Orders  to  be  at  the  above  Place  with  all  possible  Dispatch,  and  I 
doubt  not,  any  .Service  \\m  may  do,  will  be  properly  consider 'd 
by  the  Le>»islature  and  [it  will  be]  sincerely  recommended  by. 

Sir,  \"r  h'ble  .Serv't. 


(iOVKRNOk   DINU  IhDII-.    R )  RICHARD  PEARIS.**' 

Aujj'st  2nd,  [1754] 
Sir: 

\"r  two  I-ct'rs  of  I7tli  July,  I  rcc'd,  with  one  from  the 
Heads  of  the  Cherokees.  all  w  ch  I  duely  notice.  As  for  the  long 
Island  in  Holston's  river,  if  not  already  taken  up,  I  have  no  ob- 
jection to  \"  r  havinji  it,  but  \*ou  know  you  must  j^o  throw  the 
Forms  of  the  Office  here,  as  it's  not  in  my  Power  to  grant  any 
Lands ;  but  consistent  and  agreeable  to  Law  and  Mis  M'y's 
Orders.  I  have  no  Objection  to  \"r  People's  trailing  with  the 
Catawbas  and  Cherokees.  ^'ou  may  obtain  a  License,  by  com- 
plying with  the  staled  rules  and  giving  proper  Security.  I  am 
surpri/'d  the  Cherokees,  who  constantly  declare  themselves 
brothers  to  the  English,  sh'd  have  any  conferences  with  the 
French,  and  to  enter  into  Peace  with  these  perfidious  People,  who 
have  nothing  in  \'iew  hut  to  delude  tlu-tn,  and   by  Force  to  take 

1, Hilled. ml  <>i  >|)nts\  K.mi.i  <oimty,  and  .1  .Mcinlur  <ii  the  M«>iisc  of 
IU)rvces.scs,  1767-9.  The  Lite  Rl.  Rev.  Wilham  Meatle  was  a  Krandson 
of  his  by  his  tipit  wife,  Itetty,  sister  of  William  Kit/lninli.  <»f  "Chatham." 
C<»lonel  (inmes  ron<lucte<l  an  iron  (nr^v  prior  to  the  Rev<)lution. 

'•'An  Indian  trader,  l«K:at«'d  on  Holston  river,  who  acted  as  inter- 
preter, and  was  afterwards  commissi<»ne<l  a  Captain  to  command  a  com- 
pany of  Indians.  The  name  is  rendered  in  other  instances,  Paris,  which 
has  --•'•••-•■•'  '••• •  ••-  .-s  in  .Aujtusta  county  at  the  present  <lay. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  267 

their  huntinq;  Q^rounds  iVom  them.  Vou  did  well  to  get  the  Car- 
penter"'"' to  break  the  Peace.  The  Chickesaw  of  Choto  behav'd 
like  a  brave  Warrior  and  a  good  Bro'r,  in  resent'g  the  Murder  of 
one  of  our  People ;  pray  return  him  my  kind  Thanks  for  this 
brave  Action  ;  he  is  a  brave  Man,  and  Vou  are  much  oblig'd  to 
him  for  his  Safeguard.  I  cannot  think  the  French  can  supply 
them  with  goods;  I  shall  be  glad  we  w'd,  but  You  must  know  I 
am  a  great  Stranger  to  their  Trade,  or  w't  is  suitable  for  them. 
Let  the  Chickesaw  know  I  greatly  approve  of  his  Conduct,  and 
have  a  real  Esteem  for  him.  I  hope  the  Cherokees  and  Cataw- 
bas  will  prevent  the  French  building  any  Forts  at  Choto  or  Hol- 
stein's  River;  we  never  build  any  Forts  but  by  the  Consent  and 
Approbat'n  of  the  Ind'n  Nat'ns,  for  if  they  allow  them,  [the 
French]  it's  giving  them  leave  to  take  their  Lands  by  Force  of 
Arms.  The  one  building  so  near  Choto,  they  sh'd  imediately 
destroy.  They  are  two  brave  Nat's,  and  they  can,  if  they  will, 
prevent,  or  destroy  it  if  built.  I  am  surpriz'd  the  Inhabit' s  on 
Holstein's  [sic]  river  sh'd  submit  to  be  robb'd  by  a  few  Ind's. 
Surely,  Nature  directs  Self  Preservat'n,  and  as  they  come 
as  Enemies,  they  sh'd  meet  in  a  Body  and  repell  P'orce  by 
Force.  I  had  a  Visit  from  the  King  of  the  Catawbas  and 
some  Cherokees.  I  rec'd  them  as  Bro's,  and  entertain' d  them 
well,  gave  them  some  Pres'ts,  and  order' d  them  some  Powder 
and  Lead.  I  was  a  Stranger  to  Smith's  Character,  and  as  I 
now  know  it,  I  shall  be  on  my  Guard  hereafter;  but  the  Ind's 
will  not  now  say  I  am  worse  than  my  Promise.  I  always 
(till  now)  understood  the  Emperor  was  their  Chief  Man.  If  Old 
Hop  is  a  greater  Man,  I  shall  hereafter  notice  him  as  such.  I 
shall  be  glad  if  you  can  spirit  them  up  with  resentm't  ag'st  the 
French,  who  are  now  endeavouring  by  Force  of  Arms  to  take 
all  their  Lands  from  them,  the  back  of  our  Settlem'ts,  and  if 
they  w'd  take  a  Hunt  the  end  of  this  Mo.,  or  beginning  of  next, 
towards  the  Ohio,  where  probably  they  will  meet  a  great  Number 
of  our  Forces.  The  French  Slaves  y't  are  in  the  Nat'n,  if  the 
Ind's  see  proper  of  sending  them  this  Way,  I  shall  take  the 
proper  Care  of  them,  but  I  do  not  care  to  interfere  so  far  as  to 
ask  for  them.     I  shall  be  glad  to  have  the  Frenchman  in  Pos- 

'*^  Attakullakulla,  "  Kin.a:  or  Emperor"  of  the  Cherokees,  also  called 
Little  Carpenter,  was  a  staunch  friend  of  the  English. 


268  DINWIDDIF.    I'AI'KRS. 

scas'n,  that  threaten'd  our  People,  and  i<»  take  Colo.  Buchanan's'* 
Life.  1  a)»;ree  with  (you)  y'l  the  carryinj^  Li<iiior  out  to  the  Iiid's 
i!i  prejuilicial  to  them  and  hurtful  to  I'rade.  hut  1  do  not  know 
how  [to]  ledress  it  at  pres't,  till  the  Trade  is  bro't  into  a  better  rcjj- 
ulat'n,  u'ch  I  hope  in  Time  will  he  done.  Watts  is  a  rascal  for 
givinjij  a  wn)nj^  Inierpret'n  to  n)y  I-etr.  hut  [IJ  hojie  Vou  ^avc  it 
the  pro|)er  Meaninj^.  1  have  ncd  the  V\\)c  and  I'ouch.  and  am 
much  obnj»'d  to  the  ("ar[)enter  for  it.  Present  my  Service  to 
him  and  make  a  Speech  to  him  in  my  Name.  I  have  no 
Objecl'n  to  \\}U,  or  Nath'I  (iist'**  having;  a  License,  but  it  must 
be  aj^reeabli-  »<>  I  iw  uul  i-.  ini,  lii  i)  in  So.  Carohn;«  I  ini 
with  regard, 

.S  r.   \  I    li  i>lc  -Scrv  t. 


GOVKRNOR  DI.WVIDDIK  To  COLUNKL  WASHINGTON. 

;,(!  August,  f  1 754-1 
SiK  : 

I  rcc'tl  v'rs  of  the  2.Sth  I'Iki.  Ilic  ik-artr  bring.s  Wni  x'xx^. 
w'ch  is  all  can  be  got,  and  hope  it  will  answer  for  the  pres't.  I 
have  no  doubt  w'n  the  A.ssembly  meets  they  will  grant  a  Supply 
in  such  manner  as  to  Com'd  Money,  the  want  thereof,  I  know  has 
been  a  great  Loss  to  the  Kxpeditn.  I  am  sorry  Y'r  regim't 
have  behav'd  so  very  refractory ;  tho'  they  have  a  right  to  their 
Pay,  they  sh'd  have  been  easy  till  ^'ou  ret'd.  It's  strange  the 
Officers  sh'd  have  allow  d  them  to  dc-sert  with  their  Guns.  I 
hope  he  sent  a  Party  after  them,  and  an  Kxam|)le  sh'd  be  made 
of  the  ringhiuli-rs    ;(t  thi>.  i!i>.f  in---   I  <;uiiioi  conceix'-  ''v  "•«'>"n. 


••'John  Buchanan,  Colonel  of  militin  of  Auj^usta  county,  was  the  son 
of  Colonel  James  .md  Jane  (.Savers)  Fiuchanan.  of  Northumberland 
county,  I'a..  'from  whom  also,  the  late  fresidfut  James  Kuchanan  is  said 
to  have '!  '     i        Hi-  married  Margaret,  daughter  of  Colonel  James 

Patton,  '■'■  ited  with  him  in  all  of  his  exploring  expeditions,  and 

was  a  man  t,i  (•iiira>;e.  energy  and  ability.  Tlie  town  of  Buchanan,  Va.. 
was  named  in  his  honor. 

'•*F*resumably  the  Nathaniel  (»ist  who  served  subsecjuently  as  Colonel 
inth'-  H '•■••■■•• 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  269 

but  appears  to  me,  the  want  of  proper  Coni'd.  Muse  wrote  ine, 
and  I  answer'd,  he  was  welcome  to  resign,  and  I  suppose  Maj'r 
Stephens  succeeds  him.  I  sent  Vou  Orders  to  recruit  Y'r 
regim't  with  all  possible  Diligence,  y't  Vou  may  be  ready  to  join 
the  other  Forces  at  Wills's  Creek,  to  execute  the  Scheme  sent  by 
Colo.  Innes.  I  repeat  my  Orders  now.  and  am  in  hopes  You 
will  meet  with  little  difficulty  in  Complying  therewith,  and  y't 
with  Expedit'n,  as  the  season  of  the  Year  calls  for  it,  and  I  am 
convinc'd  of  Y'r  hearty  Inclinat's,  w'ch  I  desire  You  will  now 
exert.  I  have  [done],  and  will  do  all  in  my  Power,  in  prosecut'g 
the  Affair  in  hand,  and  I  hope  in  a  short  Time  we  shall  have  our 
hands  better  strengthened  with  Money,  and  I  expect  to  hear  Y'r 
regim't  is  compleated  and  [that  it]  will  soon  march  for  Wills's 
Creek.  I  send  You  the  Warr't  with  [^]6oo  indors'd  on  it,  the 
other  [^J500,  if  any  Person  with  You  will  advance  it,  they  will 
have  6  '^  Cent.  Int't,  which,  shall  be  glad  if  You  can  procure 
it.  I  cannot  end  Without  repeating  Dispatch,  w'ch  will  be 
very  agreeable  to, 

S'r,  Y'r  friend,  &c. 

P.  S.  I  send  You  a  Let'r  to  Maj'r  Clark,  w'ch  deliver.     It  came 
to  my  hands  a  few  days  ago. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  COLONEL  INNE.S. 

Aug'st,  [1754.] 
Dear  James  : 

Y'r  long  Letter  by  Mr.  Dalrimple,  I  answer'd  by 
y't  Gent.,  who  left  this  [place]  yesterday.  I  wish  You  had 
rec'd  my  Letter  by  Mr.  Splitdolph,  w'ch  I  am  surpriz'd  You  had 
not  before  the  loth  of  this  Mo.;  his  delay  is  something  unex- 
pected. I  wrote  to  Mr.  Carlyle  to  provide  all  Tools  You 
wanted ;  he  has  also  my  Orders  to  supply  You  with  Provi- 
sions, and  to  keep  Y'r  Supply  seperate  by  itself;  the  charging 
for  a  Guard  Ho.,  I  think  wrong,  as  also  [;^]47  6[s]  for  Pork  ; 
indeed  I  told  him  I  believ'd  You  w'd  only  want  Bread  as 
You  proposed  only  driving  Steers,  w'ch  w'd  have  answer'd  if 


270  lUNUlDDIE    I'APKRS. 

drove  in  ihe  Spring  or  Kail,  but  the*  Weather  is  now  loo  hot  for 
driving  them,  but  I  lear  some  IVople  concern'd.  thinks  more  of 
j-ain  y"n  the  public  Service,  but  w'n  the  Acc'ts  come  to  be 
liquidated,  \'ou  may  then  make  \"r  (Objections.  I  wish  some  of 
V'r  own  I'ork  hail  been  ordered  up  with  \"r  I'eople.  I  have 
wrote  home  particularly  in  rej^ard  to  the  Co  n'd,  but  I  presume 
there  will  be  now  no  Dispute,  as  \'ou  Com'd  in  Chief  I  doubt 
not,  \'ou  will  be  able  to  hire  I'ensylv'a  Waj^j^ons  for  trans- 
port'^ \"r  (luns,  if  not,  they  must  be  boujjht,  or  built.  There 
are  six  swivels  at  Wills's  Creek  belon^injj  to  the  Ohio 
Compa.,  w'ch  is  all  we  have.  \'ou  must  make  use  of  them 
and  make  Partridge  Shot  for  them.  '**  I  refer  You  to  my 
former  Letters  in  rejj^ard  to  building  a  Majjazine,  «S:c.  I  be- 
lieve the  Gov'r  of  M'yl'd  will  order  the  building  of  the  first 
either  at  Wills's,  Patterson's,  or  George's  Creek.  All  the  Forces 
from  Carolina  continued  Mutinous  during  their  March.  Capt. 
Bryan's,  Mutinied  at  Augusta  C  t  Ho  ,  and  w'd  march  no  further, 
till  a  Friend  of  mine  advanced  ;^40,  w'ch  is  charg'd  to  \"r 
Co't'y,  and  \oi\  sh'd  call  on  the  Capt.  for  it.  All  their  mutinies 
is  occasioned  for  want  of  proper  Officers,  for  I  verily  think  the 
People  were  not  Kept  under  due  Discipline,  and  I  think  ^'ou 
sh'd  have  matle  an  K.xample  of  some  of  the  ringleaders.  Y'r 
Com'o.,  and  the  Articles  of  War,  give  \'ou  sufticienl  Power.  I 
have  ordered  tliein  to  be  incerted  in  our  (Gazettes,  but  as  their 
Persons  are  not  described,  such  \'illains  will  soon  change  their 
Names.  I  find  Mutiny  is  general  in  \"v  regim't,  w'ch  is  owing 
to  the  first  .seting  out.  I  sent  by  Mr.  .\sh,  the  Establishm't  of 
our  Officers  and  Men,  w'ch  if  it  had  been  put  in  practice  in  No. 
Car.  at  first,  there  w'd  have  been  no  Complamts ;  they  will  de- 
bauch the  rest  of  the  Forces,  and  1  now  wish  we  had  none  from 
Y'r  Colony  but  Y'r  Self,  for  I  forsee  nothing  but  Confusion 
among  them.  They  cannot  have  ye  Impudence  to  e.xpect  more 
y'n  8d.  p*  day,  as  the  other  P'orces  have,  and  if  ^'ou  cannot  com- 
pell  them  to  serve  for  y't,  I  think  they  had  better  be  disbanded, 
I  wish  their  Officers  may  not  countenance  them  in  their  Mutinies. 
I    fear   none  of  the  officers  arc  acquainted   With    the    Business 


'•  A  Partridge  mortar  was  one  with  thirteen  smaller  bores  in  its 
circumference.  It  was  loaded  respectively  with  a  shell  and  with 
grenades.     The  French  used  them  in  1701. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  271 

they  are  appointed  to.  Y'r  Gov't  must  not  order  higher  Pay 
y'n  the  other  Forces  have,  othervvays,  it  will  make  the  Mutiny 
general,  as  all  the  People  will  expect  equal  Pay.  As  for  w't  Mr. 
Wood,'®*^  Carlyle's  Deputy,  might  have  s'd,  is  wrong,  for  he  has 
Orders  to  supply  Y'r  People  equal  with  the  others.  You  are  in 
a  bad  Situat'n  in  regard  to  Y'r  People,  or  can  I  tell  w't  to  say,  as 
I  know  not  the  Terms  they  were  enlisted  [under],  but  by  no 
means  can  they  have  more  pay  y'n  8d.  ^  Day.  I  fear  You  will 
meet  with  little  Success  in  enlisting,  as  Washington  has  Orders 
to  compleat  his  regim't.  You  forgot  to  send  Capt.  Cock's  ^" 
receipt  on  the  Number  of  Arms,  &c.,  left  with  him.  I  gave 
Orders  for  12  half  bis.  of  Powder  and  1,000  ft  Lead  as  a 
Pres't  to  the  Catawbas  and  Cherokees.  Capt.  Montour  has  my 
Orders  to  meet  You  at  Wills's  Creek  with  as  many  Ind's  as 
he  can  collect,  y't  if  You  proceed  over  the  Allegany  Mount's, 
they  will  be  of  Service.  I  differ  from  You  in  regard  to  the 
Affair  at  the  Meadows.  Our  Forces  were  daily  in  hopes  of 
a  reinforcement,  and  if  Capt.  Clark's  dillatoryness  had  not  pre- 
vented, they  might  have  joined  them.  He  was  sick,  and  kept 
his  Compa.  to  attend  him,  whereas  he  sh'd  have  directed  them 
to  march,  and  he  might  have  followed,  when  recovered.  And,  if 
our  officers  reported  truly,  they  knew  nothing  of  the  reinforcem't 
of  the  French  till  the  Day  before  they  was  taken  on  a  Surprize. 
However,  I  sh'd  be  glad  we  c'd  retrieve  that  Loss.  Pray  let  me 
know  the  Number  of  Y'r  regim't;  it's  monstrous  ill  Conduct  y't 
the  2,000;^  raised  by  Y'r  Colony,  sh'd  be  expended  before  they 
came  to  the  Place  of  Act'n.  As  before,  their  Delay  in  their 
March  must  be  charged  to  the  bad  Oeconomy  of  their  Officers. 
The  more  I  think  of  it,  the  more  am  [I]  surpriz'd.  I  must  leave 
it  to  Y'r  own  Prudence  to  extricate  Y'r  Self  from  Y'r  present 
Embarrassm't,  intirely  owing  to  the  first  seting  out.  I  rem'n, 
with  very  great  Esteem  and  regard,  and  Sincere  wishes  for  Suc- 
cess to  our  just  Proceedings,  [and]  am  in  Truth, 
D'r  S'r,  Y'r  affec.  humble  serv't, 

166  Probably  Colonel  James  Wood,  the  founder  of  Winchester,  Va.,  and 
the  father  of  Colonel  James  Wood,  Governor  of  Va.,  etc. 

!•"  Thomas  Cocke,  was  commissioned  Captain,  December  13,  1754. 
He  appears  to  have  been  intimate  in  the  family  of  George  William 
Fairfax.  Captain  Wm.  Cocke,  of  Winchester,  before  mentioned,  was 
probably  the  officer  here  referred  to. 


-«-  OINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

GOVKRNOR  IllNWIDhlK  TO  C.OVKRNOR  GLEN. 

AuKSt  5th.  [1754-] 
Sir 

\  r  two  I,cHc'P»  of  the  1st  June  (by  Capt.  Legg ),  I  duly 
rcc'd,  and  sh'd  have  answer'il  them  before  this,  but  it  was  late  in 
June  before  I  came  from  Winchester,  and  [I )  have  been  much 
hurried  ever  since  It's  true,  His  .My,  by  Pat't.  granted  to  a  cer- 
tain Compa.  a  qu'ty  of  Land  on  the  river  Ohio,  w'ch  Lands  are 
His  Majesty's  undoubted  rij^ht.  by  the  Treaty  of  I^incaster  and 
subsequent  Treaties  at  Logstown  on  the  Ohio.  I  wrote  you  the 
23rd  .May,  1753.  y't  a  number  of  Families  were  going  to  make  a 
Settlem'i  on  these  Lands,  but  my  Letters  do  not  say,  y't  a  French 
Army,  consisting  of  many  Thous'd  regular  Troops,  march'd  from 
Canada  and  fell  on  y't  little  Colony,  killing  great  numbers  on  the 
Spot,  carrying  many  into  captivity  and  seizing  their  I'ft'ecls  to  a 
great  Amo.  If  You  had  laid  my  Letters  before  Y'r  Legislature 
they  w'd  have  found  no  such  Paragraph.  I  s'd  they  took  some 
Traders,  confiscated  their  (ioods,  and  carried  their  Prisoners  to 
Canada.  I  approve  of  Com'ds  from  each  Gov't  to  enquire  into  the 
State  of  the  Colonies,  but  at  this  Time,  w'n  the  French  are  in  Arms 
and  [have]  invaded  His  M'y's  Lands  in  a  hostile  manner,  there  is 
no  Time  to  be  spared  for  a  Gen'l  Congress.  It  appears  to  me 
more  eligible,  in  obedience  to  His  M'y's  Com'ds.  y't  each  Colony 
grant  a  mutual  Supply,  by  .Applicatn  to  the  .Assemblies,  with- 
out waiting  to  adjust  the  proper  Quotas,  and  this  the  other  Colonies 
are  doing.  No.  Car.  and  M'yl'd  have  [so]  done,  and  the  Assem- 
bly of  Pennsylvania,  now  sitting,  will  contribute  to  the  support  of 
the  Com'n  Cause,  and  I  hope  Y'r  Assembly  will  think  proper  to 
do  the  same.  \"ou  mistake  my  desire,  if  \'ou  think  I  wanted  Y'r 
Assist'ce  for  building  two  Forts;  no,  this  Dom'n  c'd  do  y't  VVith't 
any  Assistance,  but  my  repeated  Application,  was  for  Men  and 
Money  to  defeat  the  Designs  of  the  French  in  invading  the  King's 
Lands,  and  to  be  able  to  repell  F'orce  by  Force.  The  Place  I  be- 
gan to  build  a  Fort  in,  was  most  proper,  as  it  com'ds  Monongehela, 
and  river  Ohio,  and  is  the  very  spot  the  French  are  now  fortify- 
ing. No  doubt  two  or  three  of  our  Colonies  may  be  sufficient 
to  repell  any  Force  the  French  may  bring  ag'st  us,  but  if  those 
Colonies  will  not  Join  with  .Spirit,  the  French  take  the  advantage. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  273 

I  acknowledge  very  fully  y't  I  do  not  know  the  Affairs  of  the 
Ind's  so  well  as  You,  but  I  have  observed  ever  since  I  have  been 
here,  y't  the  particular  attachm't  of  the  different  Colonies  to  their 
own  particular  Int'ts  (and  not  as  Subjects  to  one  Prince)  has  been 
of  very  bad  Consequence  in  Ind'n  Affairs;  and  the  Ind'n  Nat's 
do  not  like  to  be  confined  to  any  one  of  the  Gov'ts  in  regard  to 
their  Trade;  we  have  very  little  from  this,  but  pray,  by  w't  Law 
can  I  restrain  our  People  from  trading  with  any  Ind'n  Nat's  in 
Amity  with  G.  B.,  or  shall  I  be  confin'd  from  showing  a  regard 
to  our  Fr'dly  Ind's,  w'n  they  come  into  this  Gov't  ?  The  seldomer 
they  come  the  better,  for  it's  always  attended  with  great  Expence. 
The  Emperor  of  the  Cherokees  was  here  with  his  Atterid'ts.  I 
rec'd  him  properly,  with  Pres'ts,  and  recom'd  him  and  his  People 
to  Y'r  Province  for  Trade,  as  being  much  more  Contiguous. 
The  King  of  the  Catawbas  and  some  Cherokees  were  lately  here, 
I  gave  them  Pres'ts,  and  recommended  them  as  above,  and  in- 
deed, very  few  of  our  People  have  any  Ind'n  Trade  to  the  No'w'd ; 
it's  chiefly  conducted  by  Pensylvania  and  N.  York.  About  a 
Year  ago  the  Cherokees  and  Catawbas  wrote  me  if  the  French 
sh'd  come  to  invade  their  Hunting  Grounds  and  our  Lands, 
they  would  assist  me  with  800  Warriors.  As  I  was  disappointed 
from  our  own  Colonies,  I  sent  to  them  for  their  Assistance 
on  this  Emergency,  to  march  some  of  their  Warriors  to  join 
our  Forces  at  the  Ohio.  They  sent  me  word  they  were  ready  if  I 
w'd  Supply  them  with  Amunition,  but  y't  the  Gov'r  of  So.  Car. 
desir'd  them  to  rem'n  at  home,  take  care  of  their  Families  and 
Hunting,  for  I  was  only  going  to  build  a  Fort,  w'ch  I  c'd  do 
with't  their  Assistance.  If  this  is  true,  I  think  His  M'y's  Ser- 
vice has  been  ill  used  and  much  Slighted  by  one  of  His  Gov'rs. 
I  never  had  any  View  of  Trade  with  them,  w'ch  is  much  too 
mercenary,  while  His  M'y's  Dom's  are  so  much  expos' d  to  the 
Invasions  and  Insults  of  the  French.  You  surprize  me,  y't 
you  know  of  few  or  no  Ind's  in  Treaty  with  Virg'a.  I  think  all 
the  Nat's  of  Ind's  y't  are  Allies  to  G.  B.,  are  in  Fr'dship  with 
this  Dom'n,  and  as  such  I  always  receive  them,  besides  we  have 
several  seperate  Treaties  with  Ind's.  However,  it  gives  me 
Pleasure  y't  You  keep  the  Catawbas,  Cherokees,  Chickesaws  and 
Creeks  in  so  good  Order,  w'ch  I  wish  may  long  continue,  tho'  I 
am  inform'd  the  French  are  now  building  two  Forts  among  the 
Cherokees,  one  not  far  from  Choto,  w'ch   I  presume,  from  Y'r 


274  UINWIUUIK    FAPKRS. 

close  Altcnt'n  with  them,  ihcy  have  appriz'd  Vou  of  it.  No 
doubt  N.  York  ami  Car«>.  arc  well  able  to  conduct  their  Ind'n 
Atl'airs.  but  [l]ain  sorry  they  shil  be  distin^uishcl  as  their  Imi's, 
w'ch  I  never  hciird  N.  V.  assum'd.  but  now.  w'n  His  M'y's 
Service  so  much  re<|uires  it.  antl  [it  is]  necess.iry  to  keep  them  in 
our  Int't,  1  hojH.*  1  cannot  be  justly  charj^'tl  with  misconduct, 
in  endeavour' >j  to  jjet  the  Assistance  of  the  Ind's,  let  iheir  At- 
lachm'ts  to  any  other  Colony  be  w'l  it  will,  ^'ou  go  a  great 
length  in  saying  yt)U  will  answer  lor  their  Conduct  with  Vr  Life. 
If  I  had  known  Abra.  Smith's  Character,  I  w'd  not  have  em- 
ployed him,  even  as  a  Messenger,  but  it  was  [a]  Necessity,  having 
very  few  Traders  to  these  Ind's,  but  after  this  Year,  he  shall 
not  be  employ'd.  The  Present  to  the  Ind's  is  p'd  out  of  the 
Funds  of  this  Dom'n.  and  I  hope  ^'ou  will  not  take  it  amiss 
y't  we  see  the  delivery  of  it  in  a  proper  manner.  Capt.  Lcgg 
is  my  former  Ac(juaint'ce,  a  Man  of  Merit,  Worth,  and  a  good 
Ofticer.  I  thank  you  for  the  Pleasure  1  had  in  Mr.  Wragg's 
short  Acquaintance;  he  appears  to  be  a  (ient.  of  great  Learn- 
ing and  superior  .Sense;  his  stay  here  was  very  short,  but  [I]  ex- 
pect it  will  be  longer  on  his  return  homewards.  \'ou  surprize 
me  much  in  desiring  me  to  send  back  the  Ind't  Company; 
ihey  were  .sent  here  by  Mis  M'y's  Orders,  and  must  remain  till 
order' d  back  by  the  King.  I  know  no  Power  the  (iov'ts  have  to 
send  His  M'y's  Forces  from  one  Colony  to  another  with't  distinct 
Orders  from  home,  and  at  pres't  they  are  very  much  wanted 
here.  The  Indn  y't  came  with  Capt.  Mackay  went  with  y't 
Compa.  to  the  Camp,  and  [has  been]  order'd  to  be  sent  to  his 
Nat'n.  I  am  sorry  for  the  barbarous  Behaviour  of  the  Shawnesse 
Ind's  y't  broke  out  of  Goal.  I  fear  y't  Nat'n  have  join'd  the 
French,  so,  at  pres't,  nothing  can  be  done;  but  if  we  are  so  lucky 
[as]  to  succeed  in  our  pres't  E.xpcdit'n,  I  shall  hereafter  endeavour 
to  have  them  bro't  to  Justice.  The  pres't  Affairs  of  the  French 
prevented  the  Chiefs  of  the  Ind's  meeting  me  at  Winchester. 
They  sent  me  Word  they  c'd  not  leave  their  young  Men,  for 
fear  of  being  deluded  by  the  French  fair  promises.  Now,  Sir, 
I  think  I  have  j)retty  fully  answer'd  Y'r  two  Letters,  and  my 
duty  to  the  Crown  engages  me  to  give  You  an  Acc't  of  the 
Operat'n  of  our  few  Forces  near  to  the  Ohio.  By  Capt.  Du- 
bois I  wrote  you  the  French  had  landed  near  to  the  Fort  I 
order'd  to  be  built   Tatxl]  sumoned  them  [tol  siirnnd.r    w'ch. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  275 

from  our  small  Force,  were  oblig'd  to  comply.  Colo.  Washing- 
ton, with  the  first  Detachm't  of  our  regim't  marched  over  the 
Allegany  Mount's,  [and]  encamp'd  at  a  Place  call'd  the  Great 
Meadows,  within  30  Miles  of  the  Fort  they  took  from  Us.  On 
the  27th  of  May,  he  had  Notice  of  a  Party  from  the  P>ench 
Fort  [that]  were  reconnoilering  our  small  Camp.  The  Informat'n 
was  sent  him  by  the  Half- King  (who  is  Chief  of  the  Ind's  on 
the  Ohio),  who  desir'd  him  to  march  with  some  of  his  Men 
and  join  him,  and  he  w'd  shew  where  the  French  were  en- 
camp'd, who  consisted  of  35  Men  and  two  Officers.  Colo.  W. 
march'd  with  40  Men  to  the  Half-King.  One  of  the  Ind'n 
runners  tract  the  French  to  their  Lodgment.  Our  small 
Party  was  in  Sight  about  9  o' Clock  in  the  Morning,  w'n  the 
French  flew  to  their  Arms.  A  small  Engagement  ensued. 
We  lost  one  Man  and  two  wounded.  They  killed  13  of  the 
French,  and  took  21  Prisoners,  who  are  now  in  this  Goal. 
Y'r  Ind't  Co.  and  the  rest  of  our  regim't  join'd  Colo.  Wash- 
ington about  the  20th  of  June.  They  had  Informat'n  the  3d 
of  July,  [that]  the  French  being  re-inforc'd  with  700  men,  were 
on  their  March  to  attack  them.  The  short  Warning  gave  them 
little  Time  to  put  themselves  in  a  proper  Posture  of  Defence, 
but  I  refer  You  to  the  enclos'd  News  Paper  for  the  Particulars, 
as  reported  to  me  by  the  officers.  Our  small  Number  of  Men 
behav'd  with  great  Spirit  and  Courage,  y't  altho'  the  French 
have  the  advantage  by  Capitulat'n,  yet  Hon'r  is  due  to  our 
People.  I  presume  You  will  now  join  with  me  in  calling  the 
French  on  this  Contin't  Enemies.  This  small  Defeat  has  given 
me  much  Concern,  but  it  seems  to  have  Open'd  the  Eyes  of 
our  neighbouring  Colonies  to  join  sincerely  in  the  Comon 
Cause.  M'yl'd  has  voted  [^]6,ooo,  and  the  Assembly  of 
Pennsylvania,  now  sitting,  will,  with't  doubt,  act  properly  in 
granting  handsome  Supplies.  As  I  do  not  care  to  let  our  few 
Forces  lie  idle,  they  are  now  near  1,000  Men,  I  have  order'd 
them  to  march  over  the  Allegany  Mount's.  If  they  cannot 
dislodge  the  Enemy  from  the  Fort,  they  have  my  Orders  to 
build  a  Fort  in  a  proper  place  y't  may  be  concluded  on  by  a 
Council  of  War.  The  Money  rais'd  by  our  Assembly  is  very 
near  exhausted,  w'ch  obliges  me  to  call  them  [together]  the  22nd 
of  this  Mo.,  w'n  I  have  good  Assurances  of  their  granting  further 
Supplies.     I  hope  w'n  Y'r   People   consider  the  Insults  of  the 


Zib  DINWIDDIE    PAPKRS. 

French  and  our  pres't  Siiuai'n,  y'l  they  will  cordially  and  with 
Unanimity  ^rant  their  Aid  ag'si  the  Knemy,  and  in  the  Cause 
y't  all  the  ColDnies  are  so  >jreally  concern'd  in.  The  Manaj»em't 
of  this  must  be  left  to  \'ou.  I  hear  from  Hngland  y't  Y'r 
People  complain  I  keep  them  in  the  Dark.  I  cannot  conceive 
their  reason  for  this.  I  wrote  N'ou  the  Purport  of  His  M'y's 
Com'ds  to  me,  I  sent  You  Colo.  Washington's  Journal,  and 
gave  Vou  an  Acc'l  of  my  Operat's,  probably  not  so  fully  as  You 
might  have  expected,  but  fyou  must]  consider  [that]  I  have  been 
oblig'd  to  write  to  every  Gov't  on  this  Cont't ;  y't  takes  up  most 
of  my  Time,  and  I  am  sure  there  is  no  secret  Designs  or  private 
Advantages  in  my  View.  No,  Sir,  my  Endeavours  are  with  Dili- 
gence and  Assiduity  to  comply  with  the  Com'ds  I  have  from 
home,  and  conduct  this  essential  K.xpediln  with  all  Vigour  and 
Care  in  my  Power,  and  if  the  other  Colonies  had  contributed 
in  Time.  I  think  it  v,\l  have  been  ended  before  now,  and  the 
F"rench  drove  from  the  Ohio.  As  formally,  if  Y'r  Assembly 
grant  any  Supply,  by  Money  or  Bills  of  E.xcha.,  I  can  raise 
Men  and  provide  the  Neces.saries  for  them.  I  shall  be  glad,  by 
the  return  of  this  Express,  to  know  \"r  (Jpinion  if  I  can  have 
any  Dependence  of  a  Supply  from  You. 
I  am,  with  Esteem  and  Respect, 
Y'r  Exc'y's 

Most  hble  Serv't. 


GOVERN'  "K   1  II  .\  \\  I  i  M  >l  I  .    I  (  )  IKLMI  )|..\  I    Kt  »\\  .\  N,  <  »i-     N»  »k  1  H 

CAROLINA. 

Aug'st  5th,  [1754  J 
Sir  : 

\"r  Let'r  of  21st  Apr.  1  rcc'd  on  my  return  from  Win- 
chester where  I  went  to  meet  the  Chiefs  of  the  Ind's,  but  was 
disappointed  '  the  French  invading  their  Lands  on  the  (Jhio); 
they  sent  me  a  Message  y't  they  c'd  not  leave  their  ^'oung  Men 
for  fear  the  French  with  their  fair  Promises  sh'd  delude  them. 
The  first  Detachm't  of  our  Forces  march 'd  over  the  Allegany 
Mount's,  [in]  the  Mo.  of  May,  under  the  Com'd  of  Colo.  Wash- 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  Z<7 

ington ;  the  26th  of  y't  Mo,  the  Half-King  wrote  him  y't  a 
Party  of  French  from  the  Fort  were  hankering  round  his  small 
Camp  and  desir'd  y't  he  w'd  march  a  Party  of  his  Men  to  join 
him  and  he  w'd  conduct  them  to  their  Lodgm't ;  he  accordingly, 
with  40  Men  march'd  in  the  Night  and  join'd  the  Half-King,  one 
of  the  Indians  tract  the  feet  of  the  French  and  in  the  Morning 
were  in  Sight  of  them  ;  the  French  imediately  flew  to  their 
Arms,  a  small  Action  ensued  ;  we  had  one  Man  killed  and  two 
wounded;  we  killed  14  French  and  took  21  Prisoners,  who  are 
now  in  our  Goal.  The  rest  of  our  regim't  and  the  Ind't  Co. 
from  Car'o.  join'd  Colo.  W.  in  June;  they  had  Acc't  Y't 
the  French  were  re-inforced  with  700  Men,  and  the  3rd 
July  had  a  further  Acc't  y't  the  French  were  on  their  March 
to  attack  them.  They  had  not  time  properly  to  draw 
their  Men  up  in  Order  till  they  were  in  Sight,  y'n  another 
Action  ensued,  the  Particulars  whereof  You  have  in  the  en- 
clos'd  News  Paper,  just  as  it  was  reported  to  me  by  our 
Officers.  The  French  obtain'd  the  Victory  by  the  Capitu- 
lat'n,  but  the  Behaviour  of  our  few  Forces  gives  them  Hon'r. 
If  Y'r  regim't  had  join'd  our  Forces  in  Time,  as  might  have 
been  expected,  they  w'd  not  have  got  this  Advantage.  The 
monstrous  Delay  of  Y'r  People  I  cannot  acc't  for.  Capt.  Mc- 
Kilware^*^®  went  from  Hampton  the  Middle  of  last  Mo.,  Capt. 
Varle  ab't  the  same  Time,  Maj'r  Roan  some  Time  after,  and 
C't  Bryan  was  at  Augusta  27th  July.  His  People  mutined, 
and  w'd  go  no  further  with't  Money,  w'n  a  Friend  of  mine 
was  oblig'd  to  let  him  have  40^,  to  quiet  their  Mutiny,  and 
Y'r  regim't  have  not  as  yet  wholly  join'd  our  Army.  Co. 
Innes  writes  Y'r  Money  will  not  last  above  two  Mo's  longer, 
w'n  he  will  be  oblig'd  to  disband  them.  There  has  been  bad 
Conduct,  y't  the  Money  rais'd  in  Y'r  Province  sh'd  be  ex- 
pended before  the  regim't  gets  to  the  Place  of  Action.  The 
high  Pay  (I  understand  y't  was  allow'd  them  while  in  Caro- 
lina) is  the  reason.  Our  Forces  had  no  more  y'n  8d.  ^  Day 
from  [the]  Time  they  were  enlisted.  I  shall  be  glad  if  You 
can  find  some  Method  to  raise  Money  to  continue  them  longer 


^^^  Patrick  McKellar,  of  the  British  Army,  pronioted  Sub-Director, 
and  Major  of  Engineers,  January  4,  1758;  Director  and  Lieutenant- 
Colonel,  February  2,  1775;  Colonel  in  the  line,  August  29,  1777. 


278  DIN\VII)I)1E    PAPERS. 

in  the  Service.  My  Orders  to  Colo.  Inncs  are,  w'n  all  the 
Forces  are  collected  in  a  Body,  to  march  them  over  the  Alle- 
gany Mount's,  entlcavour  to  ilishxl^c  the  French  from  the 
Fort,  if  y't  is  not  practicable,  to  call  a  Council  of  War,  and 
choose  a  pro|>er  Place,  and  there  build  a  Fort,  w'ch  is  all  y't 
can  be  tlone  at  pres't.  He  will  have  near  I, coo  Men  with 
him.  M'yl'd  has  voted  6,ooo{^J.  Pensylv'a  Assembly  is  now 
siting.  The  Ciov'r  thinks  they  will  j^ranl  a  handsome  Supply. 
The  Money  rais'd  here  is  very  near  cx[)end'd.  I  have  call'd 
the  .Assembly  to  meet  the  22i\  of  this  .Mo.,  w'n  1  have  pretty 
good  Assurances  they  will  jjrant  further  Supplies.  I  desire 
\'ou  will,  on  return  of  this  Kxpress,  write  me  if  You  think 
You  have  any  probability  of  more  Supplies  from  \'r  People. 
It's  too  hot  Weather  to  drive  Steers,  but  in  the  Fall  no  doubt 
they  will  sell  here.  The  Pork  Colo.  Innes  sent  to  Mr.  Hunter 
proves  very  bad,  but  he  will  make  the  most  of  it.  If  You 
will  write  Colo.  Innes,  I  shall  take  c.irc  to  forward  it.  I 
remain  with  great  respect, 

^"^  Hon'r's 

most  h'ble  .Scrv't. 

P.  S.  —  I'r.iv  Irt   inc  know   uluu   N'ou  expect   \"r  Gov'r. 


govkrnor  dinwiddik  to  thk  i.orixs  for  trade  (and 
thp:  .sa.me  to  sir  tiiomas  rohinson.) 

R't  Hon.: 

Fnclos'd  N'ou  have  Copy  <»f  my  last  Let'r.  w'ch  I  pray 
[you]  to  l>e  refer'd  to.  As  we  have  about  900  Men  now  in  Pay, 
and  all  near  Willss  Creek,  I  tho't  it  proper  they  sh'd  l>e  in 
Action ;  I  therefore  calld  the  Council,  and  was,  by  them,  advis'd 
to  order  the  Forces,  w'n  collected  together,  to  march  over  the 
Allegany  Mf)unl's.  and  if  they  sh'd  think  it  practicable,  to  en- 
deavour to  dislodge  the  French  from  the  Fort ;  if  not,  to  call  a 
Council  of  War  to  choose  a  proper  Place,  and  there  erect  a  Port, 
and  leave  a  proper  Number  of  Forces  in  it  to  be  ready  for  Ac- 
tion early  in  the  .Spring.     The  Com'd^'  Officer.  Jas.  Innes.  Elsq'r, 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  279 

has  my  Orders  to  act  agreeable  to  the  above  resolution.  It  has 
given  me  much  Concern  that  our  neighbouring  Colonies  have 
been  so  backw'd  in  their  Assistance.  The  Gov'r  of  M'yl'd  writes 
me  their  Assembly  have  at  last  voted  6,000/^  for  the  Expedil'n. 
The  Assembly  of  Pensylv'a  are  now  siting,  and  [IJ  hope  they 
will  grant  a  handsom[e]  Supply.  The  conducting  of  this  neces- 
sary Exped'n  has  given  me  much  Concern,  as  I  have  had  but 
few  Men  and  very  little  Money  for  the  necessary  Expences ;  the 
Money  rais'd  here  [is]  very  near  expended.  Our  Assembly  sits 
down  next  Week,  w'n  I  shall  endeavour  all  in  my  Power  to 
engage  them  to  grant  a  considerable  Supply,  w'ch  I  have  good 
reason  to  expect.  As  before,  we  want  a  Supply  from  the  B'd  of 
Ordnance,  w'ch  I  hope  You  will  [be]  so  kind  [as]  to  recomend ;  if 
some  Forces  are  sent  out,  [they]  will  be  of  great  Use,  and  two  In- 
gineers,  for  this  Dom'n  has  always  been  in  a  pacifick  Station ; 
that  very  few  Military  People  of  any  sort  are  here.  We  are  in- 
form'd  y't  the  Enemy  (for  so  I  must  now  term  them,)  expect  large 
re-inforcements  from  France,  and  [I]  hope  it  will  be  duely  con- 
sider'd  with  You.  The  absolute  Necessity  of  imediately  driving 
the  French  from  His  M'y's  Lands  on  the  Ohio  river,  and  with 
Submission,  I  am  of  Opinion,  y't  no  Time  is  to  be  lost,  for  the 
earlier  we  are  in  Act'n  next  Spring,  will  be  the  better,  w'ch  I  think 
may  be  done  before  they  possibly  can  be  re-inforced,  and  I  am 
convinc'd  if  the  Ministry  knew  the  Situat'n  of  the  present  Affairs, 
they  w'd  join  me  in  Opinion.  All  I  can  say,  I  have,  with  great 
Diligence  and  Assiduity,  comply'd  with  His  M'y's  Com'ds  as 
much  as  was  in  my  Power,  with  the  small  Assistance  I  have 
hitherto  had,  and  shall  hereafter,  with  great  Earnestness  and 
Care,  execute  w't  Com'ds  His  M'y  may  please  hereafter  to  di- 
rect ;  and  I  remain  with  great  deference  and  due  respect, 

R't  Hon'ble. 


280  DINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

GOVERNOR    DINWIDDIK    TO  SKCRKTARY  HENRY   FOX. 

AuK'st  15th.  [1754] 
Sir  : 

Inclosed  \\n\  have  Copy  of  n)y  hust  Lci'r,  to  w'ch  I  beg 
[youj  to  Ijc  rck-i'd.  I  have  order'd  tlie  I'orces,  now  in  Pay.  on 
the  present  ll.xpetJil'n  to  the  Ohio,  to  march  over  the  Allej^any 
Mount's  to  endeavour  to  dislodjje  the  French  from  the  Fort 
they  look  from  Ls  hist  May.  If  they  find  that  impracticable. 
I  have  order  d  them  to  determine,  by  a  Council  of  War,  a 
proper  Place  to  build  a  Fort  and  Magazine  for  Stores,  and 
leave  a  proper  number  of  Forces  therein  to  facilitate  the 
Operat's  of  ne.xt  Spring  :  but  we  are  so  deficient  of  Ofticers 
and  Military  Men  in  this  part  of  the  World,  y't  without 
Assistance  from  (i.  B.,  I  dread  Success,  as  the  Expedit'n  is  so 
very  necessary  for  the  j^ood  of  the  Nat'n  and  these  Colonies, 
I  hope  the  Ministry  will  see  and  think  it  proper,  on  this 
pressing  occasion,  to  send  over  a  number  of  Forces  and  a 
good  .Suj)j)ly  of  Ordnance  Stores,  there  being  none  here  proper 
for  a  Seige.  or  indeed  for  the  proper  Fquij^m't  of  an  Army  of 
Men.  Capt.  McKay  having  lost  Lieut.  Mercier  in  the  late 
Engagem't,  I  have  order'd  Ensign  Gary  to  act  as  Lieut.,  and 
Mr.  Jos.  Loyd,  a  Cadet,  to  act  as  Ensiijn  till  His  M'y's  Plea- 
sure is  known,  and  I  desire  to  recomend  them  to  \'r  Fr'dship 
and  Int't.  Since  the  above  Appointm't,  Mr.  Dalrimple,  a  half 
Pay  Officer,  has  applied,  and  I  think  waits  on  N'ou  to  succeed 
Lieut.  Mercier,  wherefore  that  Affair  must  rem'n  till  His  M'y's 
Determinat'n  is  known.  Mr.  Dalrimple  will  be  able  to  acquaint 
You  in  Person  the  situat'n  of  our  Military  Affairs  here,  anti  I 
wish  he  cou'd  give  a  more  agreeable  Acc't  of  them.  Capt.  Ruth- 
erfurd's  Ind't  Comp'y  has  only  one  Ofticer.  I  desired  Colo, 
Innes,  who  is  Com'd'r  in  Chief,  to  appoint  Doct'r  Colhoun  to  act 
as  Lieut,  for  the  present,  till  I  receive  Orders  from  Home  in 
regard  to  these  Affairs.  As  the  three  Compa's  want  Clothing,  I 
have  order'd  my  Agent.  Jas.  Abercombie,  Elscj'r.,  to  wait  on  You 
y't  he  may  send  me  out  such  Clothing  as  is  agreeable  to  the 
rules  of  the  Army.  I  am  already  greatly  in  Advance  for 
these  three  Compa's,  and  I  wait  for  Orders  to  draw  for  my 
re  imbursemcnt,  w'ch  [I]  shall  be  oblig'd  for  V'r  Int't  in  obtaining. 


DINVVIDDIE    PAPERS.  281 

The  Dispute  in  regard  to  Com'd,  as  I  wrote  Y'r  Hon'r  in  my 
last,  I  shall  be  glad  to  receive  Y'r  Opinion  and  direct's  there- 
upon. I  shall  hereafter  do  myself  the  Hon'r  of  writing  You 
in  regard  to  our  Operat's,  and  beg  leave  to  assure  You,  I  am, 
with  deference  and  due  respect, 
R't  Hon. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  THE  EARL  OF  HALIFAX. 

15th  Aug'st,  [1754.] 
R't  Hon.  : 

Annex' d  is  a  Copy  of  my  last,  to  w'ch  I  desire  to  be 
refer' d.  I  did  not  care  to  keep  the  Forces  now  in  Pay  on  the 
Ohio  Expedit'n  idle;  I  therefore  have  given  Orders  for  their 
marching  over  the  Allegany  Mount's.  If  no[t]  possible  to  dis- 
lodge the  French  from  the  Fort  they  took  from  us  last  May,  if 
they  sh'd  find  that  impracticable,  I  order' d  the  Com'd'r  in  Chief 
to  call  a  Council  of  War,  to  choose  a  proper  Place  to  build  a 
Fort,  and  leave  a  suitable  number  of  Forces  in  it,  w'ch  I  think 
will  be  necessary  to  facilitate  our  Operat's  in  the  Spring.  We 
are  in  great  want  of  Officers  of  Experience,  and  Military  Men, 
particularly  two  Ingineers.  Having  no  such  Persons  here,  and 
as  we  are  not  assisted  by  our  neighbouring  Colonies,  I  fear  suc- 
cess to  the  Expedit'n,  without  some  regular  Forces  from  Home; 
and  all  sorts  of  Ordnance  Stores  are  wanted,  [as  we  have]  none 
fit  for  a  Siege,  and  very  few  fit  for  equiping  any  tolerable  number 
of  Forces.  I  have  wrote  to  the  Sec'ry  of  State  on  y't  Subject, 
and  Y'r  L'ds.  Int't  will  very  much  promote  the  proper  Supply. 
I  am  convinc'd  no  Expedit'n  in  America  was  ever  of  so  great 
Consequence  to  the  Nat'n,  and  these  Colonies,  as  the  pres't.  in 
defeat' g  the  Designs  of  the  PVench  from  possessing  the  best  and 
richest  Lands  in  America,  the  undoubted  right  of  His  Majesty, 
the  King  of  G.  B.  And  I  am  of  Opinion,  if  not  quickly  supplied 
with  a  proper  and  suitable  number  of  Forces  to  repell  their  In- 
vas's,  it  may  be  to[o]  late;  and  they  report  that  they  are  sure  of 
[a]  great  number  of  Forces  from  France  this  Fall.  Yet  if  a  pro- 
per number  from  Britain  were  here  early  in  the  succeeding  Year, 


282  DINWIDDIE   PAPERS. 

SO  as  to  be  in  Acl'n  in  March.  1  think  it  w'tl  be  soon  enough,  and 
before  they  can  venture  down  the  Ohio  river;  and  I  heartily 
wish  the  Ministry  w'd  take  it  into  their  Consideration;  and  w't 
Com'ds  I  may  have,  I  shall  execute  them  with  Dilij^ence  and 
Care.  Kxcuse  the  Trouble  I  j^ive  V'r  I.'ds.,  and  [I  J  beg  to  assure 
You,  and  rem'n  with  great  I^eference  and  dutiful  respects, 
R't  Hon.. 
\  r  L'd's  nuuli  Obliged  and  most  Ol/cit  humble  serv't. 


CiOVKRNOK  DINW  IDDIK    To    IHI.  IIARL  OK  ALHKMARLE. 

Augst  15th,  [1754]-. 
Rt.  Hon.: 

The  anncx'd  is  Copy  of  my  last,  to  w'ch  pray  be 
refer' d.  The  P'rench  are  detcrmin'd  to  be  very  troublesom  to 
the  B.  Settlem'ts  on  this  Contt.  They  began  with  Nova  Sco- 
tia, built  a  Fort  on  some  part  of  the  New  I'-ngl.  Gov't,  threaten 
New  \'ork,  invaded  His  M'y's  Lands  on  the  Ohio — the  back 
of  this  Dom'n — and  propose  building  Forts  on  New  river,'* 
Grcenbryar  and  Holstein's — the  back  of  No.  Car.  So  y't  they 
surround  these  Colonies  with  their  insolent  Invas's,  joining  the 
Ind's  in  comiting  the  most  cruel  Barbarities.  I  fear,  without 
a  proper  Assistance  from  G.  B.,  we  shall  not  be  able  to  drive 
them  off  His  M'y's  Lands  on  the  Ohio  river.  We  are  in  great 
want  of  Military  Officers,  particularly  Ingincers.      We  want  all 


'"The  I'irj^inias,  fur  April,  1S.S3,  cont.iins  an  iiiterestinK  note  as  to 
the  origin  of  the  name.  New  river,  in  winch  it  is  severally  claimed  by 
Major  T.  L.  IJroun,  i>f  Charleston,  West  Virginia,  that  it  was  named 
by  Major  F'eter  Kontaine,  who  surveyed  alonj;  its  lines  in  1752;  by  C. 
R.  Boyd,  of  Wytheville,  Virginia,  on  the  authority  of  Hon.  David 
McCf>mas,  that  it  was  a  mere  translation  of  the  .Shawnee  term,  Ka- 
nawha, which  means  AWr  tvater,  and  by  Dr.  j.  I".  Hale,  of  Charleston, 
West  X'ifKinia,  that  it  w.is  named  "the  New  river"  lonjj  before  1752, 
by  Aliram  W'fjod,  who  discovered  it  by  crossing  the  Hlue  Rid^e  at 
what  is  now  known,  frimi  him,  as  Wootl's  (laj).  It  may  be  added  that 
on  "  Fry  &  Jefferson's  Map."  published  by  Thomas  Jeffreys,  London, 
1775.  it  is  termed  "(ireat  Konhaway,  called  alsf>  Wood's  and  New 
River  "  uliiil)  :\iiiii-.irs  t<  >  >Niitiiii  irt  ilii'  i  l.iini  i.r  Dr.  Hale. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  283 

sorts  of  Ordnance  Stores,  and  I  have  applied  to  the  Sec'ry  of 
State  for  a  proper  Supply,  and  I  humbly  pray  Y'r  Counten'ce 
and  Int't  in  procuring  them,  and  indeed  two  regim'ts  of  reg- 
ular Forces  w'd  be  absolutely  necessary.  But  I  must  submit 
these  Demands  to  the  Ministry,  and  am  fully  perswaded,  the 
sooner  the  better,  for  the  French  are  like  so  many  Locusts,  they 
are  collected  in  Bodies  in  a  most  surprizing  manner;  their  Num- 
bers now  on  the  Ohio  is  from  1,200  to  1,500,  the  Ind's  included. 
The  Money  rais'd  by  our  Assembly  is  near  exhausted,  [so]  y't  I 
thought  proper  to  call  them  the  22nd  of  this  Month,  and  am  in 
hopes  they  will  come  determin'd  to  grant  a  handsom[e]  Supply 
on  the  pres't  pressing  Occasion.  These  Things  I  think  it  my 
Duty  to  acquaint  Y'r  L'ds.  [with],  and  beg  leave  to  assure  You, 
I  rem'n,  with  great  Deference  and  dutiful  respects, 

R't  Hon.,  Y'r  L'd's  most  ob'd't  humble  serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO    EARL  GRANVILLE. 

Aug'st  15th,  [1754.] 
R't  Hon.: 

The  annex'd  is  [a]  Copy  of  my  last,  to  w'ch  I  beg  [you] 
to  be  refer'd  in  case  of  its  miscarriage.  I  send  Y'r  L'ds.  my  second 
Bill  of  Excha.  for  ^427.  4.  for  the  money  sent  me  by  Y'r  Agent, 
Mr.  Corbin.  The  French  are  determin'd  to  be  very  troublesome 
to  us  on  this  Cont't ;  they  began  at  Nova  Scotia,  have  built  some 
Forts  on  Lands  belonging  to  the  New  Engl.  Gov't,  threaten  New 
York,  Invaded  His  M'y's  Lands  on  the  river  Ohio  the  back  of 
this  Dom'n,  and  [I]  am  lately  inform'd  they  intend  to  build  Forts 
on  the  rivers  of  Greenbryars,  Holston's  and  New  river,  the  back 
of  No.  Carolina,  by  a  number  of  Men  from  Mississippi  ;  this  last 
wants  Confirmat'n,  so  y't  I  have  not  wrote  to  the  Sec'ry  of  State 
thereon,  tho'  there  is  Probability  y't  they  will  do  all  they  can  to 
make  us  uneasy  and  encourage  the  Ind's  to  robberies  and  Mur- 
ders, nay,  if  report  be  true  they  join  the  Ind's  in  all  their  Bar- 
barities. I  think  we  shall  not  be  able  to  suppress  the  Invas's  of 
the  French  with't  strong  Assistance  from  B.  for  the  Assemblies 
here  are  very  obstinate  and  backward  in  raising  Supplies  and  I 


284  DINWIDIXE    PAPKRS. 

fear  will  continue  so  unless  there  [is]  an  Act  of  I'arliam't  of  (j.  B. 
in  taxing  them  and  in  brinj^ing  them  to  a  proper  Sense  of  their 
Duty  to  the  best  of  Kmjjs.  We  are  in  ^''^^t  want  of  f;ood 
Othccrs,  j>articularly  Inj^inccrs,  and  all  sorts  of  Ordnance  Stores, 
w'ch  I  have  wrote  to  S'r  Thos.  Robinson  fully  about,  and  [also  toj 
the  Scc'ry  of  War.  Yr  L'ds.  go<xl  Offices  will  be  of  singular  Ser- 
vice, as  1  am  sensible  of  V'r  Attachm't  for  the  Prosperity  of  these 
Colonies.  His  M'y  ordered  three  of  his  Ind't  Compa's  under 
my  Comd ;  they  came  in  great  want  of  almost  every  thing,  w'ch 
I  have  siipplittl  thcni  with,  but  as  yet  have  no  Direct's  how  to  be 
re-imbursfd.  but  I  hope  the  Secry  at  War  will  enable  me  to 
draw  my  Advance.  I  wait  for  his  M'y's  Orders  how  to  proceed 
for  the  future,  and  do  Assure  ^"r  L'ds.  every  thing  in  my  Power 
shall  [be  ilone.  and  I  amj  with  great  Deference  and  dutiful  re- 
spects. 

Rt   H(.n., 

V'r  L'ds  much  obliged  and  very  humble  Scrv't. 


<  ..  i\  I.  u-\.  .u-   i.ivwM.i.ii     I.  >  I AMKS  .\HKRCROMHV. 

Aug'st  15th,  [1754] 
S'r: 

Inclos'd  You  have  Copy  of  my  last,  to  w'ch  I  refer  you. 
As  I  do  not  incline  y't  the  .Soldiers  in  pay  sh'd  eat  the  Bread 
of  idleness.  I  have  given  Orders  to  the  Comd'r  in  Chief  to 
march  over  the  Allegany  Mount's,  and  if  he  finds  it  not  prac- 
ticable to  dislodge  the  Lrcnch  from  the  Fort,  he  is  to  call  a 
Council  of  War  and  fix  on  a  proper  Place,  and  there  build  a 
Fort,  [and]  leave  a  proper  (iarrison  of  Men  in  it.  w'ch  will  be 
preparing  for  the  Operat's  in  the  Spring,  but  [I]  am  still  of  Opin- 
ion, without  a  sufficient  Aid  from  Home,  we  shall  not  be  able  to 
drive  the   French  from  the  Ohio.     You   know  tlv  -y  of 

American  Assemblies.     I  am  oblig'd  to  call  our  .\  y,  who 

are  to  sit  the  22nd,  as  the  Money  formerly  rais'd  is  near  ex- 
hausted, [and]  I  am  in  hopes  they  will  l>e  prevail'd  on  to  grant  a 
handsom[e]  supply.     I  have  pretty  gowl  hopes  y't  they  will  do 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  285 

all  in  their  Power.  There  has  been  a  Congress  at  Albany, 
where  several  Com'rs,  from  some  of  our  Colonies,  met  the 
Chiefs  of  the  Six  Nat's,  but  they  were  not  able  to  prevail  with 
them  to  take  up  the  Hatchet  against  the  French,  but  pretend 
to  remn  Neuter,  till  they  see  the  success  of  either  the  Contending 
Parties.  At  that  Meeting  they  form'd  a  Plan  for  an  Union  of 
all  the  Colonies,  Copy  of  w'ch  I  here  enclose  Vou.  There  are 
some  Articles  in  it  of  an  extraordinary  nature ;  the  Presid't  of 
the  Grand  Council  is  to  be  invested  with  large  Powers,  and 
indeed  very  near  to  y't  of  a  Viceroy.  I  suspend  my  Judgem't 
till  I  hear  how  it  is  rec'd  with  Vou,  and  pray,  if  Vou  have  occa- 
sion to  shew  it,  have  it  Copied  by  another  Hand,  y't  it  may  not 
be  known  y't  it  came  from  me.  I  wrote  a  Scheme  about  a 
Vear  ago  to  Lord  Halifax,  w'ch  I  think  more  reasonable  and 
more  Constitutional,  but  I  have  not  heard  from  y't  Nobleman 
since.  I  do  not  know  y't  I  have  done  anything  to  deserve  his 
Displeasure,  and  therefore  I  continue  writing  to  him.  W'n  Vou 
wait  on  him,  endeavour  to  find  out  in  w't  he  is  offended.  I  am 
convinc'd  I  had  no  Intenti'n  to  displease  him,  and  his  long  Silence 
gives  me  Concern,  as  he  formerly  wrote  me  very  sincerely  and 
friendly.  I  was  in  hopes  y't  corresponding  with  him  imediately 
w'd  have  been  of  great  Service  to  me  and  to  the  Public,  as  he 
desired  my  Opinion  on  Things  in  a  free  and  candid  Manner. 
The  three  Ind't  Compa's  being  order'd  under  my  Com'd,  I  have 
advanc'd  a  large  Sum  for  them,  and  I  have  no  direct's  as  yet  how 
to  draw  for  my  re-imbursem't.  They  want  Clothing,  and  must 
be  supplied  by  the  Mo.  of  Mar.  Pray  enquire  of  the  Sec'ry  at 
War  if  I  am  not  to  supply  them  with  Clothing ;  if  so,  do  the 
necessary  therein  and  know  how  I  am  to  be  supplied  with 
Money,  for  I  have  very  great  Trouble,  and  I  presume  His  M'y, 
by  ordering  them  under  my  Com'd,  intended  me  some  Advan- 
tages. The  Gov'r  of  N.  Vork  has  the  Com'd  of  one  of  the 
Compa's,  and  I  know  not  whether  I  can  have  any  right  to  ex- 
pect one  here,  as  they  now  have  each  a  C't.,  tho'  those  from  N. 
Vork  came  so  uncompleat  and  in  so  bad  Order,  y't  I  do  not 
know  but  one  of  them  deserves  to  be  broke ;  but  as  the  Sec'ry  at 
War  is  fully  acquainted  with  the  whole  Affair,  Vou  may,  from 
him,  know  his  Opinion  and  resolution  e'er  this,  but  whatever 
way  y't  may  be,  it's  reasonable  I  sh'd  be  enabled  to  draw  for  to 
reimburse  the  Money  I  have  already  advanc'd.     Lieut.  Jno.  Dal- 


286  DINWIUmE    I'AHKRS. 

rimplc"*  comes  home  in  order  to  procure  a  Com'o.  to  succeed 
I.irut.  Mcrcier  in  C't  MacKay's  Comp'y.  I  have  desired  him 
to  wait  on  you,  who  i.s  able  to  ac({uaint  \'o\i  pretty  fully  of 
the  Slate  of  AtVairs  here,  and  from  him  Vou  may  be  qualihcd 
to  spe;ik  fully  on  the  Subjects  above.  Vou  may  easily  ^uess 
tht*  ^rcMt  l.ili)4uc  and  trouble  I  have  had,  which  in  more  than  I 
ever  went  thorow  in  my  Life.  As  the  Mxpedit'n  was  much  at 
my  Heart  I  have  been  the  more  earnest  in  conducting;  it.  and 
may  venture  to  say  no  man  in  my  situation  could  have  done 
more,  few  Men  and  very  little  Money  to  carry  it  on  with 
proper  Spirit.  I  am  still  ol  Opinion  wiih'l  I'orce  from  l{(jme, 
we  shall  hardly  be  able  to  drive  the  French  from  the  Ohio; 
we  want  Military  Men,  and  particularly  Inpneers.  As  this 
Colony  has  always  been  m  a  pacifick  Station,  we  want  all  sorts 
of  Ordnance  Stores,  w'ch  I  have  wrote  to  S'r  Thos.  Robin- 
son to  obtain,  in  order  for  a  proper  .Supply.  I  do  not  know  if 
on  this  Occasion  I  sh'd  write  to  the  lid  of  Ordnance;  entjuire, 
and.  if  necessary,  frame  a  proper  Let'  r,  and  put  my  Name  to  it ; 
in  w'ch  Letter  let  thcni  know  we  are  in  want  of  everything  for  a 
Seige.  \'ou  may  mention  small  Bombs,  Coehorns,  Granad 
Shells,  small  Pss.  Cannon,  not  exceeding  two  Pounders,  as  they 
are  to  be  carried  400  Miles  over  some  high  Mount's;  encjuire  of 
Military  Men  w't  is  proper,  and  include  it  in  V'r  Lel'r.  bearing 
equal  date  with  this.  This  is  giving  You  Trouble,  but  You  can 
easily  do  it,  as  You  may  see  my  Meaning.  About  two  Days  ago. 
I  have  Acc't  y't  the  French  from  Mississippi,  to  the  number  of 
400,  are  come  to  the  rivers  of  New  river,  Greenbryar,  and  Hol- 
ston's,  the  back  of  Lord  Granville's  Land,  with  Intent' n  to  build 
some  Forts,  but  as  my  Intelligence  is  not  very  particular,  I  have 
not  wrote  the  Hoard.i  thereon,  as  I  do  not  incline  to  write  any- 
thing y't  is  not  perfectly  certain,  but  the  above  is  very  probable, 
and  we  cannot  be  too  much  on  our  guard  ag'st  a  cunning  in- 
vading People,  who  .seem  inclined  to  distress  Us  in  all  (Quarters. 
They  vaunt  much  of  their  Expectat's  of  a  great  Force  of  regulars 
from  France,  by  the  way  of  Cape  Briton  and  Mississippi,  w'ch  has 
Probability  to  support  it      I  wrote  You  formerly  y't  No.  Carolina 


"•John  r)alr>-mplc  was  appointed  Captain-Lieutenant  in  Jan.,  I755t 
returned  to  America,  and  was  placed  in  command  of  Johnson's  Fort  in 

Nortli  C.ir' iliti.i. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  287 

had  voted  i2,ooo[^]  Proclam'n  Money  for  the  Expedit'n,  they 
began  to  recruit  in  March  and  are  not  all  yet  joined  the  other 
Forces,  and  have  conducted  their  Forces  with  very  great  Impru- 
dence, allowing  every  private  Man  3s.  'p*  Day  while  in  Carolina, 
and,  in  short,  they  have  exhausted  the  whole  Money  before  they 
joined  the  other  Forces.  They  have  all  along  mutined  for  want 
of  proper  Discipline.  Last  Week  26  deserted  from  one  Co. 
Colo.  Innes  writes  me  they  will  not  serve  unless  allowed  3s.  "{^ 
Day,  w'ch  cannot  be  done,  as  the  other  Forces  have  only  8d. 
I  wish  Mr.  Dobbs  was  arrived,  probably  he  may  reconcile 
things.  The  Error  was  at  their  first  seting  out.  I  distinctly 
wrote  the  Pres't  [stating]  the  Establishm't  of  the  Pay  of  our 
Forces,  w'ch  he  s'd  have  followed,  instead  thereof,  they  have 
spent  the  [^^J  12,000,  without  being  in  a  Capacity  of  doing  any 
Service.  You  may  believe  these  Affairs  trouble  me  much. 
M'yl'd  has  voted  [^]6,ooo  for  the  Expedition.  The  Assembly 
of  Pensylvania,  now  siting,  I  hope  will  grant  a  proper  Aid; 
but  these  little  Assistances  are  nothing  of  Consequence  to  con- 
duct with  proper  Spirit  an  Expedition  of  so  great  Conse- 
quence to  the  Nation  and  these  Colonies,  and  therefore,  with't 
proper  Aid  from  Home,  I  dread  [the  want  of]  Success. 


COLONEL  WASHINGTON  TO  GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE. 

Alexandria,  20th  of  August,  1754. 
Hon'ble  Sir  : 

Mr.  Peyronney,  soliiciting  for  leave  to  attend  the 
Assembly,  hoping  to  have  some  allowance  made  for  his  loss  of 
Cloaths,  &c.,  which  he  sustain'd  in  common  with  us  all,  and 
being  not  thoroughly  cur'd  of  his  wounds,  which  has  hitherto 
render'd  him  unfit  for  Duty,  I  thought  it  proper  to  indulge  him 
in  his  request,  and  he  now  comes  for  these  purposes  aforesaid. 
By  him  I  again  take  the  Liberty  of  recommending  to  your 
Honour  the  great  necessity  there  is  of  a  regulation  in  the  Sol- 
diers' pay,  and  that  a  deduction  be  made  for  the  Country  to 
furnish  them  with  Cloaths ;  otherwise  they  never  will  be  fit  for 
Service.     They  are  now  Naked,  and  can't  get  credit  even  for  a 


iUm  DINWIUUIK    PAPERS. 

Halt,  and  arc  tea/in^  ihc  Ofhccru  every  I)ay  t«»  furnish  ihem 
with  thciM.*  ami  oihcr  necessaries.  Another  thinj^  which  shou'd 
be  hx'd  indisputably,  is  the  Law  we  are  to  be  guided  by,  whether 
Martial  or  .Military;  if  the  l«>rnier,  I  must  be){  the  favour  of 
your  Honour  to  i^wc  me  some  written  Orders  and  indemnifica- 
lion;  otherwise  [I  J  cannot  >{ive  my  assent  'as  I  am  liable  for  all 
the  j>roceedinj»s '  to  any  judj^ment  of  the  .Martial  Court  that 
touches  the  Life  of  a  Soldier,  tho',  at  this  lime,  there  is  abso- 
lute necessity  for  it.  as  the  Soldiers  are  desertinj^  constantly,  and 
yesterday,  while  we  were  at  Church.  25  of  them  collccietl  and 
were  K"'"K  "'^  '"  I'ace  of  their  <  )thcers.  but  were  stop'd  and 
Imprison'd  before  the  IMot  came  to  its  full  height.  Colo.  Innes 
did  not  fill  up  any  Commissions  for  the  X'irj^inia  Regiment, 
which  has  given  those  that  were  entitled  to  promotion,  some 
uneasiness.  His  reasons  were,  it  wou'd  be  unnecessary  ex- 
pense to  the  Country  till  there  were  Orders  to  recruit,  but 
this,  I  think,  should  not  have  been  consider'd,  whilst  it  is 
remember'd  who  [how]  small  encouraj^ement  is  shown  them 
upon  every  occasion.  Another  motive  which  I  believe  Served 
to  prevent  it,  was  his  dislike  to  the  lenour  of  the  Com- 
mission, which  favour'd  so  much  of  the  Militia.  He  told  me 
he  wou'd  send  down  another  for  your  Approbation,  and  Colo. 
Fairfax  has  also  taken  another,  both  of  which  is  greatly  prefer- 
able to  those  by  which  we  act :  and  here  I  must  beg  leave  to 
acquaint  your  Honour  that  the  one  you  sent  me  is  not  signed. 
The  Officers  are  uneasy  ab't  their  Pay,  and  think  it  hard  to 
be  kept  out  of  it  so  long.  They  hope  your  Honour  will  order 
that  the  dates  of  their  Commissions  be  from  the  vacancy's  that 
happen' d,  of  which  I  have  cnclos'd  a  list  for  [your J  information, 
hoping,  with  them,  your  Honour  will  be  kind  enough  to  fill  them 
up  yourself,  as  [and  ?j  send  such  Cc^m'n  as  were  sent  for  Prese- 
dents.  Mr.  West,  Lieut't  of  V'anbraam's  Company,  has  resign'd 
his  Commiss'n,  which  I  herewith  sentl.  I  also  enclose  a  List  of 
Mcdccines,  which  the  Doct'r  desires  may  Ix-  procur'd  for  the  use 
of  the  Regiment.  He  sollicits  much  for  a  Mate,  and  I  believe 
it  necessary,  as  he  often  has  more  business  than  he  can  well 
manage;  [if]  there  were  a  large  Detach't  sent  uj)on  Duty  it 
wou'd  be  imprudent  to  go  with't  a  Surgeon.  If  your  Honour 
shou'd  think  proper  to  promote  .Mr.  I'eyronncy.  we  shall  l>e 
at  a  loss   for   a    good    Disciplinarian   to    do    Adjutant's    Duty, 


DINWIDDIE   PAPERS.  289 

w'ch  requires  a  perfect  knowledge  of  all  kinds  of  Duty.  I 
shou'd  therefore  take  it  extremely  kind  if  you  wou'd  be 
pleas'd  to  confer  the  Office  upon  Mr.  Frazier,  who,  I  think,  I 
can  fully  answer  for,  let  his  former  conduct  be  what  it  will. 
We  have  Catch'd  two  Deserters,  which  I  keep  imprison'd  till 
I  receive  your  Honour's  answer  how  far  the  Martial  Law  may 
be  extended,  and  it  is  absolutely  necessary  that  an  Example 
be  made  of  some  for  warning-  to  others ;  for  there  is  scarce  a 
Night,  or  opportunity,  but  what  some  or  other  are  deserting, 
often  two,  or  three,  or  4  at  a  time.  We  always  advertize,  and 
pursue  them  as  quickly  as  possible,  but  seldom  to  any  pur- 
pose. The  expences  attending  this,  will  fall  heavy  on  the  Coun- 
try while  this  Spirit  prevails. 

I  am  Your  Honour's 

Most  ob't  and  most  H-'ble  Serv't, 

G°.  Washington. 

N.  B. — I  shou'd  be  extremely  pleas'd  if  your  Honour  thought 
it  advisable  to  send  these  Commissions  by  Maj'r  Carlyle  the 
first  Oppert'y. 


COLONEL  WASHINGTON  TO  GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE. 

Alexandria,  21st  Aug't,  1754. 
HibN'BLE  Sir: 

The  bearer  hereof,  Mr.  Wright,  discovering  an 
Inclination  to  the  Art  Military,  and  having,  in  some  Measure, 
made  it  his  Study,  I  have  taken  the  liberty  to  recommend  him 
to  your  Honour  for  one  of  the  Vacancy's  in  the  Virginia 
regiment;  this  I  do  with  more  assurance  of  succeeding,  as  Mr. 
Wright's  Character  for  good  Sense  and  Sobriety  will  render  him 
worthy  the  favour  you  may  please  to  cpnfer,  and  I  dare  venture 
to  say,  he  will  endeavour  to  deserve. 

Yesterday  Mr,  Peyronney  set  off  from  this ;  who  I  hope  will 
also  meet  with  your  Honour's  approbation  and   indulgence,  as 


890  DINWIDDIE    PAPKRS. 

his  behaviour  has  mcritc>(i  a  reward  from  his  Country  (such  he 
|o   '  :i  this  to  hcK     Mr.  Campbell  arriv'd    ^ 

a;  .;  ihc  Musters  for  the  Northern  Neck.     I  .^ 

surpns'il  to  hear  him  say  he  was  to  have  the  Mall  oi  my  :>alar\ 
e9|Hcially  when  he  at  the  same  lime  gave  me  to  understand  he 
exjH-cted  it  was  the  half  of  the  7o[/').  exclusive  of  the  3,o{jC^ 
which  he  has  for  his  two  Countys,  which  is  near  a  third  of 
what  I  j;et  tor  the  whole  1 1  Countys— a  k""^^*  disproportion 
this.  I  hojie  your  Honour  gave  Mr.  CamplK'll  no  room  to 
exiKtrt  this,  for  I  think  it  exceetlinjj  haril  that  I  shou'd  give  so 
much  more  for  a  deputy  than  othirs.  cs|>ecially  when  the 
duty  is  much  easier.  For  the  Middle  district,  which  has  lo 
Countys,  Muse  ^ives  but  40/;  Colo,  Thornton  jjives  yet  less 
for  his,  while  1,  by  Mr.  Campbell's  account,  is  to  give  ^^65,  or 
at  any  Rate  50^.  I  hope,  if  your  Honour  is  kind  enou)(h  to 
continue  me  in  thai  ofticc.  You  will  not  oblige  me  to  give  such 
an  exorbitant  allowance  lo  a  Person,  who.  by  all  acc't.  knows 
nothing  of  the  duly  he  has  undertaken.  I  can  gel  a  Person 
whom  I  have  taken  great  pains  myself  to  leach,  and  who  is 
perfectly  acquainted  with  every  part  of  the  Service,  to  do  the 
duty  of  the  whole  for  the  same  that  others  give,  and  I  shou'd 
be  very  glad  for  the  sake  of  having  the  Countys  kept  in 
tolerably  discipline,  and  for  the  favour  of  obliging  me.  your 
Honour  wou'd  indulge  me  in  this,  as  1  will  engage  it  shall 
turn  more  to  the  Publick  advantage,  whose  Interest  I  am  cer- 
tain from  well  founded  Reasons,  you  espouse,  preferable  to  that 
of  private.  I  am  with  all  due  regard,  and  imaginable  respect, 
your  Honour's, 

Most  Ob'd.  and  most  • 

H'ble  Serv't. 

G\  Washinc.tox. 

I   must  again   mention   Mr.  Frazier  as  a  person  we  shall  much 
need  if  Mr.  Pcyronney  is  promoted,  as  I  hope  he  will  [be] 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  291 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE'S  ADDRESS  TO  THE  GENERAL 
ASSEMBLY. 

Aug'st  22d,   1754. 

Mr.  Speaker  and  Genf  n  of  the  Ho  of  Burgesses  : 

I  am  ver}'  sensible  [of]  the  great  Expense  the  Co't'y  is 
at  in  [the]  frequent  meeting  of  the  Assembly,  but  I  am  per- 
suaded w'n  You  seriously  consider  the  present  dangerous  Situ- 
at'n  of  our  Affairs,  You  will  agree  with  me  [upon]  the  absolute 
Necessity  of  calling  You  together  at  this  Time.  The  ambitious 
Views  of  the  French  for  universal  Monarchy,  has  been  particu- 
larly observ'd  in  Europe  for  many  Years.  They  have,  for  these 
last  seven  Years,  been  oppressing  the  British  Subjects  in  the 
East  and  West  Indies.  His  Majesty's  Colonies  on  this  Cont't 
have  been  greatly  disturb'd  with  their  repeated  Encroachm'ts, 
They  began  with  the  Northern  Settlem'ts,  and  are  now  carrying 
their  unjust  designs  to  all  the  So'ern  Colonies  of  the  British 
Subjects.  What  more  immediately  affects  us,  is  their  Contempt 
of  the  Treaties  now  subsisting  between  the  Crowns  of  G.  B.  and 
France,  y't  they  have  unjustly  invaded  His  M'y's  Lands  on  the 
river  Ohio,  and  with  an  arm'd  Force  taken  a  Fort  y't  by  His 
M'y's  Orders  I  had  directed  to  be  built  on  y't  river;  After  w'ch 
they  have  comitted  the  most  violent  hostile  Act  by  attacking  our 
Forces  w'ch  were  sent  by  his  M'y's  Com'ds  to  build  some  Forts 
on  his  Lands  near  the  river  Ohio  and  killed  many  of  our  People. 
These  Affairs  I  hope  You  will  seriously  consider,  and  I  fear 
this  is  only  a  Prelude  to  ye  further  designs  of  Invading  and 
taking  from  us  the  Lands  we  are  now,  and  have  been  so  long 
possessed  of  I  c'd  expatiate  vere  largely  on  these  affairs,  but 
my  Heart  burns  with  resentm't  at  their  Insolence  on  the 
dignity  of  the  Crown  and  disturbing  the  quiet  of  this  Dom'n. 
Ge7it.  of  the  Ho.  of  Burgesses:  I  think  there  is  no  room  for 
many  Argum'ts  to  induce  you  to  raise  a  considerable  Sup- 
ply to  enable  me  to  defeat  the  Designs  of  these  troublesome 
People  and  Enemies  to  Mankind.  I  desire  all  Annimosities 
may  subside,  y't  y'r  deliberat's  and  Councils  at  this  peril- 
ous Time  be  distinguish' d  by  Loyalty  and  Duty  to  the  best 
of  Kings,  and  true  Patriotism  for  the  defence  of  Y'r  Co't'y,  w'ch 


292  DINWIDDIE    PAI'KRS. 

is  now  so  much  cxpos'd  lo  the  Insuhs  of  a  merciless  Enemy. 
The  Exp's  to  this  Time,  Y'r  Comittee  can  inform  You,  and  I 
believe  the  Money  «s  wholly  expended.  The  conducting  of  the 
Ex()edition  for  the  future  will  require  yin-m  supplies,  but  surely 
the  Necessity  of  our  Atfairs  call  for  it  and  no  d(jubt  it  will  be 
tho' I  rejisonable  to  advance  part  of  w't  we  are  jKJSsessed  of  to 
s;»ve  the  rest.  6>«/.  0/  the  C  and  llo.  of  li.  :  Never  was  a 
Time  w'ch  more  siron^'ly  calls  for  Y'r  Unanimity  and  Dispatch, 
and  as  every  Individual  becomes  now  concern'd  in  Your  Con- 
sultat's  y't  You  will  exert  Y'rselves  on  this  Emergency  by 
grants;  .Supplies  cx}ual  to  the  pressinyj  Occasion.  1  pray  (jod 
may  direct  Y'r  Councils  for  His  Hon'r  and  the  Protect'n  of  Y'r 
Co'ty  by  grantin)^'  such  Assistance  at  this  Time  as  to  qualify  me 
to  repell  the  lorce  of  the  Enemy.  I  desire  to  assure  \ou,  y't  I 
will  with  chearfulness  join  in  every  Thing  You  may  propose  for 
the  salutary  Ends  consist't  with  my   Instruct's. 


RKPLV  01    TMK  COUNCIL  TO  GOYERNOK  I  )IN\V!I)Dli:. 

S'r: 

We.  His  Majesty's  most  dutiful  and  luy.il  Subjects,  the 
Council  of  X'irg'a,  now  met  in  (ieni  Assembly,  return  Y'r  Hon'r 
our  most  sincere  and  hearty  Thanks  for  Y'r  kind  and  affection- 
ate .Speech  at  the  Opening  of  y's  .Session.  As  we  are  deeply 
affectetl  with  y'r  Hon'r's  earnest  and  most  expressive  represt  n- 
tat'n  of  the  pres't  Exigency,  and  no  less  sensible  of  the  real  Con- 
cern, w'ch  Y'r  Hon'r  has  fully  manifested  for  the  Prosperity. 
Happiness  and  .Safety  of  this  [Colony],  we  beg  Leave  to  present 
You.  Sir,  with  such  unfeign'd  and  Zealous  acknowledgments  as 
ought  to  be  the  result,  and  must  necessarily  follow  from  the  most 
grateful  .Sense  of  such  vigilent  and  benificient  Care  of  our  dearest 
Interests.  The  ambitious  Views  of  the  French,  f their]  open  Con- 
tempt and  Violation  of  Treaties  and  their  I'njust  Inva.sion  of  His 
M'y's  Territories,  make  our  Hearts  burn  with  resentm't,  and  we 
assure  Y'r  Hon'r  y't  we  look  upon  ourselves  as  bound  by  ever>' 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  293 

Tie  of  Loyalty,  Gratitude  and  Humanity,  chcarfully  to  concur  in 
every  Measure  y't  will  most  eftectually  conduce  to  support  the 
dignity  of  the  Crown,  secure  the  Lives  and  Properties  of  our  fel- 
low Subjects,  and  repell  the  Force  of  those  perfidious  People  and 
Enemies  of  Mankind.  Inspired  by  these  Tho's,  our  Councels,  at 
this  perilous  Time,  shall  be  directed  with  all  the  Unanimity,  delib- 
erat'n  and  Dispatch  w'ch  is  due  to  the  Importance  of  the  Sub- 
ject, [our]  duty  to  the  best  of  Kings,  and  true  Patriotism  for  the 
defence  of  our  Co't'y.  Y'r  Hon'r's  Journey  to  Winchester,  w'ch 
was  undertaken  with  a  View  to  cultivate  the  Friendship  of  the 
Ind's,  and  thereby  to  strengthen  our  Western  Frontier,  c'd  not 
but  be  attended  with  much  Fatigue,  and  Trouble ;  We  therefore 
beg  leave  to  return  Y'r  Hon'r  our  thanks  for  y's  Instance  of  Y'r 
unwearied  diligence  in  promoting  the  true  Int't  and  Prosperity  of 
this  Colony.  We  cannot  but  conclude  with  adding  our  sincerist 
Prayers  to  the  Almighty  Arbiter  of  Peace  and  War  y't  He  w'd 
direct  Y'r  Hon'r's  Consultat's,  prosper  Y'r  Endeavours,  give 
Peace  and  Prosperity  to  this  Dom'n,  and  in  Order  to  y't,  long 
continue  Y'r  Hon'r  an  Ornam't  and  Happiness  to  Us. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  COLONEL  INNES. 

22  August,  1754. 
Sir: 

The  Bearer  hereof,  Capt.  Alex'r  Finnic,  has  my  Orders  to 
deliver  You  the  French  Prisoners,  being  one  Officer,  two  Cadets. 
La  Force  and  17  Private  Men.  You  are  imediately  to  convey 
them  to  the  French  Fort;  write  to  the  Command' t  to  return  the 
two  Hostages,  with  a  safe  Convoy,  to  Y'r  Camp.  I  cannot 
write  You  any  further  at  present ;  our  Assembly  now  siting, 
being  the  first  Day  of  their  Meeting,  hurries  me  much.  I 
remain,  respectfully, 

S'r,  Y'r  humble  serv't. 


2V4  DINWIDDIE    PAPERS, 


RKPKV  OF  THK  HLRCKSSKS  TO  THE  ADDRESS  OF 
tlOVKKNOR   DINWIDDIE. 

Auji:ust  26th,  1754. 
Sr: 

We,  His  M'y's  most  dutiful  and  loyal  Subjects,  the  Bur- 
guesses  of  Virp'a,  now  nut  in  Gen'l  Assembly,  return  Y'r  Hon'r 
our  Thanks  for  ^'our  Speech  at  the  Opening  of  this  Session. 
The  designs  of  the  French  to  extend  their  Settlem'ts  across 
this  Cont't,  from  the  river  St.  Lawrence  to  the  Mississippi,  and 
to  secure  the  same  by  Forts  built  at  the  most  convenient 
Passes.  The  spirit  with  w'ch  they  carry  on  these  Designs  and 
their  Fndeavours,  at  this  Time,  in  defiance  of  the  most  solemn 
Treaties,  to  bring  them  to  Perfect' n  by  invading  this  Colony 
and  expelling  His  Majesty's  Subjects  from  those  Lands  to 
w'ch  he  has  an  undoubted  Title,  must  create  in  Is  the  Highest 
and  most  becoming  resentm't;  at  the  same  Time  y't  they  dem'd 
our  most  serious  and  strict  attenl'n,  and  w'n  we  reflect  on  the 
fatal  Tendency  of  these  violent  depredat'ns  and  encroachments, 
y't  if  not  timely  prevented,  they  must  be  the  Source  of  the 
greatest  Mischiefs  and  Calamities  to  all  the  British  dom's  upon 
this  Cont't.  We  cannot  at  all  doubt  but  y't  the  other  Colonies 
will  exert  themselves  in  a  mutual  assistance  and  unite  with  us  in 
the  comon  Cause.  But  whatever  they  may  do,  we  are  deter- 
min'd  on  our  Parts  to  withstand  the  impending  danger  and  to 
pursue  every  Measure  in  our  Power  to  defeat  those  pernicious 
attempts  of  our  Enemies,  y't  we  may  convince  the  World  we 
have  nothing  more  at  Heart  y'n  a  zealous  discharge  of  our  duty 
to  the  best  of  Kings  and  the  sincerest  regard  for  the  Safety  and 
true  Int't  of  our  Co'i'y. 


To  w'ch   Addresses  His   Hon'r  was  pleased  to  return  the  fol- 
lowing Answers: 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  295 

REJOINDER  OF  GOVERNOR    DINWIDDIE  TO  THE   PRECED- 
ING REPLY  OF  THE  COUNCIL. 

Gent,  of  the  Council: 

I  return  You  my  sincere  Thanks  for  Y'r  kind  and 
affectionate  Address.  It  gives  me  Pleasure  and  Satisfaction  to 
find  Y'r  strong  Intent's  to  concur  with  me  in  defeating  the 
unwarrantable  Designs  of  the  French,  w'ch  requires  the  utmost 
Vigour  and  dispatch.  I  do  assure  You  Gent,  y't  I  shall  never 
think  any  Fatigue  too  much  in  the  Service  of  my  King,  or  y't 
may  tend  to  the  Prosperity  and  Safety  of  this  Dom'n,  and  it  is 
a  great  Joy  to  me  to  have  Gent,  of  Y'r  Probity  and  good  Sense 
to  consult  with  on  all  Occasions,  and  y't  my  Transact's  meet 
with  Y'r  Approbation. 


REJOINDER  OF  GOVERNOR   DINWIDDIE  TO  THE  PRECED- 
ING REPLY  OF  THE   BURGESSES. 

Mr.  Speaker  a^id  Ge7it.  of  the  Ho.  of  Burgesses  : 

I  thank  You  for  Y'r  Address.  I  am  very  glad  y't  You 
so  properly  judge  of  the  fatal  Consequences  y't  may  follow  the 
violent  Encroachments  and  Depredat's  of  the  French.  I  have 
reason  to  expect  a  mutual  Aid  from  our  neighbouring  Colonies. 
I  have  also  earnestly  wrote  for  and  intreated  Assistance  of  Men 
and  a  Supply  of  Ordnance  Stores  from  G.  B.,  in  which  I  have 
great  Hopes  of  Succeeding.  It  gives  me  Pleasure  y't  You  are 
determined  to  withstand  the  impending  danger  and  pernicious 
Attempts  of  the  French.  If  You  cordially  grant  sufficient 
Supplies,  I  doubt  not,  with  the  Blessing  of  God  on  our  just 
Endeavours,  [that]  we  shall  be  able  to  defeat  the  designs  of 
our  Enemies. 


296  DINWIDDIE    JAIJ  Ks 

ADDRKSS  OK  THK  IJIRGESSES  TO  GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE. 

Sir: 

W'r,  His  Majesty's  most  dutiful  and  loyal  Subjects,  the 
Burj^csscs  ut  V'irg'a,  now  mit  in  (icn'l  Assembly,  bejj  Leave  to 
assure  V'r  Hon'r  y't  we  enleriain  the  most  just  Sense  of  Y'r 
Concern  for  the  Safety  of  this  dom'n,  and  to  return  Y'r  Hon'r 
our  unfeigned  Thanks  for  V'r  Condi'sceni'n  in  readily  laying 
before  Is  V'r  Hook  of  Letters  and  Instruct'ns  to  the  (Jrticers  of 
the  Forces  sent  out  upon  the  Kxpedit'n  to  the  Ohio,  by  w'ch 
it  appears  y't  N'ou  have  ^'ven  the  most  proper  Orders  and 
pursued  the  most  prudent  Measures  for  defeating  the  designs  of 
the  French. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIKS  Kl-.I'l.Y    lO    IHK  BURGESSES. 
Mr.  Speaker  and  Gent,  of  the  IIo.  of  Burgesses  : 

I  return  Vou  my  sincere  Thanks  for  Y'r  kind  Addresses. 
The  FVosperity,  Safety,  and  Happiness  of  this  Dom'n  is,  and 
shall  be  my  constant  Study.  It  gives  me  much  Pleasure  and 
Satisfact'n  to  observe  ^"r  Approbat'n  of  the  Instruct's  given  by 
me  to  the  officers  on  the  Ohio  E.xpcdition,  and  of  the  Opera- 
lions  I  have,  from  time  to  time,  directed  and  Ordered  for 
defeating  the  designs  and  unjust  Encroachm'ts  of  the  French. 
You  may  be  assured  I  shall  continue  to  do  Kvery  Thing  in  my 
Power,  and  to  the  best  of  my  Capacity,  in  bringing  this  just 
Expedition  to  a  happy  and  agreeable  End. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  COLONEL  INNES. 

Augs't  30th,  [1754]. 
Sir: 

Inclosed  You  have  .4  Lci'r  from  Mr.  Turnbill,  and  Copy  of 
an  Acc't  he  expects  me  to  pay  on  Acc't  of  Y'r  regim't.     He  had 


DINWIDUIE    PAPERS.  297 

my  Orders  to  supply  them  with  Provisions  on  their  March,  as 
also  Vessells  to  transport  them,  w'ch  I  must  see  p'd.  His  first 
Acc't  cont'd  many  other  articles,  w'ch  I  objected  to,  and  suppose 
he  applies  to  You  for  Paym't.  37  b'Js  of  the  Pork,  Maj'r  Car- 
lyle  must  acc't  to  You  for.  His  Com'o.  of  10  ^  C"t  is  wrong, 
and  [he]  must  be  allowed  only  one-half  Peruse  the  Acc't,  and 
send  me  Y'r  Observat's  thereon.  Y'r  Officers  in  general  have 
behaved  ill,  and  seem'd  determined  to  take  up  all  the  Money, 
&c.,  they  possibly  cou'd;  Y'r  Pork  with  Colo.  Hunter  is  a  dull 
Comodity  ;  much  have  been  sold  for  32s.  6d. ;  Maj'r  Carlyle  has 
taken  100  bis.,  for  w'ch  he  is  to  pay  40s.  ^  b'l,  delivered  at 
Alexa. ;  the  Char[ges]  in  carrying  it  up,  will  be  2S.  6d.  {?  b'l 
Colo.  Hunter,  now  here,  says  he  offered  50  b'ls  at  36s.,  w'ch  was 
refus'd,  and  no  Money  to  be  had.  However,  I,  with  many  argu- 
m'ts,  perswaded  him  to  take  500  b'ls  at  35s.,  paya[ble]  in  6  Mos. 
It's  a  poor  Price,  but  the  Season  [of]  the  Year  made  it  neces- 
sary to  part  with  it.  Mr.  Dobbs,  Y'r  Gov'r,  I  expect  very  soon 
in  the  Garland  Man  of  War  into  York  river ;  he  being  under 
Orders  to  consult  with  me  on  the  present  Exigen'y  of  our 
Affairs.  I  c'd  wish  You  was  here  to  represent  to  him  fully  the 
Miscond't  from  the  Beginning,  of  Y'r  regim't.  Inclosed  You 
have  a  written  Order  for  sending  Mons'r  La  Force  down  to  this 
Town;  send  an  Officer  that  You  can  trust,  and  y't  will  be  very 
careful  and  diligent  y't  he  may  not  make  his  Escape.  Look  on 
him  as  a  cunning,  designing  Man,  and  therefore  require  double 
Care.  You  will  observe  the  Warr't  is  to  convey  him  from  Co't'y 
to  Co't'y  till  he  is  safely  delivered  to  me.  Y'r  Officer  is  to  call 
on  the  Lieut,  of  each  Co't'y,  or  any  other  Magistrate,  for  a 
sufficient  Guard — producing  to  them  my  Order.  Our  Assembly 
have  voted  20,ooo[^],  but  the  Method  of  rais'g  it  is  not  yet  fix'd  ; 
w'n  that's  done,  I  shall  concert  a  Plan  of  Operation.  Give  me 
Y'r  Opinion,  if  with  the  few  Men  You  have,  if  [there  is]  any 
Probability  of  doing  any  Thing  essential  to  the  other  side  of  the 
Mount's  this  Fall.  The  disband' g  Y'r  regim't  has  greatly  inter- 
rupted my  former  Orders  to  You.  Take  Possess' n  of  the  Ohio 
Compa's  Warehouse  at  Wills's  Creek  for  Y'r  Pro.viss's;  get  your 
great  Guns  all  up  there,  mount  them  for  defence.  Can  You 
make  Sheds  round  it  for  accommodating  Y'r  People  in  Case 
of  bad  Weather  ?  Send  an  Express  to  Mr.  Croghan  to  assure 
the  Ind's  y't  we  are  diligent  in  preparing  every  Thing  for  their 


298  DINWIDDIK    I'AJ'KRS. 

prcscrvat'n,  and  to  recover  ye  Lands  on  the  Ohio,  but  y't  I 
am  so  busy  with  our  Assembly  y't  [I]  cannot  now  send  a  Com'o. 
to  them,  or  indeed  can  I  sec  any  Necessity  for  it.  Take  Care 
of  the  other  French  Prisoners,  and  if  \'ou  can  send  a  Majj  of 
Truce  to  the  Fort  let  the  I'Vench  Coni'd'r  know  y't  You  are 
ready  to  exchange  ^"r  (Jfticers  and  twn  Cadets  for  our  two 
Hostages,  but  y't  they  have  acted  contrary  to  the  Law  of  Nat's 
in  takinj;  our  People  Prisoners  after  the  Capitulat'n  aj^reed  upon, 
ottering  'em  to  Sale,  and  at  last  missing  of  the  Sale,  sending 
them  Prisoners  to  Canada,  an  unprecedented,  unjust  and  bar- 
barous Usage;  they  pretended  they  were  Prison' rs  to  the  Ind's; 
the  same  reason  subsists  in  regard  to  our  Prisoners,  the  Half 
King  insisting  on  their  being  his.  As  they  have  broke  throw 
the  Capital,  I  am  determin'd  to  keep  their  People  Prisoners,  or 
indeed  c'd  the  Com'd'g  Off'r  contract  for  their  release  after 
they  were  in  my  Custody.  I  am  quite  fatigued,  y't  I  cannot  now 
enlarge,  but  shall  write  You  soon  again.  Pray  enquire  of  Capt. 
McKay  and  others  if  it's  possible  this  Va\\  to  secure  a  Pass  over 
the  Allegany  Mount's;  their  Opinion  how  to  effect  the  same,  y't 
if  we  sh'd  take  no  further  steps  this  Fall  it  may  facilitate  our 
Operat's  very  early  in  the  Spring. 
I  am,  with  Sincere  regards, 

S'r,  Y's. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  JA.MES  AliERCROMBV. 

ist  Sept'r,   1754. 
Sir: 

My  last  was  the   15th  Aug'st,  w'ch  I   e.xpect  will  come  to 

^"r  Hands  long  before  this,  and  I  accordingly  refer  ^'ou  thereto. 
I  then  wrote  ^'ou  our  Assembly  was  to  sit  the  22d  last  Mo. 
They  met  accordingly.  In  my  Speech  to  them  I  press'd  the 
Necessity  of  a  considerable  Supply.  They  met  with  good  Dis- 
positions to  support  [the]  pres't  K.xpedit'n,  and  on  Thursday, 
the  29th,  they  voted  [^]20,ooo,  to  be  rais'd  by  a  Poll  Tax  at 
two  different  Payments,  2s.  to  be  immediately  collected,  and  3s. 
to  be  rais'd  next  July.     This  Supply  wd  have  enabled  me  to 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  299 

conduct   the   Expedition    for   one   /"   and   to    increase  the 

Number  of  Forces  from  300  to  600 ;  but  Yesterday,  being  the 
31st  of  Aug' St,  a  Htigous  Spirit  prevail'd  in  the  H.  of  B. 
They  have  tack'd  to  the  above  Bill,  by  way  of  rider,  a  resolve 
they  entered  into  the  Assembly  in  Nov'r  last  of  paying  Mr. 
Randolph  [;^]2,500  for  negotiat'g  their  Affairs  in  G.  B.  This 
resolve  was  then  rejected  by  the  Council.  I  took  much  Pains 
to  acquaint  them  of  the  Inconsistency  of  this  rider,  and  how 
far  it  appeared  to  me  unconstitutional,  but  to  no  Purpose ;  they 
are  determined  not  to  pass  the  Vote  of  Supply  without  it.  I 
observed  y't  their  resolves  were  now  before  the  King  and  Coun- 
cil, therefore  out  of  our  Hands,  and  till  I  heard  their  resolution 
it  was  not  in  my  Power  to  pass  any  such  Bill.  It  is  not  yet 
sent  up  to  the  Council,  but  I  think  will  be  sent  to  them 
To-morrow.  How  they  will  behave  in  this  Affair  I  cannot 
say,  but  I  fear  some  of  that  B'd  are  not  so  consist' t  as 
I  c'd  wish.  If  they  sh'd  give  Y'r  Assent  to  the  Bill,  w'ch 
I  w'd  expect  they  will  not,  as  they  had  given  their  Nega- 
tive to  the  resolve,  yet  I  by  no  means  will  pass  y't  Act, 
the  Consequences  whereof  will  be  y't  there  will  be  an  End 
to  my  Operations  on  the  Expedition,  as  nothing  is  to  be 
done  without  Money,  and  I  can  never  prevail  with  myself 
to  pass  an  Act  so  very  inconsist't  with  Parliamentary  Pro- 
ceedings, or  indeed  is  it  any  ways  eligible  to  interfere  with  an 
Affair  y't  lies  before  the  King  and  Council,  till  their  deter- 
mination is  properly  known.  You  may  observe  my  present 
Situation,  y't  as  the  Bill  is  not  yet  sent  up  to  the  Council  I 
cannot  write  properly  to  the  Sec'y  of  State,  the  B'd  of  Trade, 
&c. ;  but  as  I  conceive  the  other  Party  writes  by  this  Ship,  I 
c'd  not  shun  writing  You  the  present  Circumstances  I  am 
under,  and  y't  You  may  make  use  of  this  Letter  at  the  differ- 
ent Boards  as  You  may  see  necessary.  I  am  much  pleased 
with  their  vote  of  Supply,  and  they  had  drawn  up  an  Ad- 
dress to  His  M'y,  which  they  had  sent  up  to  the  Council  for 
their  Concurrence,  relating  to  the  Poverty  of  the  Co't'y,  and 
humbly  praying  His  M'y's  gracious  Aid  and  Assistance,  w'ch 
I  promised  to  back  with  my  Int't,  and  to  forward  it  to  the 
Secr'y  of  State;  and  after  this  Address  was  sent  to  the  Coun- 

"'An  omission  in  the  original. 


300  DlNWIlJDIK    I'AI'KRS. 

cil,  they  very  irrcj^ularly  ami  unconsiituiionally  added  the 
above  rider  to  the  Hill,  to  be  raised  on  the  Subject  for  His 
Mys  service,  and  tlie  rider  appears  to  me  to  be  of  a  private 
Nature,  and  therefore  irrej^ularly  tackd  to  y't  Bill.  From  the 
whole,  it  appears  plain  to  me  y't  as  no  dependence  can  be  pos- 
sibly put  in  an  American  Assembly  for  conducting  any  Ex- 
pedition, and  more  particularly  this  under  my  Care,  so  very 
essential  to  the  Nation.  tS:c..  for  the  Treservation  of  the  IVoper- 
ties  of  the  Subjects  in  these  Colonies  :  and  therefore  there  is 
an  absolute  Necessity  of  a  handsome  Su[)ply  of  Men  and 
Money  from  Home,  w'ch  I  have  in  my  former  Letters 
earnestly  solicited,  antl  if  not  sent  by  the  Mo.  of  Keb'y,  its 
more  y'n  probable  y't  the  French  will  be  able  to  do  anything 
they  may  suggest.  Pray  wait  on  the  ditierent  Boards,  and  L'd 
Granville,  [and]  comunicate  the  Coni'ts  of  this  Letter,  ^'ou  may 
acquaint  them  how  I  was  not  able  to  write  them  properly  till  the 
Bill  came  in  course  to  the  Council,  y't  I  may  know  their  reso- 
lution thereon,  and  I  hope  for  these  reasons  I  shall  be  excused 
not  writing.  Inclosed  Vou  have  my  speech  on  opening  this  Ses- 
sion, the  Council,  and  [the]  B.  Address  to  me  and  my  Answers, 
as  also  an  Address  I  had  from  the  B.  Yesterday,  and  my  Answers 
thereto,  from  all  of  them,  no  doubt.  Vou  will  besurpriz'd  with  me 
at  their  Conduct  in  clogging  the  \'ote  of  Supply  with  an  Afi'air 
y't  takes  it  out  of  my  Power  to  pass  it.  There  is  such  a  Party 
and  Spirit  of  Opposition  in  the  lower  Ho.  y't  it's  not  in  the 
Power  of  the  Gov'r  to  suppress,  unless  he  is  to  prostitute  the 
rules  of  Gov't,  and  act  inconsistent  with  his  Instruct's.  I  have 
really  gone  thorow  monstrious  fatigues,  w'ch  I  sh'd  not  much 
regard  if  I  c'd  answer  the  Com'ds  of  His  M'y,  but  such  wrong 
headed  People  f  I  thank  God  ■  I  never  had  to  do  with  before. 
If  Vou  see  it  proper,  \'ou  may  shew  this  Letter  to  Messrs. 
H[anbury],  As  really  in  discharge  of  my  Duty  on  this  Expe- 
diln  it's  with  so  much  Sincerity  and  Earnestness  y't  I  do  not 
care  if  my  Transact' s  were  made  public  to  the  VVorUl.  CJne  of 
His  M'y's  Ships  will  sail  from  this  in  three  Weeks,  when  I 
shall  be  able  to  write  properly  and  fully  to  the  different  Boards. 
If  they  sh'd  think  proper  of  sending  Supplies  of  Men  and 
Ordnance  Stores,  there  must  be  a  Credit  to  me  from  Home  for 
Supplying  them  with  Provisions  and  all  other  Necessaries,  w'ch, 
if  left  to  my  Conduct,   it    shall   be  executed    with   all    possible 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  301 

Frugality.  The  Behaviour  of  the  People  chagrines  me  much, 
and  the  Expedit'n  I  have  so  much  at  heart,  every  Thing  y't  pre- 
vents the  proper  conducting  of  it  gives  me  real  Concern.  I 
heard  of  this  Ship  only  Yesterday,  y't  I  was  afraid  I  sh'd  not  be 
able  to  write,  and  this  is  done  in  great  Hurry,  but  I  desire  You 
will  loose  no  Time  in  comunicating  the  same  in  such  manner 
You  may  think,  and 

I  remain  with  great  regard. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  J.  &  C.  HANBURY. 

Sept'r  ist,  1754. 
Gent  : 

The  inclosed  Let'r  to  Mr.  Abercrombie  I  intreat  may  be 
sent  to  him  imediately,  as  it  is  of  great  Consequence  and  he 
has  my  Orders  to  comunicate  the  Cont'ts  to  You.  Our  As- 
sembly sat  the  22nd  last  Mo  ,  and  voted  20, 000 ;^  for  conduct 'g 
the  Expedit'n,  but  they  have  clogg'd  it  with  a  rider  that  will 
put  it  out  of  my  power  to  pass  it.  I  refer  You  to  Mr.  Aber- 
crombie for  the  Particulars  thereof,  as  I  am  really  very  much 
straitened  in  Time.  Division  and  Parties  subsist  in  the  Ho.  of 
B.,  y't  it  is  not  in  my  Power  to  bring  them  to  reason,  and  the 
miserable  Condition  we  are  in  from  Insults  and  Invasions  of 
the  French ;  and  the  People  here  appear  to  me  to  be  infatu- 
ated in  not  properly  considering  their  own  Preservation.  I 
tho't  they  met  with  much  Inclination  to  act  with  Spirit  in  our 
present  Emergency,  but  the  Clog  they  have  put  to  their  Bill 
of  Supply  is  such,  y't,  inconsistent  with  the  rules  of  Gov't  and 
the  present  Circumstances,  I  can  by  no  means  pass.  I  trouble 
You  with  my  Speech  on  opening  the  Sessions,  the  Council  and 
Assemblie's  Addresses  and  my  Answers,  but  I  am  fully  con- 
vinced y't  depending  on  the  Aid  of  American  Assemblies  for 
«  conducting  the  present  Expedition  will  prove  abortive,  and 
further,  with't  a  Supply  of  Men  and  Money  from  Home  we 
shall  not  be  able  to  defeat  the  Designs  of  the  French,  w'ch  in 
my  former  Letters  I  earnestly  desired.  If  granted,  I  must  have 
a  Credit  at  Home  for  their  Subsistence,  &c.,  w'ch  be  so  kind 
to  join  with  Mr.  Abercrombie  in  obtain'g.  If  Mr.  Abercrom- 
bie sh'd   be    in    the    Co't'y,  pray  open    the    Letter,  and    be  so 


302  UINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

kind  to  follow  the  rules  prcscribtxl  to  him  therein,  for  I  can- 
not now  properly  write  to  the  diti'erent  Hoards.  &c.,  but  shall 
by  Capt.  Whitwell,  who  is  to  sail  in  three  Weeks,  and  indeed  I 
w;is  told  but  N'esicrday  oi  this  Ships  Sailinjj.  and  am  oblij^ed 
to  send  my  Letters  by  I-.\|)ir>s  l«»  N'ork  I'or  thfsf  nasons 
pray  excuse  Scrawls,  «S:c.. 

and  believe  me  to  be,  mn>l  suiCL-rcly, 

(ient.,  V'r  verv  humble  serv't. 


GOVKRNOR  DlNWinnins    ADDKKSS   TO  THE   GENERAL 
ASSK.MI51.V,    l'k()kU(.UlNc;    IT. 

Sept.  4tli.  [I754-J 

iftuf.    oj    r/ic    Li'/nic/i,    Mr.    .Sprakit    ami    (ttut.    of    the    Ho.   of 

The  impending  danger  Irom  the  violent  Incursions  of 
the  French,  their  Threats  and  deprcdat's,  were  the  only  Motives 
of  calling  \ou  together  at  this  Time.  And  the  Lives,  Liberties, 
and  Properties  of  V'r  Constituents  are  in  such  iminent  Hazard 
I  did  not  in  the  least  doubt  but  y't  Vou  w'd  before  this  have 
strengthened  my  Hands  with  a  proper  Supply  to  frustrate  their 
malicious  Intent's,  and  especially  w'n  I  rec'd  from  ^'ou  such 
strong  and  repeated  Assurances  y't  You  were  determined,  on 
Y'r  Parts,  to  withstand  the  impend'g  danger  and  to  pursue  every 
Measure  in  V'r  Power  to  defeat  these  pernicious  designs  of 
V'r  Enemies,  I  tlio't  I  might  reasonably  admit  the  pleasing 
Hopes  y't  Vou  w'd  effectually  provide  for  y'r  Country's  Pre- 
servat'n  and  convince  the  World  y't  Vou  had  nothing  more 
at  Heart  than  a  zealous  discharge  of  \"  r  duty  to  the  best  of 
Kings  and  the  sincerest  regard  for  y'r  Country's  Welfare. 

How  great  y'n.  Gent.,  must  be  my  surprize,  and  with  w't 
Amazem't  must  \"  r  Co't'y,  and  the  World,  see  such  High 
E,xpectat's  cast  down  so  lowl  See  ^'ou  called  upon  in  the  ilay 
of  \''t  Country's  distress,  hear  you  declaring  Vour  Knowledge 
of  her  danger  and  professing  the  most  ardent  Zeal  for  her 
Service;  yet  find  these  declarat'ns  only  an  unavailing  Flourish 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  303 

of  Words,  and  y't  inconsistent  with  Them  and  the  Purposes  of 
Y'r  Meeting,  You  Withold  Y'r  aid  and  thereby  leave  the  Enemy 
at  full  Liberty  to  perpetuate  their  destructive  and  unjust  designs. 
The  Independ't  Companies  ordered  by  His  M'y,  cloathed  and 
paid  by  him,  and  now  employed  in  Y'r  imediate  defence,  You 
absolutely,  by  Y'r  resolve  to  me,  deny  subsistence  to:  A 
thing  unprecedented  in  any  of  His  M'y's  dom's  where  they 
have  been  employ' d  in  their  defence  from  Incursions  or 
threatened  Invasions.  I  have  my  Master's  Service,  and  the 
Safety  and  Hon'r  of  Virg'a,  so  much  and  so  truly  at  Heart, 
y't  I  cannot  but  be  deeply  affected  at  a  Conduct  so  contrary  to 
her  Interest  and  not  altogether  unconcerned  for  You,  Gent, 
of  the  Ho.  of  Burgesses,  y't  You  sh'd  appear  in  so  bad  a  Light 
to  His  M'y,  and  give  such  an  ill  Impression  to  the  neigh- 
bouring Colonies.  However,  as  I  find  You  are  determined  not 
to  do  w't  Y'r  Duty  to  His  M'y  and  the  present  obvious  danger 
indispensably  require,  I  think  it  proper  to  avoid  aggravating 
unnecessary  Expences,  particularly  In[con]venient  at  this  Time, 
and  therefore,  to  put  an  end  to  Y'r  Continuance  here,  I  do  pro- 
rogue You  to  the  17th  day  of  Oct'b'r  next,  and  You  are 
accordingly  prorogu'd  to  y't  Time. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  GOVERNOR  SHARPE. 

Sept'r  6th,  1754. 
Sir: 

Y'r  Kind  favo.  of  the  20th  Aug'st  I  rec'd,  and  sh'd  have 
answer' d  before  this,  but  waited  the  result  of  our  Assembly,  w'ch 
I  prorogu'd  Yesterday  after  [their]  doing  Nothing  to  support  the 
pres't  Expedition.  On  y'r  first  meeting  they  appear' d  greatly 
inclin'd  to  give  a  handsom[e]  Supply;  I  press' d  the  absolute 
Necessity  thereof  with  all  the  Int't  I  had,  and  they  accordingly 
voted  2o,ooo[^],  w'ch  gave  me  much  Pleasure,  but  the  Day  after, 
on  the  third  reading  of  the  Bill,  they  loaded  it  with  a  rider  for 
paying  Payton  Randolph,  Esq'r,  (the  Person  they  sent  Home  to 
complain  ag'st  me,)  2,50o[^].  As  the  Council  had  formerly  re- 
jected a  resolve  for  y't  Sum,  they  c'd  not,  in  hon'r,  pass  this  as 


304  DINWIDUIE    PAPERS. 

a  rider  to  a  Money  Bill  lor  a  Supply  to  His  M'y,  w'ch  is  incon- 
s'  '    *'       •  )ri'   rt-jcctcil   il.     I   look    all   the    Tains   in   my 

;     .,  I-  them  ol  the  irregularity  of  their  I'roceedinjfs 

by  acquamtm>i  them  that  the  resolve  for  y't  Sum.  with  their 
other  resolves,  lay  now  with  the  King  and  Council ;  it  was  there- 
fore out  of  our  Hands,  and  we  c'd  not  meddle  with  it  till  we 
heard  the  Determinat'n  of  the  Council  thereon,  but  all  the 
Arjjum'ts  I  c'd  use.  availed  Nothing  ;  they  were  obstinate,  and  by 
no  means  wd  send  the  Bill  with't  the  rider  to  the  Council,  on 
wch  I  was  oblig'd  to  prorogue  them  till  the  17th  of  Oci'r.  w'n  I 
hope  they  will  come  in  a  better  Temper,  and  before  that  Time  I 
expect  a  King's  Ship  with  Mr.  Dobbs.  Govr  of  No.  Car.,  and  by 
her  I  probably  shall  have  Acc't  of  all  the  AtTairs  y't  lie  Inrfore 
the  Council.  The  Plan  of  Uperats  y't  I  proposed  for  this  Kail, 
are  entirely  defeated : — ist.  By  the  No.  Car.  Forces  disbanding 
Themselves,  w'ch  was  occasioned  by  a  monstrous  misman- 
agemt  of  them  from  the  Beginning;  they  raised  i2,ooo(/^]. 
The  Presid'l  of  y't  Colony  gave  the  private  Men  3s.  Proclam'n 
Money  V  I^«^y.  ^^^  the  Officers  in  I'roportion,  so  that  their  Mo- 
ney was  wholly  expended  before  they  joined  the  other  Forces,  and 
w'd  serve  no  longer  with't  Assurance  of  the  above  Pay.  This  is 
monsin)us  ill  conduct,  and  more  so,  because  I  wrote  the  Presid't 
the  Fsiablishm't  of  the  Pay  of  our  rcgim't.  Next  is  the  reduct'n 
of  the  No.  of  our  Forces,  those  killed  and  Wounded  unfit  for 
Service,  and  desert' n,  w'ch  has  reduced  the  Number  to  150.  If 
the  [appropriation  of  the]  20,ooo[/i]  had  pass'd.  I  fully  intend'd  to 
Augm't  our  regim't  to  eight  Compa's  of  70  Men  each,  w'ch  with 
Officers  wanted,  w'd  have  made  600  Men,  and,  in  course,  made 
up  the  deficiency  occasioned  by  the  No.  Car.  People,  but  the 
Obstinacy  of  our  Assembly  have  defeated  my  Intent's,  and  [I] 
am  now  perswaded  y't  no  Kxpedit'n  can  be  conducted  here  with 
dependence  on  American  Assemblies.  I  have  therefore  wrote  to 
y't  Purpose  Home  and  have  propos'd  a  B.  Act  of  Parliam't 
to  com|>ell  the  Subjects  here  to  Obedience  to  His  M'y's  Com'ds, 
and  to  Protect  V'r  Properties  from  the  Insults  of  the  French  by 
proper  Supplies  and  a  vigorous  resistance,  who  no  doubt  will 
take  advantage  of  our  Divisions,  and  1  much  dread  their  Incurs 's 
among  our  Inhabits  this  Winter;  under  these  great  Disap* 
jKjintmls  I  determin'd  to  keep  the  few  People  we  have,  in  Pay, 
and  propose  too  of  them  to  march   to  Wills' s   Creek  to  join  the 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  305 

Independ't  Compa's.  and  to  endeavour  to  secure  a  Pass  over 
the  Allegany  Mount's  by  erect' g  a  Fort  and  leaving  a  sufficient 
Number  of  Men  therein  with  a  proper  Quantity  of  Provis's  to 
facilitate  our  Operat's  next  Spring,  w'ch  is  all  I  think  possible 
to  be  done  now,  but  I  shall  be  greatly  oblig'd  for  Y'r  Advice 
herein,  as  I  am  sensible  of  Y'r  Knowledge  in  Military  Af- 
fairs. I  have  earnestly  wrote  Home  for  assistance  of  Men  and 
Money,  with't  w'ch,  I  dread  our  Success,  as  also  for  a  proper 
Supply  of  Ordnance  Stores,  for  we  have  none  here  suited 
for  a  Campaign  or  Seige,  w'ch  will  be  much  wanted  to  dis- 
possess the  French  of  the  Fort  at  Monongehela.  I  have 
Complaints  from  our  Frontiers  in  Augusta  Co'ty  of  many 
Parties  of  Ind'ns,  &c.,  robbing  and  ill  treating  our  People,  have 
therefore  order' d  a  Compa.  of  our  regim't  there  to  assist  and 
protect  them.  A  Gov'r  in  the  discharge  of  his  Duty  to  his 
King  and  Co't'y  is  much  to  be  pitied,  w'n  it  is  considered  his 
Transaction  with  an  obstinate  Assembly,  full  of  their  own 
Opinion,  and  entirely  deaf  to  Argum'ts  and  reason.  I  assure 
You  I  am  heartily  fatigu'd,  and  quite  uneasy  with  the  unjust 
Opposition  to  every  Thing  propos'd  to  them  for  the  Gen'l 
Good,  and  with't  the  Gov't  take  some  Steps  to  assist  Us,  I 
fear  the  Consequence  from  the  indefatigable  Motions  of  the 
Enemy.  The  Establishni't  of  the  Pay  to  Y'r  Compas  I  think 
very  equitable.  I  have  ordered  Colo.  Innes  to  take  Possess'n 
of  the  Ohio  Compa's  Wareho.,  w'ch  will  make  a  very  good 
Magazine,  and  we  [had]  better  rent,  y'n  begin  to  build.  I  have 
directed  a  Breast  Work,  and  the  great  Guns  are  to  be  mounted 
for  defence,  and  if  they  can  build  a  Shed  round  it,  may  be 
proper  for  the  Soldiers  to  lodge  in,  and  to  proceed  to  the 
Mount's  to  build  a  Fort,  to  secure  a  proper  Pass  by  the  Time 
we  can  collect  a  sufficient  Force  to  attack  the  Enemy.  To  do 
it  with  the  few  Men  we  have,  w'd  be  sacrificing  their  Lives. 
I  am  glad  You  have  directed  the  Opening  the  new  road 
from  rock  Creek,  w'ch  will  be  of  great  Service.  I  am  [an]  en- 
tire Stranger  to  the  back  Co't'y,  but  have  desired  Colo.  Innes 
to  get  the  best  Informat'n  he  can,  and  to  write  me  fully 
thereon.  There  is  no  doubt  but  the  French  will  do  all  in 
their  Power  to  stop  the  Passes  over  the  Mount's,  and  en- 
deavour to  intercept  our  Provis's,  &c.  I  therefore  am  of 
Opinion,  with    our    handfull  of   Men,  we  can    only    be  on  the 


806  l>lN\MUl*lt:    I'APKKS. 

Defensive  till  wc  increase  our  Numbers,  and  w'd  willingly  hope, 
[that  at]  our  next  nu-i-tinj^j  of  our  Asscnilily.  they  will  more  »e- 
riouMly  consider  their  |)an){er,  and  grant  a  Supply  with't  any 
Gog ;  but  their  l>ehaviour  this  Session  gives  me  a  bad  Opin- 
ion of  ihem.  \"r  Scheme  is  very  just,  ami  entirely  agreeable 
lo  me;  but  witht  Men  and  Money  1  cannot  tell  how  to  con- 
duct mysell',  and  indeed  it  gives  me  very  real  Concern.  You 
may  ple.ise  to  tlirect  Y'r  Men  for  two  Mo*s,  as  you  think 
most  suitable,  after  y't.  the  Season  of  the  Year  will  prevent 
any  Thing  further  to  be  done;  but  if  1  c'd  obtain  a  Supply 
from  our  Assembly.  I  w'd  pro[)ose  raising  our  Numbers  as  be- 
fore, and  1<J  Ih.'  at  Wills' s  Creek  in  Feb'ry,  to  be  ready  for  Action 
before  the  French  can  be  re-inforcxl  from  Ouebeck,  as  I  under- 
stand they  cannfU  come  down  the  rivers  till  the  end  of  Apr.  or 
Ixfgiiming  of  May.  Pray,  under  our  |)re't  bad  Situat'nand  dis- 
appointm'is,  be  so  Kind  [asj  to  give  me  \"r  candid  Advice  how 
to  act,  for  1  really  am  oppress' d  with  Concern  on  the  bad  Conduct 
of  our  Assembly.  I  rem'n  with  very  great  Ksteem  and  just  re- 
gard. 

\'r   I-.xs  most  ohed't   humble  serv't. 


GOVERNOR  niNWIDDlK  Tt)  GOVERNOR  HAMILTON. 

Sepir  6th,  1754. 
Sir: 

^"r  kinti  favo.  of  the  lith  ult'<»,  I  reed,  and  sh'd  have 
answ'd  it  l>ef<jre  this,  but  waited  the  result  of  our  Assembly,  in 
regard  lo  granting  Supplies.  They  met  the  22nd  of  last  Mo., 
and  I  tho't  with  great  Inclinat's  to  grant  a  handsome  Sum, 
they  all  appearing  sensible  of  the  great  danger  all  the  Colonies 
were  expose!  to.  On  the  27th,  they  voted  20,ooo[^],  w'ch 
was  twice  read  in  the  Ho.  of  B.  On  the  3rd  reading,  w'ch 
was  the  2Sth,  a  contentious  spirit  possess'd  some  of  them,  and 
they  propos'd  a  rider  to  the  \V\\\,  w'ch  w.is  to  pay  2,^iro[jC]  to 
V.  k.,  Esq're,'"  their  Agent,  sent  home  with  a  Complaint  against 


-''i?ph,  the  Attorn* 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  307 

me  about  the  Pistole  Ati'air.  Our  Treasurer,  wlio  is  Speaker 
of  the  Ho.  of  B.,  inconstitutionally  paid  this  Money,  by  a  re- 
solve of  their  Ho.,  w'ch  resolve  was  last  Nov'r  rejected  by  the 
Council.  However,  they  tack'd  this  to  the  Bill  of  Supply,  and 
sent  it  up  to  the  Council,  and  they  unanimously  rejected  the 
same.  They  were,  on  this,  Obstinate,  and  declar'd  they  w'd 
pass  no  Bill  of  Supply  with't  it.  I  used  all  the  Argum'ts  in 
my  Power  to  shew  them  the  impropriety  of  tacking-  a  private 
Dem'd  to  a  public  Bill  of  Supply  to  His  M'y,  and  further  told 
them  y't  Transaction  was  out  of  our  Hands,  for  y't  resolution 
and  the  other  extraordinary  resolves  they  made  in  Nov'r  Ses- 
sion, was  now  before  the  King  and  Council,  and  y't  they  sh'd 
not  notice  it  till  the  resolution  and  determinat'n  of  the  King 
and  Council  at  Home  was  known.  They  [were]  obstinate  and 
deaf  to  all  argum'ts,  and  declared  y't  without  y't  rider  they  w'd 
grant  no  Supplies,  so  y't  I  was  oblig'd  to  prorogue  them  to 
the  17th  of  Oct'r,  next.  There  appears  to  me  an  Infatuat'n  in 
all  the  Assemblies  in  this  part  of  the  world.  They  are  not 
affected  with  the  imminent  Danger  they  are  obviously  ex- 
posed to,  but  seem  satisfied  to  leave  the  French  at  full  Lib- 
erty to  perpetrate  their  utmost  Designs  to  their  ruin.  I  daily 
expect  a  King's  Ship  with  Mr.  Dobbs,  Gov'r  of  No.  Caro., 
by  whom  I  hope  to  have  a  proper  Acc't  of  the  Affairs  lying 
before  the  King  and  Council.  This  unexpected  and  unreason- 
able Conduct  of  our  Assembly,  put  a  Stop  to  all  my  Operat's 
this  Fall,  w'ch,  if  I  had  been  able  to  put  in  Execution  by  a  Supply 
of  Money,  it's  probable  we  might  have  put  a  Stop  to  the  French 
and  drove  them  from  the  Ohio,  whereas,  now  they  are  left  at  full 
Liberty  to  murder,  plunder  and  [do]  every  Thing  else  they  think 
proper.  Our  Assembly  Complains  much  of  the  want  of  Aid 
from  our  neighbouring  Colonies;  if  Mr.  Morris"''  is  arriv'd  with 
You,  and  can  bring  Y'r  People  to  a  proper  way  of  thinking  by 
granting  a  handsom[e]  Supply,  it  may  probably  raise  the  Spirit 
of  our  Assembly  to  renew  their  Vote  with't  this  rider.  At 
present  I  am  under  the  greatest  apprehensions  of  the  bad  Con- 


"' Robert  Hunter  Morris,  son  of  Lewis  Morris,  Governor  of  New 
Jersey.  He  was  for  twenty-six  years  one  of  the  Council  of  New  Jer- 
sey; Lieutenant-Governor  of  Pennsylvania  from  October  1754,  to 
August  1756;  died  February  20,  1764,  "  full  of  years  and  honors." 


808  tilNWIOUIE    PAPERS. 

!ici{ucnccs  from  ihc  LctharKick  Indolence  ol  the  different  Colonies 
in  hot  "  iny  just  at  our  Doors,  and  iiuU-rd  this  Af- 

fair );iv'  .    ,     crn  aiul  anxiety  than  any  Tlunj;  [which] 

ever  occur'd  to  inc.  A  C«nv'r  is  really  to  be  pitied  in  the  discharge 
of  his  I)uty  to  his  Kin^  and  Co't'y,  in  having  to  do  with  such  ob- 
stinate, scll'-conccitfii  iVoplf.  The  French  and  Iiui's  arc  now 
makint{  Incursions  amon^  our  Inhal>itanis  in  Augusta  Co'ty, 
thriMicninvi  "ur  People  to  depart  from  their  IMantat's,  and  propose 
building  Forts  on  Holslein's,  Green  Mrier's  anti  other  rivers.  I 
keep  up  the  few  Men  we  have,  and  have  ordered  a  detachm't  to 
these  IMaces  to  protect  our  Frontiers.  1  am  very  sen.sible  of 
Vour  ){Ood  Inclinat's  to  support  this  necessary  K.X|>edition.  but 
no  Gov'r  can  act  consistently,  with't  proper  Supplies,  and  [1]  am 
very  sorry  [thatj  there  is  such  supincness  in  the  People  of  Vr 
I*rovince;  from  their  numbers  we  had  reason  to  expect  at 
least  I, coo  Men  and  I  think  ^'ou  have  acted  proj>crly  in 
resignin);  the  Ciov'i,  and  if  I  c'd  in  honor,  I  sh'd  \)C  glad 
tyj  do  the  same,  for  I  am  quite  wearied  with  the  many  ob- 
stacles thrown  in  my  way  in  discharge  of  my  Duty.  I  fully 
agree  with  \'ou,  y't  no  Fxpedition  can  be  conducted  here  with  a 
def)endence  on  the  A.ssemblies,  and  I  have  fully  represented  it 
Home,  and  have  dcsir'd  Aid  of  Men,  Money  and  Ordnance 
•Stores,  with't  w'ch  I  have  small  Hopes  of  .Success,  ;is  they  have 
this  Affair  much  at  Heart  in  Ci.  H.  I  lujpe  they  will  grant  us 
pro|>er  Assistance,  and  y't  soon,  oiherways,  I  fear  it  will  be  too 
late.  Tho"  \'ou  have  resign' tl  \"  r  (iov't  I  shall  be  glatl  of  Ad- 
vice from  N'ou  at  Vr  leisure  Time,  with  Y'r  Opinion  on  Affairs 
now  in  Action.  Vou  have  done  very  judiciously  in  a-ssisting  the 
Hall- King,  cS:c.,  and  hope  ^^)U  will  represent  the  Affairs  to  Mr. 
Morris,  on  his  arrival,  in  its  true  Light,  and  pray  present  my 
Complim'ls  to  him.  I  had  a  small  Knowledge  of  him  in  Londo. 
The  three  Ind't  Compa's,  with  the  other  few  I-orccs  are  to  build 
a  Magazine  for  Stores,  somewhere  near  Wills's  Creek,  and  to 
erect  a  small  Battery  for  its  Protect' n;  lor  I  think  with  the  small 
No.  of  Men  wc  have,  we  cannot,  this  Winter,  venture  over  the 
.Allegany  .M'>unl's.  The  prospect  at  a  distance,  is.  if  the  Assem- 
blies can  \h.'  bro't  to  reason,  and  grant  pro|)er  .Supplies,  to  make  a 
Push  early  in  the  Spring,  before  fhey  can  be  reinforc'd  from 
Oucbeck.  I  am  so  dejected  with  this  last  unexpected  Behaviour 
of  our  Assembly,  y't  I  despair  of  doing  w't  my  Inclinat'n,  and 


DINWIDDIE    PAPKRS.  309 

the  pres't  Posture  of  our  Affairs  dem'ds;  liowever,  I  shall  en- 
deavour with  Patience  [to]  wait  to  see  w't  Time  may  produce. 
Excuse  the  Length  of  this  Letter,  and  believe  me  to  be  with 
great  regard  and  respect, 

Sir,  Y'r  most  Ob'd't  and  most  humble  serv't. 

Inclos'd  I  trouble  You  with  my  proroguing  Speech. 

P.  S. — If  a  few  of  Y'r  Men  were  ordered  to  Wills' s  Creek  to 
join  the  other  Forces,  [it]  may  probably  facilitate  their  Under- 
takings either  in  building  a  P'ort  or  other  Services. 

No.  of  Men  there,  viz't : 

3  Ind't  Compa's,  say,  ...  260 

Colo.  Innes's  Co.,  ...  40 

From  our  regiment,  .  .  .  100 

Be  so  kind  to  forward  the  two  inclosed  Letters  for  Phila.  by 
very  first  Opp'ty. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  GOVERNOR  DeLANCEV. 

Sir: 

Y'r  agreeable  Let'r  of  the  30th  Ulto  ,  I  rec'd.  His  M'y's 
Service  is  much  oblig'd  to  You  for  the  Trouble  You  took 
with  Your  Assembly  to  procure  a  Bill  of  Aid  to  the  present 
necessary  Expedit'n,  and  agreeable  to  said  Act,  enclosed,  You 
have  a  Minute  of  the  Council  here,  advising  me  how  to  have 
the  Mo[ney]  bro't  hither,  as  also  my  Order  under  the  Great  Seal 
of  this  Dom'n  to  pay  ^4,651  19s.  4]d.,  to  Julian  Legge,  Esq'r, 
Comd'r  of  His  M'y's  Ship  Shoreham,  who  is  so  kind  [as]  to 
offer  his  Service  to  bring  the  Money  to  this  Place,  in  his 
way  to  his  Stat'n  of  So.  Car.  And  I  desire  to  return  my 
Thanks  to  Y'r  Assembly  for  the  seasonable  and  necessary 
Supply.  I  thank  you  for  the  Intelligence  from  Oswego.  Is  it 
possible  to  prevent,  from  that  Place,  the  many  reinforceni'ts 
from  Quebeck  to  the  Ohio,  so  nigh  y't  F"ort?  But  as  I  am  a 
Stranger  to  Y'r  Co't'y,  and  the  strength  of  the  Fort,  probably  I 
may  judge  wrong  on  y't  Head.     The  three  Belts  of  W[ampum 


31U  OINWIDUIE    l>AI>KKS. 

were)  sent  me.  excusin);  the  hve  Nat's  coming  to  \Vin(chcHtcr], 
destirint;  my  Aid  and  I'ruiect'n  of  their  Alhes  and  l-r'd»  at  the 
Ohio,  and  desiring  me  to  reiurn  thtni  «'n  I  rame  to  Albany.  As 
our  AtVairs  w'd  not  allow  me  to  send  Com'r:*  to  y'l  Treaty.  I 
now.  by  this  Bearer,  reiurn  the  Belts.  No  doubt  but  that  the 
building  a  Fort  at  the  Mouth  of  the  riviere  au  Bieuf,'"  w'd  be  of 
^rrat  .SiTvicf,  but  our  Chief  Aim  must  Ik*  pointed  at  removing 
them  from  the  Ohio,  w'ch,  if  we  can  do,  the  other  probably  may 
follow.  I  am  sorry  for  the  Occasion  to  inform  You  y't  our  As- 
sembly sit  the  22nd  of  last  Mo.,  and  I  tho't  with  j^reat  Inclinal's 
to  grant  a  handsome  .Supply;  accDrdinj^iy  they  voted  2o,ofxj[/,'], 
w'ch  gave  me  much  satisfact'n,  but  on  the  3d  reading  of  the  Bill 
they  tac'd  a  ryder  to  it,  viz:  To  pay  2,500;^^  to  I'ayton  Ran- 
dolph, Esq'r,  their  Agent,  sent  Home  with  a  Complaint  against 
mc.  This  Sum  was  a  resolve  by  the  Ho.  of  B.,  in  the  Sessions, 
last  Nov'r,  and  y'n  rejected  by  the  Council,  .is  such  a  Tack  of  a 
Private  Bill  to  a  .Money  Bill  lor  His  M  y"s  Service,  being  incon- 
stitutional.  the  Council  rejected  it.  and  as  all  the  resolves  at  y't 
Time  were  of  an  extraordinary  .Nature  and  without  any  Prece- 
dent, they  now  lie  before  the  King  and  Council  for  their  Deter- 
mination thereon,  and  in  course,  out  of  our  Hands  till  we  hear 
from  Home  ;  all  these  Argum'ts.  the  irregularity  of  the  rider,  and 
every  thing  I  possibly  c'd  suggest  to  them,  availed  Nothing  with 
an  obstinate  .Self  Opinionated  set  of  People,  y't  they  resolved  by 
a  Majority  of  the  Ho.  not  to  send  up  the  Bill  to  the  Council 
with't  y't  Tack,  and  they  c'd  not  in  hon'r  pass  it,  as  they  had 
formtTly  rejected  the  same  in  a  resolve,  on  w'ch  I  was  oblig'd  to 
prorogue  them  to  the  17th  of  next  .Mo.  This  unexpected  Affair 
has  put  a  full  .Slop  to  my  Intent's  this  Fall;  if  the  20,ooo[;^]  had 
pas-sed.  I  determin'd  to  augment  our  I-'orces  to  800  .Men.  [with] 
w'ch,  with  the  3  Ind't  Compa's  and  140  men  from  M'yl'd,  I  pro- 
pos'd  making  a  Push  this  Fall,  and  I  think  with  good  Prospect  of 
Success,  but  now  I  am  confined  to  keep  the  Men  now  in  Pay  to 
build  a  Magazine  for  Provis's,  and  a  F«jrt  near   to   the  Allegany 


"*  Riri'ure  aux  Boeufs.  The  French  had  built  in  the  Spring  of  1753, 
on  this  stream,  a  fcirt.  connected  with. that  at  Prisqu'  Isle  on  I^ike  Erie, 
by  a  road  twenty-one  feet  wide.  It  was  <in  the  spot  where  now  stands 
Waterford  (Erie  county.  Pa.).  A  small  lake,  and  a  stream  risinR  from 
it  to  fall  int<»  French  Creek,  still  preserve  the  memor)'  of  the  long  van- 
ished buffalo,  which  once  fed  on  its  fertile  meadows. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  311 

Mount's,  to  put  every  thing  in  a  proper  Posture  for  a  strong  At- 
tack in  the  Spring,  not  doubting  on  their  next  meeting  they  will 
grant  the  above  Some  without  any  Clogg.  This  intolerable  Con- 
duct of  the  Assembly  gives  me  great  Uneasiness,  as  it  affords 
the  Enemy  the  whole  Winter  to  strengthen  Themselves  and  to 
make  Incursions  on  our  Frontiers.  A  No.  of  French  and  Ind's 
have  already  appeared  in  small  Parties  on  the  Frontiers  of  Au- 
gusta Co'ty.  I  have  order' d  a  Detachm't  from  our  small  regim't 
to  suppress  them,  and  to  protect  our  Frontiers,  and  on  occasion, 
to  raise  the  Militia.  This,  Sir,  is  the  melancholy  Situat'n  I  am  at 
pres't  in,  but  [I]  still  hope  y't  before  ye  Spring,  to  be  able  to  raise 
a  sufficient  Force  to  make  a  proper  Figure  against  them,  but  am 
now  fully  convinc'd  y't  no  Expedition  can  be  conducted  here 
with  a  dependence  on  the  Assembly's  Supply.  I  have  therefore 
earnestly  applied  home  for  a  Supply  of  Men  and  Money,  with't 
w'ch,  I  dread  Success ;  we  are  also  deficient  of  all  sorts  of  Ord- 
nance Stores,  either  for  a  Campaign  Or  a  Seige,  [of]  w'ch  I  have 
also  desired  a  proper  Supply  from  Home,  my  Letters  on  this 
Head  must  be  with  the  Ministry  before  this,  and  [I]  am  in  Hopes 
they  will  seriously  consider  our  Situat'n,  and  grant  relief.  Excuse 
the  length  of  this  Letter,  as  I  c'd  not  well  abriviate  it,  and  tho't 
it  proper  to  give  You  a  Sketch  of  the  pres't  Situat'n  of  Affairs. 
I  rem'n,  with  great  respect, 

S'r,  Y'r  most  obed't  h'ble  Serv't. 

P.  S.  Mr.  Dobbs,  Gov'r  of  No.  Car.,  is  daily  expected  in  the 
Garland  Man  of  War.  He  is  ordered  (as  I  hear)  to  consult  with 
me  on  the  pres't  Expedition  and  probably  will  bring  some  new 
Instruct's;  if  any  Thing  of  Consequence,  I  shall  communicate 
the  same  to  You.  I  send  a  Speech  to  be  delivered  with  the  Pelts 
to  the  Six  Nat's,  if  you  think  it  is  proper,  pray  forward  it,  and 
I  desire  the  Favo.  of  Y'r  having  a  proper  Belt  made  to  be  de- 
livered with  the  Speech,  the  Charge  thereof,  I  will  thankfully  pay, 
having  no  Person  here  y't  can  make  them. 


312  DINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 


GOVKKNOR  DINWIDDIK  TO  THK  SACHKMS  AND  W  ARRlORS 
OK  Tin-:  SIX  INDIAN  NATIONS. 

lira's,  /' lis  ami  AHiis  : 

I  reed  by  the  Hands  of  Mr.  A.  Mont(jiir,  the  three  Belts  of 
\V[ainpum  I.  w'ch  Vou  desired  to  be  ret'd  at  the  Conjjress  at 
Albany.  Tlie  French  Invading  Vr  huntin}^  Grounds  on  the 
Ohio,  took  up  all  my  Time  to  prevent  their  settling  there,  and 
agreeable  to  Y'r  desire,  to  assist  and  protect  Vr  F'ds  and  Allies 
on  y't  river,  w'ch  1  have  to  the  utmost  of  my  Power  on  this 
pres'l  Invasion  of  the  French  and  their  Ind's  done,  and  [I]  am 
always  ready  to  help  any  of  the  Tribes  of  Ind's  y't  are  in  Amity 
and  F'dship  with  Vou.  I  now  return  the  above  three  Helts  of 
Wampum,  and  desire  to  assure  Vou  y't  I  shall,  on  all  occasions, 
be  glad  to  keep  the  Chain  of  F'dship  between  us  bright,  and  to 
live  in  brotherly  Love  and  F'dship  with  Vou,  our  Allies,  while 
the  Sun  and  Moon  gives  Us  Light.  In  testimony  of  the  Truth 
thereof,  I  present  \'ou  with  this  Hell  of  Wampum. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIK  TO  LORD  FAIKKAX. 

Sept.  loth,  [1754.] 

It  gives  me  great  Concern  y't  I  can  acquaint  Vr  L'ds. 
[that]  the  Ho.  of  B.,  after  siting  and  debating  a  Fortnight  on  the 
Purport  of  my  Speech  recomcnding  as  the  only  Consideration  at 
this  Juncture,  the  raising  a  considerable  Supply  towards  aug- 
menting our  Forces  for  the  better  dislodging  and  repelling 
the  invading  I*>ench,  did  indeed  prepare  and  send  a  Hill  to 
2o,ooo[;{^]  up  to  the  Council,  but  [it]  l)eing  clogg'd.  or  tack'd  with 
a  Clause  for  indemnifying  the  Speaker,  as  Treasurer,  paying  to 
the  late  Atto'y  Randolph.  2,50o[;^]  without  the  Council's  Con- 
currence and  my  Warrant ;  the  Bill  was  rejected  in  Council,  as  be- 
fore they  had  done  w'n  [it  was]  offered  as  a  resolve.  I  imagine 
\"r  L'ds.,  in  \" r  Observation  of  the  Parliament's  Proceed'g,  does 
not  remember  any  Tack  to  a  Money  Bill  since  King  Wm.'s  reign. 
This   having  destroy' d  the  Effect  of  the  Expected  Supply,  my 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  313 

Hands  are  weakened,  and  not  able,  sufficiently  to  provide  for  the 
defence  and  Safety  of  this  Dominion.  I  must,  therefore,  make 
Use  of  the  Militia  as  far  as  [the]  Laws  provide.  And  to  put  our 
Inhabitants  in  the  best  Posture,  I  enclose  for  Y'r  L'ds.,  a  Com'o. 
to  be  Co'ty  Lieut.,  w'ch  I  intreat  You  to  execute,  but  if  my  de- 
sires are  unavailing,  then  to  fill  the  Blanks  in  Colo.  Martin's 
Name,  and  the  other  Officers,  as  You  and  he  may  approve.  It 
being  a  Frontier,  and  next  to  Augusta,  will  require  a  watchful 
Conduct  to  guard  against  the  too  probable  Inroads  of  the  French 
and  their  numerous  Indians.  Mons'r  Druillon,  complaining  by 
Letter  that  the  Prison  at  Winchester  is  too  small  and  very 
incommodious  for  the  17  Prisoners  lodg'd  there,  the  Council 
have  agreed  with  me  that  it's  better  and  safer  to  remove  them 
by  an  Escort  of  ye  Sheriff  to  deliver  them  to  the  Sheriff  of 
Fairfax,  who  is  to  receive  and  guard  them  in  the  Prison  at 
Alex' a,  w'ch  y'r  L'ds.  will  please  give  Orders  may  be  done. 
Mons'r  La  Force  is  order' d  hither  on  Capt.  Stobo's  humble 
Advice.  Colo.  Innes  has  Instruct's  to  send  Mons'r  Druillon  and 
the  two  Cadets,  to  offer  in  exchange  of  the  Capts.  Stobo  and  Van- 
braam,  our  Hostages.  Colo.  Washington,  with  the  remaining  Few 
[of  our  forces],  is  order' d  to  join  Colo.  Innes  in  filling  up  the  Ohio 
Compa's  Store  for  a  Magazine,  and  to  erect  other  Works  to 
secure  the  same  during  Winter.  Capt.  And'w  Lewis,  with  a  Co., 
is  ordered  to  guard  the  back  and  western  parts  of  Augusta 
against  the  French  and  Indians,  making  Attempts  on  Holston's 
river  and  Grand  river.  I  am  in  daily  Hopes  of  seeing  Gov'r 
Dobbs,  who  touches  here  in  the  Garland  Ship  of  War,  appointed 
for  this  Station,  w'n  I  may  have  His  Majesty's  further  Instruct's, 
some  more  Ordnance  Stores,  and  perhaps  Officers  on  half  Pay. 
Y'r  L'ds.  may  order  out  Patrollers  as  You  may  think  proper,  in 
case  the  French  or  their  Ind's  sh'd  disturb  the  Settlers  on  our 
Frontiers;  and  I  hope  on  the  next  meeting  of  the  Assembly, 
they  will  more  seriously  consider  the  present  situation  of  our 
Affairs  and  grant  Supplies.  New  York  has  voted  5,coo[^]  for 
our  Assistance,  to  be  remitted  here  in  Cash.  One  Mr.  Wm. 
Smith  (who  claims  a  Friendship  in  Y'r  L'ds.)  came  recomended 
by  the  Sec'y  of  State,  to  me,  from  w'ch,  I  propose  his  overseeing 
any  Works  that  may  be  built,  and  to  take  Care  of  the  Arms,  &c. 
I  am  with  great  respect  and  high  esteem, 

Y'r  L'd's  most  obed't  h'ble  serv't. 
I  shall  have  the  Hon'r  of  seeing  You  here  in  Oct'r. 


oU  UINWIDUIK    PAI'KKS. 


COVKKNUR    DINWIDDIK   TO  JILIAN   LEGGE.    KSy'R..  COM- 
MANDKK  UK  HIS  MAJESTY'S  SHIP  SHORKHAM. 

Scpt'r  loth,  [1754.] 

r  Letter  of  the  30th  L'lt'o,  gave  me  much  Pleasure  to  hear 
ol  \  r  ileahh.  at  N.  N'ork.  \"r  Kind  offer  of  brin^inj;  the 
Mo[ncyj  (K''«*"'<^  '^V  ^'^^'  Assembly  of  N.  York  for  the  Aid  of 
the  pres't  Kx|>edit'n)  to  this  Place,  is  accepted  with  great  Thank- 
fulness. I  have,  therefore,  this  day  desircti  Mr.  DeLancey  to 
pay  You  jCa-^5^  19s.  4^d.,  w'ch.  be  so  kind  to  receive  anti  g'^'*-* 
Y'r  receipt  for  the  same,  w'ch  shall  be  cancelled  by  my  receipt 
to  \'ou.  The  Garland  is  order' d  here  to  relieve  Capt.  Whil- 
well ;  "*  Mr.  Dobbs,  (iov'r  of  No.  Caro.,  comes  in  her.  and  [I] 
think  I  have  reason  to  expect  her  l>efore  you  arrive  here. 

Our  I'.xpectat'n  meets  with  many  Clo^y^s  and  Delays  from  our 
Assembly,  and  indeed  their  Hchaviour  makers  me  extreamely  uu' 
easy  and  dejected.  I  was  oblijj'd  to  prorogue  them  (witho't  any 
.Supply)  to  the  17th  of  next  Mo.,  w'n  I  hope  to  meet  them  fully 
determined  to  consider  the  pres't  .State  of  their  Co't'y  by  grant- 
ing a  pro{)er  Aid  for  conducting  this  necessary  Flxpedit'n,  and  I 
am  convinc'd  of  your  good  Wishes  for  Success  on  our  Kn- 
deavours.  Capt.  Clark,  complaining  much  of  his  State  of  Health, 
desired  a  Furlow  for  a  few  Mos.  to  recover  his  Health.  I  wish 
he  may  bring  Men  enough  to  compleat  his  Co.  My  Wife  and 
two  Girls  were  mighty  glad  to  hear  of  V'r  Health,  and  join  me 
in  most  sincere  respects.     I  always  am, 

D'r  S'r    \" r  itfTci  t    humble  s«rv't. 


Sir  : 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIi:  To  COLONEL  INNES. 

Sept.  nth.  [1754.J 


Inclosed  are  two  Packets  y't  came  to  my  Hands  two  days 
ago.  Our  Assembly  voted  a  .Supply  of  2o,ooo[/^],  but  on 
reading    the   Hill  the  third  Time  they   clogg'd   it  with  a  rider, 

'"*  Matthew  Whitwell.  commanding  the  Triton. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  315 

w'ch  being  both  unreasonable  and  unconstitutional,  the  Council 
rejected  it;  all  the  Arguments  1  could  use  w'd  not  prevail  with 
our  Ho.  of  B.  to  send  the  Bill  without  the  rider.  So  I  was 
oblig'd  to  prorogue  them  till  the  17th  of  next  Mo.  This 
unexpected  Disappointment  prevents  my  puting  in  Force  the 
Operations  I  had  concerted  for  this  Fall's  Campaign.  If  the 
Supply  had  pass'd,  I  propos'd  augment' g  our  regim't  to  600 
men;  which,  with  the  other  Forces,  might  have  march' d  over 
the  Allegany  Mount's  and  made  a  Push  ag'st  the  French,  but  [I] 
am  of  Opinion,  with  the  Handful  of  Men  we  have,  it  w'd  by  no 
means  answer ;  I  therefore  think  it  most  prudent  to  build  a  Forti- 
ficat'n  and  Magazine  as  far  back  and  near  the  Mount's,  as  You, 
in  a  Council  of  War,  may  think  proper,  and  at  the  same  Time, 
to  keep  the  Compa's  Wareho.  to  receive  Q'ys  of  Provision;  to 
have  every  Thing  in  good  Order  very  early  in  the  Spring,  not 
doubting  but  our  Assembly,  on  their  next  Meeting,  will  grant 
a  considerable  Supply.  I  have  ordered  Colo.  Washington,  with 
the  remains  of  his  regim't,  to  march  to  Wills's  Creek  to  be 
assisting  in  building  w't  may  be  determin'd  in  a  Council  of  War; 
he  will  bring  some  Tools  sent  from  this  [place],  and  I  hear  You 
have  several  Tradesmen  to  work  thereon.  You  sh'd  agree  with 
them  for  their  Extra  Pay,  w'n  at  work.  I  am  really  quite 
fatigued  and  uneasy  on  this  last  disappointm't.  I  can  say  no 
more  at  present,  but  that  I  am, 

Sir,  Y'r  Friend,  &c. 

P.  S.  I  have  ordered  Maj'r  Carlyle,  Forty  Pistoles. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  COLONEL  WASHINGTON. 

Sept.  I  ith,  [1754]. 
Sir  : 

No  doubt  You  have  heard  y't  our  Assembly  is  prorogu'd 
without  granting  any  supplies.  Under  this  unexpected  disap- 
pointment, I  fear  we  are  not  Numbers  sufficient  to  attack  the 
Fort  taken  from  Us  by  the  French.  Therefore,  I  now  order 
You  to  give  a  detachment  of  forty  or  fifty  Men  to  Capt.  Lewis. 
With  them    he   is  to  march    imediately  to  Augusta  County,  in 


310  DINUIDDIE    PAPERS. 

order  to  protect  our  Frontiers  from  the  Incursions  of  small 
Parties  of  Indians,  and  I  suppose,  some  French.  (>rder  him 
to  march  imediately,  and  to  apply  to  Colo.  Patton,  the  Co'ty 
Lieut  .  who  will  direct  him  where  to  proceed  that  he  may  be 
most  usefull.  With  the  remainder  of  our  regim't,  \'ou  are  to 
march  to  Wills's  Creek  to  join  the  other  Forces  in  executing 
such  Orders  as  I  may  see  proper  to  direct.  Maj'r  Carlyle  will 
supply  \"r  Men  with  Necessaries,  not  doubtinj^j  they  will  a^ree 
to  have  the  said  Supply's  stop't  from  their  Pay.  I  therefore 
desire  Vou  will  march  them  to  the  Place  above  meniion'd. 
\'ou  know  best  whether  \'ou  can  venture  to  march  them 
from  rock  Creek  to  Wills's  This  last  disappointment  from 
the  Assembly  has  entirely  defeated  the  Operat's  I  had  pro- 
jected However,  on  their  ne.xi  Meetinj,,'  it  [is]  probable  they 
will  more  seriously  consider  the  ii^reat  Danger  our  Co't'y 
is  expos' d  to,  and  grant  [iroper  Supplies.  I  am  sorry  my 
Clerk  sent  V'r  Com'o.  unsigned  :  it  was  a  very  great  Omission; 
if  You  had  sent  it  down,  the  date  sh'd  have  been  altered,  I  mean 
a  few  Days  after  Colo.  Fry's  Death,  and  I  w'd  have  Signed  it 
and  returned  it  to  \'ou.  I  have  appointed  Mr.  Peyronney  a 
Capt.,  agreeable  to  V'r  recomendat'n.  And  I  now  send  You 
Com'o.  agreeable  to  Y'r  List,  w'ch  deliver  to  them,  and  let  them 
know  y't  I  expect  they  will  discharge  their  duties  with  good 
Spirit  and  a  proper  Example  of  Courage  and  good  Conduct. 
I  have  only  sent  four  Com'o's  for  P^nsigns,  till  I  have  a  pro- 
per Supply  for  their  Paym't.  I  think  \'ou  may  order  Wm. 
Wright  to  join  Capt.  Lewis,  w'n  he  goes  to  Augusta.  As 
to  Fraizer,  he  is  not  here  at  present.  I  shall  consider  w't 
You  write  in  regard  to  him.  Mr.  Campbell  is  to  have  50 j^ 
"f  Ann.  from  \"r  Salary,  as  Adjul't,  and  y't  is  w't  Finnie"*  re- 
ceives from    Mr.  Muse.     I    expect  [ihatj  Vou  will  march  ime- 


"•This  was  probably  William  Finnie,  subse(iuently  in  the  Revolution 
as  a  Colonel  of  the  .State  line  and  Commissary,  thouKli  a  Captain  Alex- 
ander Finnie  appears  to  have  been  employed  sometimes  as  a  mes- 
senger by  Governor  Dinwiddie.  In  the  list  of  subscribers  to  the 
edition  of  the  Lazes  of  Virginia,  Williamsburij,  1752,  the  names  of 
"The  Reverend  Mr.  Alexander  Finnie,  Prince  (ieorKe,"  and  ".Mr.  Alex- 
ander Finnie,  Williamsbiirjj,"  appear.  They  may  have  been  father 
and  son. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  317 

diately  for  Wills' s  Creek,  and  [will]  send  me  Acc't  of  the  No. 
of  Men.  You  have  not  sent  Acc't  of  the  pay  of  Y'r  regim't. 
As  the  Pay  was  ordered  for  the  whole  No.,  there  must  be  great 
Saving  from  the  Dead  and  Deserters.  I  have  not  been  able  to 
procure  a  proper  Allowance  for  the  poor,  Sick  and  Wounded, 
w'ch  gives  me  Concern.  Maj'r  Carlyle.  in  the  mean  Time,  must 
maintain  them  till  I  can  obtain  some  Allowance  for  their  Misfor- 
tunes in  the  Service  of  the  Co't'y ;  and  for  the  future,  send  me  a 
Monthly  Muster  roll  with  the  Pay  due  to  each  Company,  and  I 
doubt  not,  I  shall  be  enabled  to  Pay  them  duly.  Let  me  Know 
the  day  You  march,  and  I  sincerely  wish  You  Health  and  Hap- 
piness, and  I  rem'n, 

Sir,  Y'r  Friend,  &c. 


I 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  CAPTAIN  ANDREW  LEWIS. 

Sept.  nth,  [1754.] 
Sir: 

I  have  order'd  Colo.  W.  to  give  You  a  detachm't  of  40  or 
50  Men  from  his  regim't;  with  them  You  are  imediately  to  march 
for  Augusta  Co'ty.  Apply  to  the  Co'ty  Lieut,  for  his  direct'n, 
where  You  may  be  most  usefuU  in  protect'g  the  Frontiers 
of  y't  Co'ty.  If  You  happen  to  meet  with  any  Parties  of 
French  or  Ind's,  You  are  imediately  to  examine  the  Ind's,  of 
w't  Nat'n,  and  take  them  Prisoners,  if  they  cannot  give  a 
proper  Acc't  of  themselves,  and  if  any  Party  sh'd  be  obstrepo- 
lous  and  comit  any  hostilities  on  our  Subjects,  in  y't  Case 
You  are  to  repell  Force  by  Force,  but  I  expect  You  will 
be  very  circumspect  in  Y'r  Conduct  and  behave  with  good  Dis- 
cipline of  Y'r  Men,  and  a  proper  Courage  so  y't  You  may 
recomend  Y'rself  to  the  Service  of  Y'r  Country.  You  are  to 
apply  to  Colo.  Patton,  Y'r  Father,''"  or  any  other  Person,  for 
Provisions  for  Y'r  Men.  I  recomend  Frugality  on  this  Head, 
and  [that  you]  have  Y'r  Acc't  thereon  properly  kept,  and  so 
just,  y't  You  can  swear  to  the  Truth  thereof;  and  it  shall  be 
p'd.     You  are  to  carry  with  You  a  suitable  Qu'ty  of  Amunit'n, 


^'"  John  Lewis,  a  pioneer  settler  of  Augusta  county,  Va. 


k 


318  DINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

and  if  two  or  three  Horses  are  wanted  to  carry  the  same, 
ai)ply  to  Maj'r  Carlyk- ;  shew  him  this  Lei'r,  and  he  will  supply 
\un  therewith.  Wni  shall  hereafter  have  my  Orders  w'n  to  re- 
turn tt)  join  the  other  Forces.  I  now  desire  Vou  to  be  as  exf)e- 
ditious  as  possible  in  ^ctinij  to  Auj^usta,  as  I  have  several  Letters 
of  some  Parties  of  Ind's,  »S:c..  Robhinj?  and  IMunderinjj  our 
People.  Write  me  from  Augusta.  I  wish  Vou  Health  and  Suc- 
cess in  the  Com'd  Vou  are  ordered  on,  and  I  remain. 
Sir,  V'r  Friend,  &c 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIK  To  M.VIOR  CARl-VLK. 

Sept.  nth.  [1754.] 
Sir: 

I  have  wrote  fully  to  Colo.  \\'.,  with  orders  how  to  dispose 
of  our  Small  rctjim't,  and  to  call  on  \'ou  for  such  Necessaries  [as] 
they  may  want  on  their  March,  ^"r  Balla.  of  6yo[/^]  I  shall  pay 
\'ou  at  the  Court.  I  think  \'ou  may  purchase  those  Things 
from  the  Ohio  Co.  y't  Vou  think  may  be  wanted  for  our  rejj;im't : 
paya.  in  si.x  Mos.  Buy  them  on  as  good  Terms  as  You  can. 
Keep  the  Supplies  of  the  three  Ind't  Compa's  seperate,  taking 
jiroper  rccci[)ts  from  each  Capt.  or  Comd'g  Officer,  and  supply 
them  regularly,  and  I  will  see  ^'ou  p'd.  As  the  Supply  of 
20,ooo[j^]  is  not  pass'd  into  a  Law,  we  must  wait  the  next  Meet- 
ing of  the  Assembly,  in  hopes  they  will  come  with  a  more  atten- 
tive Apprehension  of  the  Country's  danger,  and  grant  proper 
Supplies,  but  in  the  mean  time,  I  desire  Vou  will  furnish  them 
with  Provisions,  &C.,  in  the  most  frugal  Manner,  and  no  doubt, 
Vou  may  purchase  them  on  Credit.  I  shall,  at  the  Court,  en- 
deavor to  procure  Vou  w't  Money  I  can.  I  want  a  particular 
Ace' t  of  V'r  disposal  of  the  Powder,  Lead,  (Jtc,  and  no  doubt, 
Vou  took  receipts  for  each  delivery;  be  particular  in  this  Acc't, 
and  what  remains,  and  where  it  lies.  Gov'r  .Sharpe  writes  me 
he  has  given  Orders  about  the  road  from  rock  Creek.  I  shall  be 
glad  to  know  w't  Progress  they  have  made  thereon.  The  Amo. 
of  the  Tools  supplied,  comes  to  a  considerable  Sum.  Bring  with 
Vou  an  Acc't,  as  near  as  possible,  of  w't  rema's,  and  where  they 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  319 

are,  and  those  sent  up,  I  suppose,  will  be  wanted  at  Wills' s 
Creek;  if  so,  forw'd  them  by  Colo.  W.'s  regim't.  There's  no 
doubt  but  several  People  have  an  Eye  to  Y'r  Appointm't,  tho' 
I  have  no  direct  Applicat'n  on  y't  head,  and  if  there  was,  I  sh'd 
consider  well  before  I  granted  it.  Whoever  is  employ' d  and 
have  a  true  regard  to  their  Co't'y  and  the  pres't  Expedit'n,  sh'd 
discharge  their  Duties  with  Probity  and  great  Frugality,  espe- 
cially at  this  Time,  w'n  our  Finances  are  so  low.  I  therefore 
recomend  this  to  You.  Our  regim't  may  be  supplied  with  Ind'n 
Meal,  w'ch  is  a  hearty  Food  and  comes  much  cheaper  than 
Flour.  Supply  Colo.  Innes  with  what  he  may  be  wanting  for 
his  Co. ;  send  him  40  Pistoles,  w'ch  I  shall  repay  at  Meeting.  I 
have  nothing  further  to  write  at  pres't,  but  wishing  You  Health, 
I  rem'n, 

Sir,  Y'r  Friend,  &c. 


COMMISSIONS  SENT  COLONEL  WASHINGTON  FOR  THE 
OFFICERS  OF  HIS  REGIMENT,  VIZ: 


Adam  Stephens, 

Lieut.  Colo., 

July    20th. 

Rob't  Stobo, 

Maj'r, 

do.     20th. 

Peter  Hogg, 

Capt., 

Mar.    9th. 

And'w  Lewis, 

do. 

Mar.       18. 

Geo.  Mercer, 

do. 

June         4. 

Tho.  Wagener, 

do. 

July        20. 

Wm.  Poison, 

do. 

do.          21. 

Wm.  Peyronney, 

do. 

Aug' St  25. 

John  Savage, 

Lieut., 

Mar.        9. 

James  Towers/'*^ 

do. 

June         9. 

Wm.  Bronaugh,"^ 

do. 

July       20. 

John  Mercer,'*" 

do. 

July        21. 

James  Craick, 

do. 

do.             23. 

^^^The  representative  of  James  Towers,  deceased,  received  6,000 
acres  of  land,  granted  under  the  proclamation  of  Governor  Dinwiddie. 

^'^  Captain  Wm.  Bronaugh  received  in  1771,  6,000  acres  of  land. 

^^This  was  John  Fenton  Mercer,  mentioned  in  a  preceding  note  as  to 
Colonel  George  Mercer.  • 


820  l*IN\VII)i>IK    I'Ai'KRS. 

Win  Wright.  l.nsi>in.  July  2uth,  Licul..  Oct.  28th. 
Carolus  (iustavus  dc  SpiUiolph,  Knsign,  July  2ist,  Lieut.,  Oct.  29. 
Thos.  Hulkt,'"  Knsij^n,  July  22d,  Lieut.,  Oct.  30th. 
Walter  Stewart.'*'     do.  do.  25th,  do.  31st  Aug'st. 


(■.()\i:kn()K  dinwidimi   k*  colu.nkl  innk.s. 

Sept.  1 8th,  1754. 
Sir: 

Last  Ni^ht  I  rec'd  \"r  Lct'r  of  the  12th,  with  Copy  of  w't 
^'ou  wrote  to  the  Com'd't  of  the  Fr.  You  forgot  to  write  the 
most  essential  Thing  w'ch  You  had  in  my  Let'r  to  You,  "  that  the 
Prisoners  were  in  my  Custody,  and  y't  Colo.  W.  c'd  not  capitu- 
late for  their  release."  The  Letter  from  Mr.  Croghan  is  in  a 
very  odd  Stile;  we  have  agreed  with  3  Nations;  I  know  no  Power 
he  has  to  agree  with  any  Nat'n,  or  who  gave  him  y't  Power.  I 
think  Colo.  Wiser'**  w'd  have  wrote  You  himself;  he  does  not 
mention  the  Names  of  the  Nat's — write  him,  Colo.  Fairfa.x  is  taken 
ill  on  the  road,  y't  he  c'd  not  proceed  to  his  own  Ho.,  much  less  to 
Mr.  Croghan's.  I  did  send  for  several  of  the  Chiefs  of  the  Ind's 
to  meet  me  at  Winchester,  where  I  tarried  a  Fortnight  to  give 
them  a  present  from  the  King,  their  Father,  but  it  seems  they 
cou'd  not  come,  however,  if  they  will  come  to  Y'r  Camp  You 
may  send  to  Mr.  Cock's"**  for  such  Part  of  the  Present  [as]  You 
[may]  think  proper  to  give  them  and  others,  keep  Acc't  how 
You  dispose  of  it.  Inclosed  You  have  my  order  to  Mr.  Cocks 
to  deliver  w't   You   may  send  for.     The   Money  due  to   him, 


'*' Thomas  Hiillcl  appears  in  1771  as  a  distributee  of  the  land  pension, 
provided  in  1754;  appointed  Lieutenant-Colonel,  and  Deputy  Adjutant- 
General,  February  22.  1777,  and  died  in  the  service  durinji  the  Revo- 
lution. 

'"  Lieutenant  Walter  Stewart  was  voted  by  the  X'ir^inia  Assembly, 
August,  1755,  thanks,  and  a  gratuity  of  /"Jo,  for  his  gallant  behaviour  in 
the  acticju  on  the  Monongahela.  He  was  wounded  at  the  defeat  of 
Braddock. 

•""Conrad  Weiser. 

'**  Captain  William  Cocke,  Deputy  Commissary  at  Winchester,  be- 
fore mentioned. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  321 

given  the  Ind'n  y't  bro't  Mr.  Stobo's  Let'r,  shall  be  p'd.  I 
know  not  the  Differences  between  Croghan  and  Carlyle,  but 
this  I  was  witness  to,  y't  Croghan  agreed  with  Carlyle  the 
Beginning  of  June  to  deliver  20,000  fts.  of  Flour  at  the  Mead- 
ows in  15  Days,  and  I  believe  he  had  not  [delivered]  any;  it's 
certain  he  did  not  deliver  it  according  to  Agreem't.  As  for  his 
not  being  concerned  for  Virg'a,  the  Co't'y  will  be  at  no  great 
Loss  on  y't  head,  for  I  am  convinced  he  does  nothing  with- 
out private  Views  of  Int't.  You  must  not  mind  w't  the 
Woodsmen  say,  it's  not  to  be  relied  on.  The  Flour  he  has 
at  the  New  Store,  at  22s.  6d.,  is  an  extravagant  Price.  Car- 
lyle engages  to  furnish  it  at  12s.  6d.,  so  I  hope  you  will  have 
no  occasion  to  take  any  of  his.  I  am  sorry  You  have  no 
Tools,  I  have  sent  a  quantity  from  this  [place],  and  order'd 
them  up  to  You  by  Colo.  W. ;  if  not  come,  send  for  them 
directly,  and  as  the  Season  of  the  Year  advances  apace,  [I]  do 
not  think  it  prudent  to  march  over  the  Allegany  Mount's  this 
Fall  with  the  few  Men  You  have.  Therefore,  I  w'd  have  You 
consult  of  a  proper  Place  to  build  a  Magazine  for  Provisions, 
&c.,  and  mount  Y'r  Guns  near  it  for  defence,  and  I  will  sus- 
pend any  further  Operat's  till  the  Spring,  w'n  I  expect  a  proper 
reinforcem't  from  Home,  and  hope  before  y't  Time  Pennsylv'a 
will  think  proper  to  grant  Supplies,  and  probably  our  Assem- 
bly will  be  in  a  better  Temper,  You,  probably,  may  see  the 
Gov'r  of  M'yl'd  the  Beginning  of  next  Mo.,  but  I  think  You 
sh'd  not  delay  building,  as  the  New  Store  is  an  improper 
Place.  If  You  want  a  few  Tradesmen,  send  to  Mr.  Carlyle  to 
send  them  up  to  You.  But  I  think  it  absolutely  necessary  y't 
You  build  with  all  possible  Dispatch,  and  have  a  regard  for  a 
proper  Shelter  for  the  Men  in  the  Winter  Months.'  And  I 
find  Trent  wants  to  take  the  advantage  of  having  a  high  rent, 
w'ch  I  dare  say  he  has  no  Orders  for.  I  agreed  with  one 
Jenkins,  to  go  weekly  from  Winchester  to  the  Camp,  and  I 
wish  You  would  send  to  him  and  fix  it.  I  ordered  Mr.  Car- 
lyle to  send  You  40  Pistoles.  The  Pork  is  sold  at  6  Mo's 
Credit,  but  when  You  want  a  little  Money,  give  me  notice,  and 
I  shall  send  it  to  You.  On  second  Thot's,  if  You  shall  find  it 
absolutely  necessary  to  send  some  Presents  to  the  Ind's  at 
Croghan' s,  do  [so],  but  I  wou'd  much  rather  have  \'ou  de- 
liver   it  Y'r  Self,  and    I    believe    Y'r    Camp  is  not  out  of  their 


322  DINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

way.  Bui  I  fear  Croghan  has  some  private  View  in  havin);^ 
the  Conferences  at  his  Ho.  These  Woodsmen  are  a  cunning, 
sclf-intcrestetl  People.  I  have  been  so  often  deceived  by  them, 
y  t  I  have  a  very  mean  (Opinion  of  their  Probity. 

Mr.  Dobbs  does  not  yet  appear,  tho'  I  daily  expect  him.  I 
sh'd  be  glad  [if]  You  was  hear  wn  he  arrives.  My  Complim'ts 
to  the  Gent'n  Ofticers. 

I  remain,  dear  James, 

Your  Friend,  <S:c. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  MAJOR  C.-VRLVLE. 

Sept.   iSth,   1754. 
Sir: 

I    rec'd  a   letter  from    Colo.    Innes,  in    w'ch    he   complains 

that  he  has  yet  no  Tools.     If  those  I  sent  from  this  place  arc 
yet  at  Alex 'a,  pray  forward  them  to  him  imediately. 

P.  S. — I  desire  the    Forces  may  be  duly  supplied  with   Pro- 
visions. 


GOVERNOR  IM.NW  II  M  Ml.    lo  i_.\ii.\iN  LoCKE. 

Sept.   1 8th,  [1754]- 
Sir  : 

If  Colo.  Innes  writes  Ycu  for  any  part  of  the  Ind'n  Pres- 
ent, furnish  him  with  what  he  desires,  but  pray  take  a  partic- 
ular Acc'l  of  w't  You  deliver,  and  to  whom. 

I  am,  .Sir,  ^"r  h'ble  Ser\''t. 


GOVERNOR  DINUIIJDIL  TO  .SlXKhI.\KV    KUlJl.N.sUN. 

Sept'r  23,  [1754],  "p*  Capt.  VVhitwell. 
R't  Hon.: 

My    last   Let'r    to    You  was    the    15th    ulto.,  w'n   I 
wrote   You  our  F"orces  at  Wills's  Creek  were  about  <>or)    Men  ; 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  323 

y't  they  had  my  Orders  to  march  over  the  All'y  Mount's,  and. 
if  possible,  to  dislodge  the  French  from  the  Fort  they  took 
from  us  last  May  [sic'] ;  '^  if  they  found  y't  impracticable,  to  call 
a  Council  of  War,  and  choose  a  proper  Place  for  erecting  a 
Fort,  and  place  therein  a  proper  No.  of  Men  to  defend  the 
same,  and  to  be  ready  for  Act  n  in  the  Spring.  To  my  great 
Surprize,  the  Week  followg.  I  had  Acc't  y't  all  the  Forces 
raised  in  No.  Caro.  had  disbanded  themselves  and  march'd 
home;  the  conduct'g  of  the  Supply  from  y't  Colony  is  with't 
Preced't.  They  raised  12,000/^.  I  wrote  the  President  the 
Establishm't  of  the  Pay  of  the  regim't  raised  here :  the  Private 
Men  at  Sd.  "f^  Day.  and  the  Officers,  viz't :  Colo.,  15s.,  Lieut. 
Colo.,  I2s.  6d. ;  Maj'r,  los. ;  Capts.,  Ss. ;  Lieuts..  4s.;  Ensigns, 
3s. ;  Sergj'ts.  is.  6d. ;  Corporals  and  Drum's,  is.  Without  due 
Notice  thereof,  he  gave  the  private  Men  3s.  ~p*  Day,  and  the 
Officers  near  the  same,  as  in  the  regim't  raised  here.  The 
Dillatoriness  of  their  Forces  marching,  with  the  excessive  high 
Pay  to  the  private  Men.  exhausted  the  I2,goo/[,  before  they 
had  properly  joined  the  other  Forces,  and  with't  Assurances 
of  the  Continuance  of  s'd  Pay,  they  w'd  serve  no  longer,  wch. 
by  no  means,  c'd  be  complied  with,  as  the  other  Men  had 
only  8d.  ^  Day :  at  y't  Pay  they  w'd  not  serve,  so  deserted 
in  large  Parties.  This  unforeseen  Attair  put  an  end  to  my 
Scheme  to  march'g  over  the  Allegany  Mount's,  as  there  did 
not  remain  above  4S0  Men.  The  French  is  tho't  to  have 
near  1,500  Men.  I  therefore  ordered  our  Forces  to  make 
choice  of  a  proper  Place  on  this  side  of  the  Mount's,  to  build 
a  Magazine  for  Stores  and  Provis's,  and  build  a  Fort,  for 
protect'g  it  and  them,  this  Winter,  in  hopes  of  having  a 
reinforcement  from  G.  B  ,  and  the  neighbour'g  Colonies,  early 
in  the  Spring,  to  make  a  proper  Push  against  the  French 
and  their  Ind's,  where  the  French  are  now  interrupting  our 
Comunicat'n  with  our  friendly  Ind's,  who,  from  all  Acc'ts.  they 
remain  as  yet  steady  in  our  Int't,  but  I  fear  if  we  do  not  act  with 


'^This  same  misstatement  occurs  elsewhere.  The  fort  in  course  of 
erection  on  Wills's  Creek,  surrendered  by  Ensign  Ward,  April  17th, 
nominated  by  Governor  Dinwiddie,  Fort  Prince  George,  afterwards 
called  by  the  French  Fort  Duquesne,  is  probably  intended.  Fort  Ne- 
cessity, in  the  Great  Meadows,  was  surrendered  by  Washington.  July  3. 


324  DINWIDUIE    PAPERS. 

^reat  Spirii  in  the  Sprinjj,  they  may  be  seduc'd  lo  the  French; 
there  are  many  of  them  come  into  our  Inhal)it'.s  with  tlieir  Wives 
and  Children,  anti  proper  Care  is  taken  to  supply  them  with 
Necessaries.  In  my  termer  Letter  I  wrote  You  y't  our  Assem- 
bly was  to  meet  the  2jd  ol  last  Mo.;  they  met  accordingly,  and  I 
tho't  they  came  lully  determinti  to  j^rant  a  hanil.som[eJ  Supply  for 
conducting  this  essential  and  necessary  Kxi>edit'n.  In  a  short 
Time  they  voted  20,000 ;^  for  protectinj>  His  M'y's  Subjects  from 
the  Insults  and  Mncroachm'ts  of  the  Irench.  but  on  the  third 
reading  of  the  Hill,  they  clog^'d  it  with  a  rider  for  paying  I*.  R., 
Esq'r..  their  Agent  in  Kngland.  s.soo;^^.  This  .Sum  was  formerly 
resolved  in  the  Ho.  of  H.  last  Nov'r.  with't  the  consent  of  the 
Council,  and  the  Council  now,  by  no  means,  w'd  pass  the  vote  of 
the  13th  with  this  Clogg.  I  took  great  Pains  with  the  Ho.  ol  B. 
to  shew  the  inconsistency  and  un[)arliamcntary  Procedure  of  their 
Ho.  to  tack  a  private  Bill  (as  this  appears  lo  me  to  be)  to  a  .Sup- 
ply to  His  My,  and  I  think  it's  with't  Prcced't.  1  further  told 
them  y't  I  believed  all  the  extraord'y  resolves  made  at  that  Ses- 
sion (among  w'ch  this  is  one)  were  before  His  M'y  and  the 
Council,  and  therefore  out  of  our  Hands,  and  till  I  heard  from 
Home  c'd  do  nothing  in  regard  to  the  2.500 j^.  All  these 
Argum'ts  availed  Nothing  with  them.  As  I  had  the  E.xpedit'n 
greatly  at  Heart,  and  this  .Sum,  small  as  it  is,  w'tl  enable  me  to  con- 
duct it  for  some  Mos.  I  therefore  told  them  if  they  w'd  pass  the 
Supply  scperate.  I  w'd  give  my  Assent  to  a  Bill  for  the  2.500/^^ 
with  a  saving  Clause  till  His  M'y's  Pleasure  was  known  therein, 
but  they  w'd  adhere  to  nothing  with't  y't  rider,  on  w'ch,  the 
Council  return'd  it  with  their  dissent  thereto,  and  I  was  oblig'd  to 
prorogue  theni  lo  the  ijlh  of  Oct'r.  before  y'n.  I  hope  to  have  the 
dcterminat'n  of  the  Council  in  regard  to  the  Compl't  ag'st  me, 
and  the  extraord'y  resolves  of  the  Ho.  of  B.  In  Nov'r  last.  His 
M'y  was  graciously  pleas'd  to  send  three  of  His  Ind't  Compa's 
for  the  defence  of  this  Dom'n;  as  they  were  in  want  of  Tents, 
Provis's,  and  other  Necessaries,  I  imediately  ordered  them  pro- 
per and  due  .Supply ;  the  Comittee  rejected  these  Acc'ts,  and  I 
applied  to  the  Ho.  of  B.  for  pay't  thereof,  w'ch  was  rejected.  My 
Message  to  them,  and  their  resolve  thereon,  I  enclose  to  \'ou. 
They  are  extremely  obstinate  and  self-opiniated.  and  at  same 
Time  inlatualed.  to  be  so  inactive  and  Indolent,  w'n  the  Kncmy 
is  so  ne.ir  Diir  I'rontiers,  nay,  I  may  say  ainont:  <nir  settlers,  as 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  325 

they  have  robbed  many  of  them  of  their  Cattle  and  Corn,  yet 
they  are  not  [to]  be  roused  to  a  proper  Spirit  for  their  own  Pre- 
servat'n,  and,  [are]  at  the  same  Time,  undutiful  in  not  obeying^  the 
Com'd's  of  the  best  of  Kings.  On  the  whole,  I  do  think  it  im- 
practicable to  conduct  any  Expedition  with  a  dependence  of 
Supplies  from  the  Assemblies  in  this  Part  of  the  World.  They 
have  all  been  obstinate,  refractory,  and  disobedient  till  lately, 
M'yl'd  voted  6,ooo[/^],  and  N  Y  5,ooo[^],  their  Monies,  w'ch 
is  only  trifling  with  an  Affair  of  this  Consequence,  and  I  am 
strongly  of  Opinion  y't  with't  proper  Aid  from  G.  B.  of  Men, 
Money,  and  Ordnance  Stores,  y't  the  French  in  8  Mo's  will  be  so 
strong  y't  it  will  be  difficult  to  root  them  out  from  the  Ohio, 
and  if  allowed  a  quiet  Settlem't  there,  I  fear  their  Views  are  to 
be  Masters  of  all  this  Cont't.  They  have  vast  Nos.  of  Men 
annually  sent  from  France  in  a  private  Manner  to  C.  and  M., 
to  prevent  any  Observat'n  from  our  Court.  I  am  in  great 
Hopes  w'n  our  pres't  Situat'n  is  properly  represented  to  His 
M'y  y't  he  will  be  graciously  pleased  to  order  such  strong 
reinforcem'ts  of  Men  and  Supply  of  Ordnance  Stores  to  defend 
his  Empire  on  this  Cont't  from  the  unjustifiable  Usurpat's 
of  the  French.  The  French  report,  w'n  they  have  got 
proper  Possess'n  on  the  Ohio  and  other  Parts  the  back 
of  our  pres't  Colonies,  y't  they  will  be  assisted  by  a  strong 
Naval  Force  from  France  to  invade  some  of  our  Colonies. 
This  Dom'n  w'd  soon  fall  a  Sacrifice  to  their  rapacious  designs, 
for  we  are  with't  any  Fortificat's,  and  [in]  our  neighbour' g 
Colony  of  M'yl'd,  I  am  told,  ys  of  the  People  are  Catholicks, 
and  I  fear  they  w'd  be  glad  of  any  Conquest  y't  w'd  establish 
their  religion.  Our  whole  dependence  will  be  on  our  militia, 
w'ch  at  pres't  are  in  bad  Order,  and  have  been  with't  proper 
dicipline.  I  have,  ever  since  [my]  Arrival,  endeavour' d,  all  in  my 
Power,  to  bring  them  to  a  proper  Knowledge  of  the  Art  Mili- 
tary, and  [by]  divis'n  of  the  Co' try  into  four  Districts,  and  ap- 
pointing an  Adjut't  to  each,  in  order  to  exercise  the  Officers 
and  Men.  The  three  Ind't  Compa's  have  been  supplied  by  my 
Order,  and  I  am  in  Advance  upwards  of  1,000  St'g  on  y't 
Acc't.  I  have  wrote  to  the  Sec'ry  of  War  for  his  Orders  to 
draw  for  Paym't.  I  shall  esteem  it  a  singular  Favo.  if  You 
will   please  speak  to  him  on  the  Head,  for  as  they  are  distant 


8-*6  DINWIDDIK    PAPKRS. 

from  the  Inhabit'ts,  I  must  continue  to  send  them  the  necessary 
^*rovisions.  The  French  on  the  Ohio,  since  the  Capitulat'n 
with  Colo.  W..  have,  contrary  thereto,  taken  H  of  our  Men, 
orteretl  them  to  sale:  fail^  of  y't,  sent  them  Prisoners  to 
Canada,  on  w'ch.  I  detain  the  Prisoners  y't  were  sent  me  upon 
the  first  Skirmish  \V.  had  with  the  French.  W'n  they  were  in 
my  Possess'n,  I  think  they  c'd  not  be  inchided  in  the  subsetjuent 
Capitulat'n.  I  have  ordered  the  Comd'jj  Officer  to  send  a  Flajr 
of  Truce  to  the  Comd'r  of  the  Fr.  with  the  above  reasons,  and  if 
he  will  deliver  up  our  two  Hostaj^es,  I  will  send  him  an  Ofhcer 
and  two  Cadets.  Its  monstrous  y't  they  sh'd  offer  the  Pris- 
oners, unjustly  taken  after  the  Capitulat'n.  to  Sale;  failinjj 
thereof,  to  Ouebeck.  1  hope  my  detaininij  the  Prisoners  I  have, 
will  be  approved  of.  And  really,  Sir,  with' I  a  strong  rcin- 
forccm't  from  Home,  and  y't  very  soon,  I  fear  the  Conse- 
quence attendini;  His  M'y's  Dom'ns  on  this  Conl't.  I  have 
heartily  and  earnestly,  with  great  Assiduity,  done  every  Thing 
in  my  Power,  in  obedience  to  His  M'y's  Com'ds,  and  shall 
continue  \n  doing  the  same,  but  the  want  of  Men  and  Money 
makes  me  very  uneasy  w'n  1  consider  our  Situation.  I  am 
still  in  hopes,  on  the  ne.xt  meet'g  of  our  Assembly,  they  will 
more  seriously  consider  their  Danger,  and  grant  Supplies,  tho' 
not  equal  theret«>;  but  w't  they  may  give  will  not  answer  to 
conduct  the  K.xpedit'n  with  a  proper  Spirit  and  Force.  On 
these  Acct's  my  whole  dependence  is  on  a  |jroper  reinforcem't 
of  Men  from  Ci.  B.  If  th(/t  eligible  at  H«mie,  by  a  li.  Act  of 
Parliam't  to  compell  the  Subjects  in  these  Colonies  to  a  due 
obedience  to  His  M'y's  Com'ds,  to  raise  a  Poll  Tax  sufficient 
for  this  necessary  K.xpedit'n  and  the  Protect' n  of  themselves 
and  their  Properties.  I  endeavoured  to  get  an  Act  of  Assem- 
bly against  Mutiny  and  Desertion,  to  promote  good  Discipline 
among  our  Forces  and  to  prevent  Desertion,  but  I  c'd  by  no 
means  perswade  them  to  the  Utility  thereof  in  these  danger- 
ous Times  here,  and  I  really  tho't  1  had  Int't  enough  to  pre- 
vail with  them  for  any  Thing  proper  lor  the  Service.  All  the 
neighbour'g  Gov'rs  complain  of  the  Ol>stinacy  of  their  Assem- 
blies. Pray  excuse  the  Length  of  this  Letter,  as  I  c'd  not 
shun  giving  Vou  an  exact  Acc't  of  the  present  Circumstances 
of  our  Affairs  here,  and  the  great  danger    His  M'y's  Colonies 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  327 

are  exposed  to,  vv'ch  I  presume  You  will  lay  before  His   M'y, 
and  beg  you  to  assure  him  y't  I  am  always  ready,  with  great 
Duty,  to  obey  such  Com'ds  as  he  shall  hereafter  direct. 
I  rem'n,  with  great  deference  and  due  respects, 

Rt.  Hon.,  Y'r  much  obliged 

and  most  ob'd't  humble  serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  THE  LORDS  OF  TRADE. 

Sept'r  23rd,  [1754.] 
R't  Hon.  : 

My  last  to  Y'r  L'ds.,  was  the  15th  Ult'o,  w'ch  I  hope 
came  safe  to  hand.  In  y't  Let'r  I  acquainted  You  y't  our 
Forces  at  Wilis's  Creek  were  near  900,  and  y't  I  had  order'd 
them  to  march  over  the  Allegany  Mount's,  if  possible,  to  dis- 
lodge the  Fr.  from  the  Fort  they  had  taken  from  Us,  otherways, 
to  build  a  Fort  in  the  most  convenient  Place  the  other  side  of 
the  Mount's  and  leave  a  proper  No.  of  Men  in  it  all  the  Win- 
ter. To  my  great  Surprize,  the  Week  after  writing  y't  Let'r, 
I  had  Acc't  y't  the  No.  Carolina  Forces  had  disbanded  Them- 
selves to  the  No.  of  near  400 ;  they  deserted  in  Compa's ;  the 
reason  they  gave  was  y't  the  Presid't  of  y't  Colony  had  engaged 
the  private  Men  3s.  "p*  Day,  and  with't  Assurances  of  y't  Pay 
they  w'd  serve  no  longer;  it  was  a  monstrous  Thing  to  give  such 
Pay  to  private  Soldiers,  and  the  more  so,  as  I  had  wrote  y't  Gent, 
the  Establishm't  of  the  Pay  of  our  regim't,  w'ch  was  8d.  "^  Day 
to  Private  Men.  This  desertion  disconcerted  all  my  Measures, 
as  we  have  not  above  480  Men  left,  it  w'd  be  imprudent  in  them 
to  march  over  the  Mount's  ag'st  1,500  Fr.  and  Ind's.  I  there- 
fore have  order'd  a  Magazine  for  Stores  and  Provis's  to  be  built 
in  a  convenient  Place  this  side  of  the  Mount's,  to  build  a  small 
Fort,  mount  their  Cannon  for  their  defence  ag'st  any  Surprize,  in 
hopes  by  the  Spring  to  have  a  reinforcem't  from  G.  B.  and  our 
neighbouring  Colonies,  so  as  to  make  an  effectual  Push  ag'st  the 
Fr.,  &c.  The  Situat'n  of  the  Fr.  at  present  intercepts  a  Com- 
municat'n  with  our  f'dly  Ind's,  tho'  I  hear  they  continue 
steadfast  in  our  Fav'o.  and  have  had  some  Skirmishes  with  the 
Fr.  and  their  Ind's,  and  have  killed  some  of   them,  but  I  fear 


328  DINWIDDIK    PAPERS. 

they  will  be  seduced,  if  we  do  not  act  with  good  Spirit 
the  rnsuin){  Spring.  Many  of  them  arc  come  into  the  In- 
habits, and  they  arc  properly  taken  Care  of.  1  wrote  N'ou  in 
my  last  y't  our  Assembly  was  to  meet  the  22d  Ult'o,  they 
met  accordingly,  and  I  tho't  with  gooti  Intent's  to  strengthen 
me  to  carry  on  the  Kxpeditn.  in  a  short  Time  they  voted 
20,000/^  for  the  Protect'n  of  His  M'y's  .Subjects  from  the  Insults 
and  Kncroachm'ts  of  the  Fr..  but  on  the  third  reading  of  the  Hill 
they  clogg'd  it  with  an  unprecedented  rider  to  pay  2.500/^  to 
I'.  R.,  I-stj'r.  their  Agent.  This  .Sum  was  resolved  on  by  the 
Ho.  of  B.  in  the  hist  N'r  Sessions  with't  the  Concurrence  or  Ap- 
probabt'n  of  the  Council,  on  w'ch  the  Council  rejected  this  \'ote 
of  .Supply  with  this  rider  to  it.  I  tho't  I  had  weight  enough 
with  the  Ho.  to  send  up  the  Hill  with't  the  rider.  I  argued  with 
them  that  such  a  Bill  with  its  Clogg  was  with't  Precedent  and 
quite  unparliamentary,  and  further,  y't  I  belicv'd.  That  with  their 
other  resolves  of  y't  Session,  was  before  the  King  and  Council,  and 
therefore  out  of  our  Hands,  [and]  till  I  heard  from  Home  [I]  c'd 
do  nothing  in  regard  to  the  2,500/^.  As  I  had  the  Kxpedit'n  .so 
much  at  Heart,  and  y't  Sum  w'd  have  enabkcl  me  to  raise  some 
more  Forces  for  conducting  the  Scheme  formerly  projected  for 
this  Fall,  I  condescended  to  acq't  them  if  they  w'd  send  up  a 
seperate  Hill  for  the  2.500;^,  with  a  saving  Clause,  till  His  .M'y's 
Pleiisure  was  known,  I  w'd  pass  it,  but  they  w'd  agree  to  nothing, 
with't  secur'g  the  Money  directly,  wherefore,  the  Council  re- 
jected the  Hill,  and  I  was  oblig'd  to  prorogue  them  to  the  17th 
of  Octob'r  next;  before  y't  Time  I  hope  to  hear  the  dctermin'n 
of  the  Council  on  their  Compl't  ag'st  me  and  on  the  resolves  of 
the  Hurgesb's  last  Nov'r  Sessions.  Inclosed  I  send  \'ou  the  Jour- 
nals of  the  Ho.  of  H.  and  y't  of  the  Council.  By  them  Wni  may 
please  to  observe  [from]  their  Addresses  to  me,  y't  I  had  great 
reason  to  expect  they  w'd  do  every  Thing  for  the  good  of  the 
Co'l'y  and  for  conducting  the  necessary  Kxpedit'n.  The  three 
Ind't  Compa's,  his  My  was  Graciously  pleased  to  send  for  the 
defence  of  this  Dom'n  ;  as  they  were  in  want  of  Tents,  Blankets, 
Provis's,  «.S:c.,  I  tho't  the  Co't'y  sh'd  be  at  y't  Charge.  I  accord- 
ingly sent  a  Message  to  the  Ho.  on  y't  Head;  their  extraordinary 
Answ'r  You  may  observe  in  their  Journal,  so  y't  I  am  obliged 
to  pay  these  Cha's  till  I  have  proper  Authority  for  my  re-im- 
bursem't,  w'ch  I  have  wrote  to  the  Secy  of  War  ab't.  and  shall 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  329 

be  much  obliged  for  Y'r  Favo.  in  this  Affair.  The  Ho.  of  B. 
have  been  extremely  obstinate  and  Self  Opiniated,  at  [thej  same 
Time  infatuated  and  unactive,  w'n  the  enemy  is  so  near  Us  as  to 
have  robbed  many  of  our  frontier  Settlers  of  their  Cattle  and 
Corn,  and  I  dread  they  will  this  Winter,  in  small  Parties,  commit 
many  Cruelties  among  our  People,  who  live  at  a  great  distance 
from  each  other.  I  cannot  but  observe,  y't  I  think  it  impossible 
to  conduct  any  Expedit'n  in  these  Parts  with  a  dependence  of 
Supphes  from  the  Assemblies,  with't  a  B.  Act  of  Parliam't  to  lay 
a  Poll  Tax  on  the  whole  Subjects  in  these  Provinces,  to  bring 
them  to  a  sense  of  their  duty  to  the  King,  to  awaken  them  from 
their  Indolence,  to  take  care  of  their  Lives  and  Fortunes,  but 
this  is  most  humbly  submitted.  I  really  think  this  will  not  fully 
answer  the  End,  with't  a  considerable  Force  from  G.  B.,  and  all 
sorts  of  Ordnance  Stores,  w'ch  is  entirely  wanted  here,  and  if 
not  quickly  done  I  fear  the  Fr.  will  be  so  strong  on  the  Ohio  y't 
it  will  be  difficult  to  root  them  out;  and  I  fear  their  Views  are 
extended  to  be  Masters  of  this  Cont't.  They  have  many  Men 
from  France  privately  import'd  to  Canada  and  Mississippi,  I 
suppose  to  prevent  giving  Umbrage  to  the  B.  Court,  and  I 
doubt  not  w'n  his  M'y  is  apprised  of  the  danger  his  Dom'ns 
on  this  Cont't  is  expos' d  to,  he  will  Graciously  order  such 
Supplies  of  Men  and  Supply  of  Ordnance  Stores,  as  to  defeat 
the  unjustifiable  Usurpat's  of  the  Fr.,  for  they  give  out  y't 
after  they  have  built  Forts  and  made  Setdem'ts  behind  our 
present  Plantat's,  y't  they  will  be  assisted  from  P' ranee  by  Sea 
with  a  great  Naval  Force  to  make  a  Discent  on  some  of  our 
Colonies,  w'ch,  generally  speaking,  lie  open  without  proper  P'orti- 
ficat's  and  only  a  dependence  on  our  Militia,  w'ch  on  [my]  arrival 
here,  I  found  in  bad  Order.  I  divided  this  Gov't  into  four  Dis- 
tricts and  appointed  an  Adjut't  to  each,  to  teach  the  Officers  and 
Men  the  Art  of  War,  and  Exercise  of  their  Arms.  The  Fr., 
after  the  Capitulat'n  entered  into  with  Colo.  W.,  took  eight  of 
our  People,  expos'd  them  to  sale,  missing  thereof,  sent  them 
Prisoners  to  Canada.  On  hearing  of  which,  I  detained  the  17  Pris- 
oners, Officer,  and  two  Cadets,  as  I  am  of  Opinion,  after  they 
were  in  my  Custody,  W.  c'd  not  engage  for  them  being  returned. 
Have  ordered  a  Flag  of  Truce  to  be  sent  to  the  Fr.  offering  the 
return  of  their  Officer,  and  two  Cadets,  for  the  two  Hostages 
they  have  of  ours.     I   hope  this  Conduct  will  be   approv'd   at 


830  DINWIDDIE   PAPERS. 

home.  Probably  on  the  next  meeting  of  the  Assembly  they  will 
more  carmiiily  omsitier  the  dangerous  Situat'n  the  Country  is  in, 
anil  j^rant  Supplies,  but  really  there  is  no  dependence  to  l>c  put 
therein.  The  obstinate  Infatuation  has  been  general,  tho'  lately 
M'yl'd  has  voted  6,0(X)[;^].  and  N.  York  s.ocxif/),  but  these  are 
but  tririing  Sums  to  conduct  the  K,xpedition  with  jiroper  Spirit 
and  to  effect.  I  endeavoured  to  get  an  Act  p;iss'd  against  Mutiny 
anil  Desertion,  in  order  to  keep  our  Forces  under  proper  Disci- 
pline, but  the  Burgess's  cranipt  and  confineil  it  so  much,  the 
Council  rejected  it :  in  short  they  have  all  along  been  backward 
in  doing  any  Thing  for  His  M'y's  Service,  and  their  own  Pre- 
servat'n.  I  can  honestly  aliirm,  every  Thing  in  my  Power  has 
been  done  with  Karnestness  and  Assiduity,  and  1  shall  continue 
to  keej)  up  the  Affair  with  the  few  Men  I  have,  till  I  receive 
Orders  from  Home  for  my  future  Conduct ;  but  I  say  with  Truth, 
that  with't  a  proper  .Supply  of  Men.  Money,  and  Ammunition 
from  Home,  y't  I  dread  Success.  I  am  heartily  sorry  yt  my  re- 
(>eated  Endeavours  with  Arguments  and  every  Thing  I  c'd 
suggest,  have  no  Kffect  on  this  stubborn  Cieneration ;  they  act 
quite  inconsistent  with  their  .Safety  or  their  Duty  to  the  best 
of  Princes,  and  I  wish  some  Method  can  be  found  out  to  reclaim 
them  to  their  Duty  and  of  their  true  Happiness  of  being  .Subjects 
under  the  B.  happy  Constitutn.  and  with  smaller  Taxes  y'n  any 
People  I  know  of  I  am  in  Pain  for  my  Situat'n,  as  I  am  in  Duty 
willing  and  ready  to  execute  my  Master's  Com'ds,  but  so  crampt 
by  the  very  People  y't  he  of  his  great  Cioodness  shews  his 
Princely  regard  for  their  Safety  and  Well  being.  I  hope  Y'r 
L'ds.  will  excuse  the  Length  of  this  long  Letter,  as  I  c'd  not 
well  abridge  it,  as  it  is  my  duty  to  lay  every  Thing  open  for 
V'r  Consideration.  I  beg  to  assure  You  y't  I  rem'n  with  great 
Deference  and  just  respects, 

Rt  Hon.,  Y'r  L'd's  most  obed't, 

obliged  and  very  humble  serv't. 


dinwiddip:  papers.  331 

GOVERNOR  DLWVIDUIE  TO  EARL  GRANVILLE. 

SeptV  23d   [1754-] 
R't  Hon.: 

My  last  Let'r  I  troubled  V'r  L'ds.  [with]  was  the  15th 
Ult'o,  to  w'ch  I  beg  [you]  to  be  refer'd.  The  No.  Car.  Regim't  y't 
was  raised  for  our  Assistance  on  this  Expedit'n  to  the  No.  of  400, 
deserted  and  disbanded  themselves  before  they  reach'd  the  Place 
of  Act'n;  they  rais'd  in  that  Colony  1 2,000 ;^  towards  their  Pay 
and  Maintenance.  The  Presid't  fixed  the  Pay  of  the  private  Men 
at  3s.  Proclamation  Mo[ney]  ~^  Day,  a  monstrous  Error,  and 
more  so,  as  I  wrote  him  the  Establishment  of  the  Pay  of  our 
Forces  was  8d.  ~^  Day.  The  Soldiers  were  so  elated  with  their 
high  Pay,  that  they  made  slow  Marches,  and  before  [reaching]  the 
other  Forces,  the  12,000^  was  near  all  expended,  and  they  w'd 
not  serve  unless  they  had  security  for  the  above  Pay,  w'ch  c'd 
not  be  done,  as  all  the  other  Soldiers  were  at  8d.  "f^  Day. 
This  unexpected  Desert'n  of  so  many  Men  has  entirely  put  an 
End  to  the  Operat's  I  had  intended  this  Fall.  Our  Assembly 
met  the  22d  Ult'o  and  I  tho't,  with  great  Inclinat's  to  grant  a 
proper  Supply ;  they  in  a  few  days  voted  20,000 ;^,  but  loaded 
it  with  a  rider  to  pay  P.  R.,  Esq'r,  their  Agent  at  Home,  2,500^ ; 
this  very  Sum  our  Ho.  of  B.  granted  him  by  a  resolve  in  the 
Sessions  of  Nov'r  last,  with't  the  Consent  of  the  Council,  and  the 
Council  now  rejected  the  Bill  of  Supply  with  that  Clogg  to  it.  I 
endeavoured  all  in  my  Power  to  convince  them  of  the  Irregularity 
of  this,  y't  it  was  unparliamentary  to  mix  a  Supply  to  his  Majesty 
with  a  Private  Bill,  and  further,  y't  I  believed  all  their  ex- 
traordinary resolves  in  the  Nov'r  Sessions  were  before  the 
King  and  Council,  and  therefore,  out  of  our  hands  till  we 
heard  the  determinat'n  of  the  Lords  of  the  Council  therein, 
all  w'ch  had  no  weight  with  them,  y't  they  had  determined 
to  grant  no  Supply  with't  the  rider;  therefore  the  Council 
rejected  the  Bill,  and  I  was  obliged  to  prorogue  them  to  the 
17th  of  October.  Y'r  L'ds.  may  please  to  observe  y't  there 
is  no  conducting  an  Expedit'n  in  these  Parts,  with  a  depend- 
ence of  Supplies  from  the  Assemblies.  In  all  the  Colonies, 
they  seem  to  be  infatuated  and  unactive,  tho'  they  may  see 
their  Lives,  Estates  and  Properties  are  so  greatly  exposed  to 
the  Fury  of  a  merciless  Enemy,  who  are  now  among  our  In- 


332  DINWIDDIK    PAPKRS. 

habitants,  robbinj;  tluin  of  their  Catik  and  Corn,  and  mal- 
trcatinjij  the  I'oor  People.  I  wish  for  a  H.  Act  of  Par.  to 
reclaim  them  to  their  duty  to  the  best  of  Kings,  and  to  en- 
gage them  to  have  a  Sense  of  their  present  Danger,  and  to 
oblige  them  to  grant  Suj)plies  for  their  own  Preservat'n;  and 
I  am  fully  of  Opinion,  with't  a  considerable  Force  from  G. 
H..  we  shall  not  be  able  to  ilislodge  the  French  from  His 
M'ys  Lands,  on  the  Ohio.  I  keep  the  few  Men  now  in  Pay, 
for  building  a  Magazine  for  Stores  and  Provis's,  near  to  the 
Allegany  Mountain's,  and  a  Party  on  the  .Scout,  to  protect 
our  frontier  Inhabitants,  in  hopes,  early  in  the  Spring,  to  be 
strengthened  by  a  proper  reinforcem't  from  G.  B.,  and  our 
neighbouring  Colonies,  w'ch  I  earnestly  hope  and  desire. 
The  Fre.  report,  y't  after  they  have  strengthened  themselves, 
by  many  Forts  to  the  back  of  our  Colonies,  y't  they  ex- 
pect a  great  Naval  Force  from  France,  to  attack  some  of 
our  Gov'ts.  They  have  great  Nos.  of  Men  annually  im- 
ported to  Canada  and  Missi.ssippi,  in  a  private  Manner,  y't 
they  may  not  give  Umbrage  to  the  H  Court,  and  I  am 
afraid  their  \'iews  are  extended,  to  make  a  general  Conquest 
of  all  this  Cont't.  The  Su[)ineness  and  Divisions  of  the  B. 
Subjects,  in  these  Parts,  gives  them  too  much  Fncourage- 
ment,  and,  with't  a  Stop  is  soon  put  to  their  rapatious  Designs, 
I  greatly  fear  the  Consequences.  I  have  [done],  and  shall 
do  all  in  my  Power,  to  prevent  them ;  but  w't  a  miserable 
Condii'n  am  I  in  for  conducting  so  essential  and  necessary  an 
Expedit'n,  with  few  Men  and  no  Money,  and  [I]  am  persuaded, 
with't  a  proper  Aid  from  G.  B.,  the  Fr.  will  be  able  to  per- 
petrate any  mischievous  Scheme  they  may  project.  As  I  am 
Sensible  of  Y'r  L'ds.  regard  for  these  Colonies,  is  the  reason 
I  trouble  \'ou  with  this,  in  Hopes  Vou  will  assist  in  pro- 
cur'g  a  proper  .Supply  of  Men,  «S:c.,  to  be  sent  out  to  our 
Assistance  very  early  in  the  Spring.  [I]  Humbly  beg  pardon  for 
troubling  ^'ou  with  this  long  Letter,  but  I  hope  the  Sub- 
stance of  it  will  plead  my  Excuse.  I  rem'n,  with  great  defer- 
ence and  sincerity, 
R't    Hon., 

\"r  L'ds  most  obd't  and  obliged  h'ble  Serv't. 


I 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  333 

GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  THE  EARL  OF  ALBEMARLE. 

Sept'r  23rd,  [1754]. 
R't.  Hon.: 

My  last    to  Y'r   L'ds.  was  the   15th  ult'o,  to  w'ch  I 

pray  to  be  referred.  I  y'n  acqu't'd  You  Y't  I  had  called 
our  Assembly  to  meet  the  22nd.  They  met  accordingly,  and 
after  spending  fourteen  Days  wit't  granting  any  Supplies  for 
conduct'g  the  necessary  Expedit'n  ordered  by  His  M'y,  I 
was  obliged  to  prorogue  them  to  the  17th  of  Oct'r.  This  [is] 
unaccountable  Conduct  of  the  Assemblies  in  this  part  of  the 
world,  in  neglecting  their  own  Preservat'n,  and  the  dangers 
they  are  in  from  the  Fr.  invading  their  Lands.  The  Fr.  have 
taken  the  advantage  of  our  Indolence  by  making  Settlem'ts, 
building  Forts,  &c.,  on  His  M'y's  Lands,  robbing  our  poor 
frontier  Settlers  of  their  Cattle,  Corn,  &c.,  and  dispossessing 
the  Eng.  Subjects  of  their  Houses  and  Plantations,  w'ch  they 
for  many  Years  were  possessed  of,  and  sending  them  Prisoners 
to  Quebeck.  Since  the  last  Skirmish  with  Colo.  W.,  and  after  the 
Capitulat'n,  they  took  8  of  our  Men,  [and]  exposed  them  to  Sale 
as  Slaves.  Missing  of  that,  they  sent  them  prisoners  to  Que- 
beck. In  y't  Capitulat'n,  it  was  proposed  to  return  the  Pris- 
oners taken  from  them  in  a  former  Skirmish,  but  as  they  were 
in  my  Possession,  I  think  our  Officer  c'd  not  engage  their 
delivery,  and  from  the  above  ill  Treatment  of  our  Men,  I  re- 
solved to  detain  them,  and  to  send  a  Flag  of  Truce  proposing 
to  exchange  an  Officer  and  two  Cadets  for  our  two  Hostages ; 
w'ch  conduct  of  mine  I  hope  will  be  approved  at  Home.^*"  I  am 
greatly  surpriz'd,  in  a  Tranquil  Peace  between  the  two  Crowns, 
y't  such  Conduct  sh'd  subsist,  and  such  Insolence  in  taking  a 
Fort  y't  was  building  by  His  M'y's  direct  Com'ds.  Surely 
the  Court  of  P'rance  will  not  Countenance  such  actions,  y't 
are  contrary  to  the  Law  of  Nations,  and  a  great  Insult  on  the 
B.  Crown,  to  take  the  Fort  building  by  His  M'y's  direct 
Com'ds.  The  Fr.  Views,  I  fear,  are  not  confined  to  the  Lands 
on  the  Ohio,  but  [are]  much  more  extensive,  and  with't  a  proper 
aid  from  G.  B.,  I  fear,  from  the   Indolence  of  our  Assemblies, 

^^^  Governor  Dinwiddie  has  been  censured,  without  qualification,  by 
some  writers,  for  his  retention  of  the  French  prisoners,  for  which  he 
here  endeavours  to  justify  himself. 


334  DINWIDDIE    TAPERS, 

we  shall  not  be  able  to  restrain  their  rapacious  Desij^ns.  It 
gives  me  real  Concern  y't  I  am  not  better  suj)portcd,  as  the 
Kxpedil'n  has  been  conducted  by  me  with  great  Karnestness 
and  Assiduity;  but  there  is  Nothing  to  be  done  with't  Men 
and  Money,  both  w'ch  1  have  been  but  poorly  supply'd  with. 
However,  the  lew  Men  now  in  Pay,  including  the  three  Ind't 
Ct>mpa's,  are  not  above  450  Men ;  too  lew  to  face  the  Fr.,  con- 
sisting of  1,500,  with  their  Inds.  I  hope  the  Ministry  will 
seriously  consider  the  Situat'n  of  His  M'y's  Colonies,  and 
send  proper  Aid  early  in  the  Spring ;  otherways,  I  dread  they 
will  prove  too  formidable  to  be  rooted  from  His  M'y's  Lands. 
I  think  it  my  Duty  to  acquaint  V'r  L'ds.  of  the  State  of  our 
AtTairs,  and  shall  be  highly  obliged  for  the  Hon'r  of  a  Letter 
from  Vou,  and  desire  to  assure  \'ou,  y't  I  rem'n,  with  great  def- 
erence and  respect, 

R't   Hon.,  Y'r  L'd's  most  ob'd't  humble  serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDII-:  Tu  Till-:  KARL  Ol"  HALIFAX. 

Sept'r  23d,  [1754.] 
My  Lord: 

My  last  Lei'r  to  \"r  i/ds.  was  ilic  15th  of  last  Mo. 
The  Project  I  concert'd  in  ordering  the  Forces  to  march  over  the 
Allegany  Mount's  in  order  to  attack  the  Fr.  at  the  Fort  they 
took  from  Us  in  May  last,  or  to  build  a  Fort  on  the  other  Side 
of  those  Mount's,  is  entirely  defeated  by  the  desertion  of  the  No. 
Car.  F"orces.  This  Desert'n  is  entirely  owing  to  their  first  seting 
out.  The  Presid't  of  y't  Colony  very  inconsiderately  fi.x'd  the 
Pay  of  the  Private  Men  at  3s.  Proclamat'n  Mo.  f*  Day.  The 
12,000^  they  had  raised  for  the  E.xpedit'n  from  their  slow 
Marches  was  almost  wholly  expended  before  they  join'd  the 
other  Forces,  and  they  declared  they  w'd  not  serve  for  less  Pay. 
This  unforeseen  Affair  and  the  imprudent  Conduct  of  our  Assem- 
bly in  not  raising  a  proper  .Supply,  defeats  all  the  Plan  of  Ope- 
rat's  I  had  concerted  for  this  lall's  Campaign.  I  keep  up  the 
few  Men  we  have  in  Pay  to  build  a  Magazine  and  a  Fort  near  to 
the  Allegany  Mount's,  in  hopes  of  a  reinforcem't,  to  go  on  Action 
very  early  in  the  Spring.  Hut  I  am  fully  convinc'd  nothing  can 
be  done,  or  any  Fxpcdition  conducted  in  these  Parts,  with  a  de- 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  335 

pendence  on  the  Assemblies  for  a  Supply,  for  I  think  I  have  as 
much  Influence  with  Ours  as  any  Gov'r  has  with  their  Assembly, 
w'ch  will  appear  by  their  Addresses  to  me  in  the  Journals  sent 
to  Y'r  L'd's  B'd,  but  there  is  such  an  Infatuat'n  and  Perversness 
among  them  all,  and  such  a  Lethargy  over  their  Senses  y't  there 
is  no  reasoning  them  to  their  Duty  to  the  King,  or  for  Self  Pre- 
servation. And  y't,  with't  a  proper  Supply  of  Men,  Amunit'n, 
■  &c.,  from  G.  B.,  I  much  doubt  of  Success,  for  the  People  in 
these  Colonies  seem  adverse  to  every  Thing  y't's  for  the 
Service  of  the  Crown  or  their  own  Good,  and  with't  a 
B.  Act  of  Parliam't  to  reclaim  them  to  their  Duty  to  the  best 
of  Kings,  and  for  their  own  Preservt'n,  I  much  doubt,  if  left  to 
themselves,  if  they  ever  will,  with  Spirit,  enter  on  any  Thing  for 
the  Good  of  His  M'y's  Dom's  here.  I  shall  have  another  Tryal 
with  them  the  17th  of  next  Mo.,  but  I  despair  of  bringing  them 
to  a  just  way  of  Thinking.  I  have  done  all  I  can,  and  shall 
continue  in  acting  to  the  best  of  my  Capacity,  with  the  few  Men 
and  little  Money  I  have;  but  in  this  Situation,  it  will  be  expend'g 
the  Money  to  little  Service,  and  giving  the  Fr.  the  Opp'ty  of 
Strengthening  themselves,  while  the  B.  Subjects  are  unactive,  and 
spending  their  Time  in  Trifling  Disputes.  A  melancholy  Sit- 
uat'n  indeed,  and  with't  Assistance  from  G.  B.  these  Colonies 
will  be  exposed  to  the  merciless  rage  of  a  rapatious  Enemy.  I 
shall  wait  with  Patience  till  I  have  Orders  from  Home,  w'ch  shall 
be  duly  put  in  execution  to  the  best  of  my  Capacity.  I  beg 
leave  to  refer  You  to  my  Letter  to  the  B'd,  and  to  assure  You  I 
rem'n  with  great  deference  and  dutiful  respects, 
R't  Hon., 
Y'r  L'd's  much  obliged  and  most  obed't  humble  serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  THE  EARL  OF  HOLDERNESSE. 

R't  Hon.  : 

The  Expedit'n  I  was  ordered  by  His  Majesty  to  con- 
duct in  building  some  Forts  on  His  Lands  on  the  river  Ohio,  has 
hitherto  met  with  so  many  disappointm'ts,  from  the  unaccountable 
Backwardness  of  the  Assemblies  in  the  different  Colonies,  grant- 
ing a  mutual  Aid  consistent  with  His  Majesty's  Special  Direc- 
tions.    In  the  Mo.  of  April  last,  I  ordered  a  No.  of  Soldiers  and 


336  IHNWIUDIE    TAPERS. 

Artificers  to  begin  a  Fort  at  the  Muuth  of  Monongahda.  a 
Branch  of  the  Ohio  River.  In  the  .Mo.  of  May,  the  French  from 
(Juel>eck,  with  near  i.ckx)  .Men,  sunionetl  the  Fort,  [and]  our  Peo- 
ple were  obhged  to  surrender  to  a  much  larger  Force;  they  still 
keep  Possessn  thereof,  and  have  greatly  enlarg'd  it:  there  has 
been  two  Skirmishes  between  our  Forces  and  them,  but  they 
tiaily  increase  in  Nos.,  while  our  Assemblies  by  .Supineness  and  In- 
dolence remain  inactive,  [and]  contrary  to  His  M'y's  Com'ds,  and 
their  own  safety,  refuse  proper  Supplies  for  conducting  this  neces- 
siiry  and  Kssential  l^.xpedit'n.  For  want  of  .Men  and  Money,  I  am 
much  straitened  how  to  conduct  this  AfTair,  and  am  perswaded, 
without  a  proper  Aid  from  G.  B.,  all  I  can  do  with  a  Dependence 
on  the  Assemblies  of  the  different  Colonies,  will  prove  abortive. 
His  M'y's  three  Ind't  Cos,  with  the  few  men  raised  in  this 
Colony.  I  have  ordered  to  build  a  Magazine  for  Stores  and 
Provis's  near  to  the  Allegany  Mount's,  in  hopes  early  in  the 
Spring  to  be  reinforc'd  with  .Men  Irom  (i.  H.,  and  our  neigh- 
tK)uring  Colonies,  if  they  can  be  roused  from  their  lethargick 
Indolence,  and  come  into  a  proper  grant  of  Supplies.  The 
French  Views  arc  not  confmed  to  the  Lands  on  the  Ohio,  they 
are  more  extensive  and  I  am  in  great  Pain  for  His  M'y's  Dom's 
on  this  Cont't  if  something  very  es.scntial  is  not  done  imediately. 
I  hope  the  Minority  will  seriously  consitlcr  their  present  .Situat'n, 
and  grant  such  Aid  as  may  defeat  the  usurping  Power  of  the  Fr. 
I  wait  impatiently  for  His  M'y's  Com'ds,  w'ch  shall  be  dutifully 
obey'd  to  the  utmcjst  of  my  Capacity.  I  have  wrote  fully  to  S'r 
Thos.  Robinson  this  present  Fmergency  of  our  Affairs,  and  am 
in  hopes  they  will  be  properly  considered.  I  take  this  Opp'ty  to 
return  V'r  L'ds.  my  Sincere  Thanks  for  V'r  Patronage  and  Coun- 
tenance, and  to  a.ssure  Vou  I  shall  retain  a  tlutiful  remembrance 
thereof.  I  am  with  great  deference  and  ik.'specls, 
R.  H.,  \"r  1,.  most  ob'd't  humble  serv't. 


DINVVIDDIE    PAPERS,  337 


GOVERNOR   DINVVIDDIE   TO   HENRY  FOX,   SECRETARY  AT 

WAR. 

Sept'r  23d,  [1754]- 
R't  Hon.: 

My  last  Letter  to  You  was  the  15th  Ulto.,  to  w'ch  I 
pray  [you]  to  be  referred.  Since  writing  y't  Letter,  I  have  Acc't 
y't  the  Regim't  raised  in  No.  Car.  deserted  the  Service  in  large 
Numbers;  the  reason,  I  understand  is,  y't  the  Presid't  of- y't 
Colony,  after  having  got  a  Vote  of  the  Assembly  for  1 2,ooO;^,  he 
comissioned  Officers,  [and]  raised  about  400  Men.  He  fixed  the 
Pay  of  the  private  Men  at  3s.  "p^  Day — a  monstrous  Pay  to  soldiers  ! 
I  wrote  him  our  Men  were  enlisted  at  8d.  'f^  Day.  However,  the 
Soldiers  raised  in  y't  Colony,  being  elated  with  their  high  Pay, 
made  slow  Marches,  and  before  they  joined  the  other  Forces,  the 
Money  raised,  was  Expended,  and  [they]  w'd  serve  no  longer 
with't  Security  for  the  same  Pay,  which  they  c'd  not  obtain, 
therefore  disbanded  themselves,  w'ch  unforseen  Accident  pre- 
vents the  Execut'n  of  the  Scheme  I  had  formed  of  marching  over 
the  Mount's  to  attack  the  Fr.,  and  [I]  have,  therefore,  now  directed 
them  to  build  a  good  Magazine  for  Stores  and  Provis's  this  Side 
of  the  Allegany  Mount's,  [and]  to  delay  any  Act'n  till  the  Spring  of 
the  Year,  in  hopes  of  having  a  proper  re-inforcement  from  G.  B., 
and  our  neighbouring  Colonies,  w'ch  I  flatter  myself,  we  shall 
have  from  G.  B.  a  proper  No.  of  Men,  and  all  sorts  of  Stores, 
w'ch  is  entirely  wanting  here.  As  I  conceived,  His  M'y  was 
graciously  pleased  to  order  three  of  his  Ind't  Go's  for  the  Pro- 
tect'n  of  this,  his  Dom'n,  y't  the  Co't'y,  in  course,  w'd  pay  for 
their  necessary  Supplies  and  Provisions.  I  accordingly  sent  a 
Message  to  our  Ho.  of  B.  to  that  Purport,  w'ch  I  here  enclose 
You,  and  their  resolve  thereon,  by  w'ch  you  will  observe  they 
absolutely  refuse  paying  any  Thing  for  their  Necessaries  or  Sub- 
sistance,  w'ch  Loads  me  with  y't  Charge.  Inclosed  I  send  You 
two  Acc'ts,  w'ch  I  have  already  p'd,  amot'g  to  ^1,040,  5s.  3d. 
this  Curr'cy;  and  their  Subsistence  from  the  29th  of  July  to  this 
time,  w'ch  I  have  also  engaged  to  pay,  w'ch  will  amo.  to  upwards 
of  [^]300  more,  and  I  hope  under  my  Situat'n  You  will  enable  me 
to  draw  for  my  re-imbursem't.  As  the  People  are  so  far  from 
the  Inhabit's,  they  cannot  be  supplied  but  by  Provis's  sent  them : 
the  Carriage  thereof  runs  high.  I  shall,  therefore,  continue  my 
supply  to  them  regularly  till  I  hear  from  You.     As  the  Expedit'n 


338  UINWIDDIE    PAPKRS. 

bej^un.  and  I  Iiojk'  will  be  coniinuctl,  is  of  so  essential  Service  to 
the  Nat'n,  and  His  M'ys  Doin's  on  this  Coni't  is.  [I]  shall  l>e 
sorry  of  acting;  in  any  Shape  to  ilisa)uraj4c  the  I-'orces  engaj^ed 
therein.  In  hopes  of  having  V'r  Answer,  I  rem'n,  with  great 
deference  ami  respect, 

R't  Hon.,  \"r  most  obed't  humble  serv't. 


COVRkNok     |)IN\\  IDDII.     1(>     |(»ll.\     ruW  NAl.. '■'     K.SgL  IKK. 
SKCKKTAKV  TO  TIIK  HUAKD  R)K  TRADK. 

23d  Sept'r.  [1754] 
Sik: 

In  answer  to  the  Let'r  from  \'ou  by  their  L'ds'  Com'ds, 
By  His  M'y's  Ship,  Speedwell,  who  sailed  from  this  [place]  the 
Beginning  of  Febr'y  last,  I  transmitted  to  their  L'ds'  the 
Trc:usurcr's  Acc't  of  the  Ouii  Rent  revenue,  the  2s.  f*  Hh'd, 
and  List  of  Shipping  entered  and  cleared  for  Six  Mos  ,  end- 
ing at  Michaelmas'*  last,  and  as  y't  Ship  arrived  safe.  I  am 
perswadeti  they  arc  in  \"r  Office,  but,  if  mislaid,  pray  write 
■me,  and  I  shall  call  on  the  Officers  for  Copies.  The  Treas- 
urer passes  his  Acc't  next  Mo.  I  shall,  by  [the]  very  first  Opp'ty 
after,  transmit  them  to  their  L'ds.  As  the  difTerent  officers 
are  so  much  dispersed  in  the  several  rivers,  I  cannot  pos- 
sibly transmit  Copies  at  this  Time.  I  think  I  never  rec'd 
their  L'ds'  Queries,  but  shall  very  soon  send  the  State  of 
this  Colony  in  its  difTerent  Branches,  and  my  Observat'ns  on 
the  Inslruct's. 

I    rem'n    with   great    Esteem, 

•S'r,  ^"r  most  humble  .Serv't. 


'"John  Pownal,  subsequently  Sir  John,  was  a  brother  of  Thomas 
Pownal.  who  was  appointed  successively  to  the  government  of  New 
Jersey,  Ma.ssachusctts,  and  South  Otr.ilin.i  and  wis  .1  v'«r)L'r.i|)lii(  al 
.and  political  writer  of  distinction. 

"•September  the  29th. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  339 

GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  JAMES  ABERCRO.MIJV. 

SeptV  23d,  [1754-] 
Sir  : 

My  last  was  the  ist  of  this  Inst't,  w'ch  I  hope  Vou  re- 
ceived. What  I  then  suspected  prov'd  too  true,  the  Ho.  of  B. 
sent  up  the  Bill  of  Supply  for  20,ooo[^]  with  a  rider  to  pay  P. 
R.,  Esq'r,  2,50o[/^],  an  unparliamentary  Proceeding,  to  tack  a 
private  Bill  to  a  Bill  of  Supply  to  His  M'y ;  the  Council  unani- 
mously rejected  it,  and  gave  their  reasons  in  Writing,  w'ch  You 
have  in  the  enclosed  Journal  of  the  Ho.  of  B.  If  You  will  take 
the  Trouble  to  read  them  You  will  see  by  their  several  Addresses 
to  me  that  I  had  good  reason  to  e.xpect  a  Considerable  Supply 
and  I  tho't  I  had  Influence  enough  with  them  to  succeed,  but  I 
observe  a  general  Infatuation  in  all  the  Assemblies  on  this 
Cont't ;  they  are  seiz'd  with  a  lethargick  Supineness,  not  regard- 
ing their  own  Safety  or  the  Encroachm'ts  of  the  French,  they  are 
now  left  to  perpetuate  their  malicious  Designs,  and  I  dread  [for] 
our  poor  frontier  Settlers  this  Winter ;  wdth  the  few  Men  I  have, 
I  am  doing  all  in  my  Power  for  their  Protection.  The  Presid'tof 
No.  Car.  raised  i2,ooo[;^],  w'ch,  between  You  and  me,  I  think  he 
had  no  Authority  to  do,  and  believe  he  is  the  first  y't  ever 
attempted  it,  but  the  irregularity  thereof  will  be  considered 
at  Home.  He  establish'd  the  Pay  of  the  private  Men  at  3s.  Pro- 
clamat'n  Mo[ney]  ^  Day,  a  very  imprudent  Step,  after  he  had 
early  Notice  y't  our  Men  were  at  8d.  p*  day ;  this  high  Pay  occa- 
sioned a  very  slow  March  of  Y'r  Forces  and  before  they  joined 
the  other  Forces  the  Mo[ney]  was  almost  entirely  expended. 
With't  Security  for  the  Continuance  of  y't  Pay,  they  w'd  not 
serve;  as  y't  was  impracticable,  they  disbanded  themselves  and 
returned  Home.  This  unseen  Affair  and  the  disappointm't  of 
a  Supply  from  our  Assembly,  entirely  subverted  my  Scheme 
of  Operat's  for  this  Fall's  Campaign,  w'ch  was  to  march  over 
the  Allegany  Mount's  and  attack  the  Fr.  in  the  Fort  they 
took  from  us  last  May.  If  I  had  been  properly  supported 
with  Money,  I  sh'd  have  augm't'd  our  regim't  to  600,  w'ch, 
with  the  other  Forces,  w'd  have  made  the  whole  1,200  Men, 
a  sufficient  Force  to  attack  them,  but  by  our  monstrious  Neg- 
lect, and  the  Desert' n  above,  we  leave  the  Enemy  Time  to 
strengthen   themselves,   while    I   am    obliged   to   keep   the   few 


340  DINUIDIilE    f'APKRS. 

Men  I  have,  employcil  in  buildini;  a  Maj^azine  fur  Stores  and 
Provisions,  anil  a  Battery  to  protect  it,  pretty  near  to  the 
Allcj^any  Mount's,  in  jjreat  hopes  of  a  proper  reinforceni't 
from  (j,  B.,  and  some  Assistance  from  our  neij^hbouring 
Colonies,  in  order  to  make  a  strong  Push  early  in  the  Sprinj^j ; 
but.  with't  Aid  from  Home,  no  Kxpcilit'n  can  be  conducted 
here  with  a  dependence  of  Supplies  from  the  different  As- 
semblies. I  have  therefore  wrote  earnestly  for  an  immediate 
Supply  of  Men,  Amunit'n  and  Mo.,  w'ch  I  desire  You  to 
back  with  N'our  .Solicitais  to  the  proper  Bds.  The  Fr. 
Views,  i  think,  are  not  confined  to  the  Ohio  Lands,  or 
those  on  the  other  side  of  the  Allegany  Mount's,  but  I 
fear  they  are  e.xlcmled  to  a  Gen'l  Conquest  of  the  B.  Km- 
pire  on  this  Conit;  for  they  say.  when  they  have  taken 
proper  Possess"  n  of  the  Lands,  the  back  of  our  pres't  Sel- 
tlem'ts,  and  built  Forts,  they  expect  a  Naval  Force  from 
France  to  invade  some  of  our  Colonies.  Such  attempt.  I 
think,  may  be  practicable,  as  we  arc  in  [anj  open  Country, 
witht  any  Fortificat's.  I  hope  our  Ministry  will  seriously 
consider  these  Things,  and  j^rant  an  imediate  Supply,  to 
curb  the  growing  Power  of  France  on  this  Cont't.  They 
have  great  Nos.  of  People  annually  imported  to  Canada 
and  Missi.ssippi,  in  a  very  private  Manner,  I  presume  to 
prevent  giving  L'mbrage  to  our  Court.  They  mention,  within 
these  few  years,  above  I5,fxx)  Their  Views,  at  pres't,  are  not 
to  make  Settlem'ts.  but  build  a  .String  of  Forts  from  Canada 
to  Mississippi,  as  marks  of  Po.sscss'n,  and  many  of  them  on 
the  K.  of  Ci.  B's  Lands,  particularly  the  Lands  belonging  to  the 
Six  Nat's,  w'ch  by  the  Treaties  at  I'trecht  and  Aix  la  Chappelle, 
the  six  Nat's — their  dependts,  are  by  the  K.  of  France  allowed 
to  be  Subjects  to  the  dom'n  of  (i.  B.  You  may  observe  by  the 
inclosed  Journal,  y't  I  sent  a  Message  to  the  Ho.  of  B.  for  the 
Maintenance  of  His  My's  throe  Ind't  Compa's;  by  their  resolve 
they  absolutely  refuse  paying  anything,  w'ch  loads  me  with  y't 
Charge.  I  have  already  p'd  j^i040,  5.  3.,  and  a  further  Charge 
of  upwards  of  [;^]300  very  soon.'**     I  have  wrote  to  the  Sec'y  of 


'•  In  consideration  of  the  implication,  by  some  writers,  of  the  em- 
bezzlement, by  Governor  Dinwiddle,  of  funds  entnisted  to  him  for 
disbursement  for  the  service ;  his  |>ersonal  advances,  his  re|K-ated  in- 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  341 

War,  praying  for  Orders  to  draw  for  my  reimbursem't;  pray  wait 
on  him  and  know  his  resolut'n  thereon ;  for  it  is  hard  after  my 
great  Fatigue,  I  sh'd  lay  out  of  my  Money,  and  [I]  doubt  not  he 
will  see  the  Justice  of  my  demand.  These  Compa's  are  far  with't 
our  frontier  Inhabitants  and  can  have  no  Supply  of  Proviss's  but 
what  I  order  them  by  a  lung  Carriage.  Now  Sir,  If  the  Ministry 
shall  think  proper  of  sending  over  a  No.  of  Forces  for  our  re- 
lief and  Assistance,  there  must  be  a  Fund  at  Home  to  draw 
upon  for  their  Subsistance,  for  the  other  side  of  the  Alleghany 
Mount's  they  can  have  no  Supply  but  w't  must  be  sent  to 
them;  if  tho't  proper,  I  will  undertake  to  have  them  properly 
supported  with  all  necessary  Provis's,  such  as  Bread  or  Flour, 
Pork  and  Beef  at  6d.  St  g  "f^  Day,  or  otherways,  to  charge  the 
usual  cost  of  the  Provis's  and  Waggonage,  or  other  Carriage. 
The  advantage  I  shall  have,  [will  be]  in  making  remittances 
in  sure  Bills  of  Excha.,  w'n  at  present  the  Bills  from  this  [Col- 
ony] are  very  precarious,  and  often  protested.  If  You  see  it 
necessary,  pray  apply  in  Time  as  I  think  I  can  do  it  better 
than  any  other  person  here,  and  probably  with  more  certainty. 
Pray  write  me  the  result  of  the  Court  of  France,  or  their 
Answers,  on  the  Applicat'n  of  our  Court  on  the  unjust  En- 
croachm'ts  of  the  Fr.  Subjects  on  His  M'y's  Lands,  and  [their] 
barbarous  Treatm't  of  his  Subjects.  Since  the  Capitulat'n 
with  Colo.  W.  they  took  8  of  our  People,  expos' d  them  to  sale, 
failing  of  y't,  sent  them  Prisoners  to  Ouebeck.  This  unjust 
Treatm't  made  me  resolve  to  keep  the  Fr.  Prisoners  I  have  in 
Possess' n,  till  these  People  are  return' d,  w'ch  I  hope  will  be  ap- 
prov'd  of  at  Home.  As  they  [the  prisoners]  were  with  me,  I  can- 
not think  Colo.  W.  had  any  Power  to  Capitulate  for  their  release. 
Mr.  Dobbs  is  not  yet  arrived,  but  daily  expected ;  by  him  I  hope 
to  hear  the  determinat'n  of  the  Council  in  regard  to  the 
Complaints  against  me,  and  the  extraordinary  resolves  of  the 
Ho.  of  B.,  in  the  Nov'r  Sess'n.  You  may  easily  judge  the 
Uneasiness  I  am  at  present  under.  I  may  honestly  say,  no 
Person  c'd  have  done  more  than    I    have  done,  with  the  slen- 


junctions  to  his  subordinates,  in  behalf  of  economical  expenditure, 
and  of  accuracy  in  their  accounts  (many  instances  of  irregularity  be- 
ing palpable),  together  with  his  manifest  regular  returns  to  the  English 
government,  with  the  due  vouchers — shuuld  be  noted.] 


342  DINWIUUIK    PAI'KKS. 

tier  Aid  I  have  had.  As  I  had  the  Mxpcditioi)  truly  at  Heart, 
I  dill  everything  in  my  Tower,  with  the  lew  Men  and  htllc 
Mo.  I  had  to  support  it.  Iherc  was  one  Mr.  \Vm.  Mason 
here,  recommentletl  to  me  by  Mr.  Walpole ;  lie  j)rofessed  the 
Law,  but  was  in  j^reat  want  ol  Money.  I  supplied  him  with 
/35,  28.  He  promised  to  pay  it  [w]  You  ;  he  s'd  he  was  to 
be  lound  at  No.  5.  Lincohi's  Inn.  I  believe  Mr.  Walpole  tlid 
not  know  hijii,  but  wrote  the  Letter  by  Applicat'n  ol  some  of 
the  I)uke  of  Devonshire's"*  Family.  Pray  see  if  you  can 
recover  it.  Mr.  Chancelor  wioie  me  by  him,  probably  he  can 
give  you  some  Acc't  of  him.  I)id  Colo  Heron  pay  you  what 
he  owed  mc  ?  NOu  have  enclosed,  two  Atfadaviis  of  the  death 
of  John  Hlanchard,  \v"ch,  I  suppose,  will  be  sufhcient  to  answer 
V'r  Kricnil's  Purpose.  I  can  hear  nothing  ol  Mr.  Palmer, '*'  tho' 
I  took  true  Pains  to  enquire  after  him.  Pray  write  mc  how  I 
stand  with  L'd  Halifax;  I  have  not  been  hon'd  with  a  Letter 
from  him  this  Twelve  Months,  and  I  know  of  nothin^^  I  have 
done  to  give  oflcnce.  I  hope  the  Karl  of  Granville  will  Act 
in  P'avo.  of  the  Colonics,  under  our  prcs't  Situat'n.  I  have 
now  wrote  to  them  both.  W'itat  is  done  in  my  further  dem'd 
from  the  Spaniards?'"  In  any  Thin^  You  do  for  mc,  you  may 
freely  consult  Messrs.  Hanburys,  and  give  them  the  Perusal 
of  the  B's  Journal,  and  in  supplying  the  Forces  with  Provis's 
( if  sent  out),  they  probably  may  be  of  good  Service,  and  as 
the  Parliament  may  be  now  Sitting,  probably  Applicat'n  may 
be  made  for  a  Fund  for  conducting  this  Expeditn.  I  hear 
the  Ho.  of  B.  address  His  M'y  for  the  2,5cx)/  for  Mr.  R.  I 
think  it  will  be  with  a  very  bad  Grace,  after  they  have  reJused 
proper  Supplies  in  the  Time  of  so  great  Danger,  and  after 
they  resolved  the  Paym't  of  this  sum  in  N'ov'r  last,  with't  the 
Assent  of  the  other  Branches  of  the  Legislature;  but  what  will 
they  not  do?  I  suppose  they  sent  it  to  Mr.  R.,  and  probably 
You   may  hear  of  it  at  the  Secr'y  of  Slate's  Office.     Pray  write 


'"William  Cavciulish,  tliirtl  Duke  n(  iH-vonshire.  Loril  Lieutenant  of 
Ireland,  1737-44;  died.  December  5,  17.S.S.  and  was  succeeded  by  his 
eldest  son,  William,  Marquis  of  Huntiii;;don. 

'•'"John  I'almer,  Attorney,  .Wiiliamsburyj,"  appears  in  the  list  of 
subscrilKTS  to  the  edition  of  1752  of  the  rirxn'tiia  /.a:vs. 

'"Alluding,  probably,  to  the  "  I'orto  kic<»  affair,"  before  inquired 
after. 


DINVVIDDIE    PAPERS.  343 

me  how  the  Plan  for  a  Gen'l  Union  of  these  Colonies  is  rec'd 
by  the  Ministry.  Is  Mr.  Pit  '"^  appointed  to  succeed  Mr.  Glen 
in  So.  Caro. ?  Is  there  a  Gov'r  appointed  for  N.  York?  and 
any  other  News  you  may  think  proper.  Excuse  the  Length  of 
this  Letter, 

and  believe  me  to  be,  with  great  sincerity, 

S'r,  y'r  affect.  Fr.  and  most  humble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  HORACE  WALPOLE. 

Sept'r  23d,  [1754]. 
R't  Hon.  : 

As  I  am  sensible  of  the  Esteem  and  regard  You  have 
for  His  M'y's  Colonys  on  this  Cont't,  I  think  it  my  Duty  to 
represent  to  Y'r  Hon'r  the  miserable  Condit'n  they  are  now  in, 
from  the  unjust  Invas'n  of  His  M'y's  Lands  on  the  river  Ohio, 
the  back  of  this  Dom'n.  About  the  Mo.  of  Nov'r  last,  H.  M's 
Com'ds  were  sent  me  by  the  E.  of  Holdernesse,  to  prevent  any 
foreign  Power  to  invade  H[is]  M's  Lands  on  the  Ohio,  and  to 
build  some  Forts  on  y't  river,  and  there  was  at  y't  Time  Let'rs 
to  the  different  Gov'rs,  to  grant  a  mutual  Aid  for  conducting 
this  necessary  and  essential  Business.  I  immediately  called  the 
Assembly  of  this  Dom'n,  and  laid  before  them  the  necessity 
of  a  Supply  to  defeat  the  designs  of  the  Fr.  They  were 
deaf  to  my  Applicat's,  and  granted  no  Supply,  not  think' g 
the  Fr.  had  any  such  Intent's.  I  sent  a  Gent,  to  the  Fr. 
Camp,  who  were  then  erecting  a  Fort  on  his  M'y's  Lands- 
The  Com'd't  of  the  Fr.  sent  me  Answer  y't  they  w'd  build 
Forts,  and  y't  it  was  by  direct' n  of  the  Gov'r  of  Canada. 
In  complyance  with  H[is]  M's  Com'ds,  I  raised  a  Co.  of  Men 
and  some  Artificers,  and  sent  them  to  the  Ohio  to  build  a  Fort  in 
His  M'y's  Name,  and  to  call  it  Fort  Prince  Geo. ;  and  in  Feb'ry 
I  called  our  Assembly  again,  and  after  strong  remonstrances  of 
our  danger,  prevailed  with  them  to  grant  a  Supply ;  they 
voted   the   small   sum   of    io,ooo[;!^].      I    Immediately   granted 

193  Probably  John  Pitt,  of  the  Board  of  Trade. 


344  IXNWIUDIE    PAPERS. 

Cumiss's,  and  ordcrcti  thir  raising  (of]  300  nu-n.  with  orders 
to  march  out  to  the  Fort  y't  was  then  buildiii({ ;  but  be- 
fore they  c'd  reach  the  Fort,  early  in  May.  the  Fr.,  with 
1,000  Men  Ironi  Canada,  bcsiejid  it.  and  from  our  small 
Nos.  ihcy  were  obli^jed  to  dehver  it  to  the  Fr,  H.  M. 
was  j;raciously  pleased  to  order  two  of  His  Ind't  Co's 
from  N.  York,  and  one  from  So.  Car.,  to  come  here  to 
our  Protecl'n ;  the  one  from  So.  Car.  arrived  in  May  and  joined 
our  regimt ;  the  two  from  N.  \.  did  not  arrive  till  July,  w'ch 
w;is  ruin  to  our  numbers,  not  alxjve  4C0,  by  w'ch  we  were 
defeated.  My  positive  Orders  t«)  the  Comd'r  of  our  Forces 
were  not  to  engage  the  Enemy  till  they  were  joined  by  the  others, 
however,  they  were  taken  by  Surprize;  tho'  our  People  behav'd 
very  well  in  the  small  ICn^jagem't;  it's  s;iid,  killed  200  of  the 
Enemy,  our  Loss  was  40  killed,  and  80  wounded.  The  other 
Colonics  were  disobcd't  to  H[is]  M'y's  Com'ds,  excepting  No. 
Car.,  who  voted  1 2,000 ;(^  and  raised  ab't  400  Men,  but  the 
Presid't  of  y't  Province  imprudently  gave  the  private  Men  3s.  f* 
Day.  Pro[clamation]  Mo[ney].  w'ch,  by  their  slow  marches,  the 
Mo[ney  ]  was  expended  before  they  joined  the  other  Forces,  [and] 
they  w'd  serve  no  longer  with't  being  assur'd  of  the  same  Pay, 
w'ch  c'd  not  be  done,  as  the  other  Forces  had  only  8d.  V  Day,  so 
they  deserted  and  went  Home;  y't  now,  I  have  not  500  Men,  the 
Ind't  Comp's  included,  on  w'ch  I  called  the  Assembly  the  22d  of 
last  Mo  and  represented  to  them  our  present  unhappy  Situal'n, 
and  desired  they  w'd  grant  a  handsome  Supply ;  they  accord- 
ingly voted  /^2o,ooo,  but  tacked  a  rider  to  it  to  pay  P.  R..  Esq'r, 
;^2,500  for  negotiating  their  atVairs  at  Home;  this  very  Sum,  the 
Ho.  of  B.  had  resolved  in  the  last  Nov'r  Sessions  with't  the  Con- 
currence of  the  Council,  and  the  Council  w'd  not  pass  the  Hill 
of  Supply  with  their  rider.  I  took  great  Pains  to  shew  the  Im- 
propriety of  tacking  a  private  Bill  to  a  supply  for  His  .M'y's  Ser- 
vice, and  furtluT  told  them  y't  their  resolves  were  before  the 
King  and  Council,  therefcnc  out  of  our  Hands  till  we  heard  from 
Home,  but  nothing  c'd  prevail  with  them,  so  was  obliged  to  pro- 
rogue them  to  the  17th  of  Oct'r.  by  w'ch  ill  Conduct,  the  Fr.  are 
left  to  per|>ctrate  all  their  mischievous  .Schemes  ag'st  the  B.  Sub- 
jects, with  1.500  Men  ;  what  a  dangerous  Condit'n  arc  these  Colo- 
nies in  from  the  obstinate  and  imprudent  Behaviour  of  the 
Assemblies?     N.    York  lately    has    voted    ;^5.ooo,  and    M'yl'd, 


DINWIDDIK    PAPERS.  345 

;^6,ooo,  their  Monies,  but  these  Sums  are  trifling  for  the  support 
of  so  essential  and  necessary  [an]  Expdit'n.  I  have  therefore 
wrote  to  the  different  B'ds  and  Great  Men  with  You,  assuring 
them  y't  I  think  it  impossible  to  conduct  any  Expedit'n  in  these 
Parts  with  a  Dependence  on  Assemblies,  for  there  appears  to  be  a 
lethargick  Supineness  over  them  all,  y't,  witii't  a  B.  Act  of  Parl't 
to  raise  a  general  Poll  Tax  all  over  the  Cont't,  no  Money  can 
be  raised  here,  tho'  for  their  own  safety,  and  I  fear  y't  w'd  not  do. 
I  therefore  have  humbly  recomended  a  Supply  from  Home,  of 
Men,  Money  and  Amunit'n,  with't  w'ch,  I  much  dread  the  Conse- 
quence. For  I  do  not  conceive  the  Fr.  Views  are  confined  to 
the  Lands  on  the  Ohio  but  for  a  Genl  Conquest  of  all  the  B. 
Colonies,  and  with't  immediate  Assistance,  I  dread  their  Suc- 
cess. I  can  answer  to  God  and  my  King,  y't  I  have  done  every 
Thing  in  my  Power  with  the  Slender  Supply  I  have  had,  but 
with't  Men  and  Mo.  no  Expedit'n  can  be  properly  conducted. 
I  presumed  to  give  You  the  Trouble  of  this  long  Let'r  with  an 
Acc't  of  our  pres't  unhappy  Situat'n,  and  to  pray  Y'r  Int't  in 
obtaining  a  proper  Force,  &c.,  to  defend  His  M's  Empire  on 
this  Cont't.  I  shall  with  great  Assiduity  obey  such  Coni'ds  [as] 
I  may  receive  for  my  future  Conduct.  Sincerely  wishing  You 
long  Life,  I  rem'n  with  great  deference  and  dutiful  respects, 

R't  Hon.,  Y'r  much  obliged  and  humble  Serv't. 

P.  S.  So.  Car.  and  Pensylv'a  have  not  as  yet  granted  any 
Aid  whatever  to  this  Expedit'n,  and  the  No.  Car.  Supply,  by  ill 
Management,  [has]  not  [been]  of  the  least  Service. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  COLONEL  ADAM  STEPHEN. 

Oct.   5th,    1754. 
Sir: 

I  rec'd  Y'r  Let'r  of  the  ist  of  this  Mo.,  and  am  glad 
Capt.  Lewis  is  on  his  March  to  protect  our  Frontiers.  Gov'r 
Sharpe  only  goes  to  see  the  Camp,  and,  as  a  good  and  ex- 
perienc'd  Gent.,  to  give  his  advice.  The  French  Prisoners, 
I  order' d  to  Alexa'a  a  Fortnight  ago,  and  am  surpriz'd 
they   are    not    sent   there    accordingly.      I     think    the    People 


34G  I )i N\v  11)1)1 1-;  PAiMiks, 

need  not  be  luulcr  any  Fear  of  the  Fr.  and  their  Ind  s, 
but  am  ^Uid  they  are  on  their  (iuard,  wluch  I  desire  Vou 
may  encouraj^e.  Vou  wrote  me  of  Y'r  sloping  some  Cat- 
tle, but  never  mentioned  the  Price  of  them,  so  y't  [I]  can- 
not as  yet  Order  I'aymt  ol  them.  You  did  well  in  sloping 
them.  I  desired  an  Act  last  Session  to  prevent  driving  them 
out  of  the  Co'ty,  but  our  Assembly  appear'd  to  be  sies'd 
with  a  lethar>iick  Inilolence  in  not  taking  Care  of  their 
Safety.  Probably  next  Meeting  they  may  be  awaken' d  to  a 
due  Consideration  of  their  great  Danger,  and  do  what  is 
absolutely  necessary.  As  the  Cattle  are  wanted,  pray  write 
me  the  Amo.  of  them,  and  I  will  give  Orders  about  the 
Paym't.  I  wish  you  Health,  and  am, 
Sir,  Your  Friend. 

Take  proper  Care  y't  the  Cattle  be  duly  applied  to  the  Use 
of  the  Forces. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIR  TO  COLONEL  INNES. 

Oct'r  5th,  1754. 
Sir  : 

\"r  two  Let'rs  of  the  25th  and  27th  ulto.,  I  rec'd.  I 
approve  of  \"r  building  a  Fort,  and  doubt  not  it  will  be 
well  finished,  and  it's  absolutely  necessary  at  this  Season  of 
the  \'ear,  and  hope  you  will  take  proper  Care  of  Barracks, 
or  proper  Guard  rooms  for  the  Men,  to  protect  them  from 
the  Inclemency  of  the  Weather.  The  pay  of  the  Men,  at 
1 2d.  .St.,  if  usual,  is  not  to  be  disjiuted,  but  I  think  they 
then  maintain'd  themselves,  w'ch  You  are  to  consider,  and  [I] 
believe,  I2d.  "p'  day,  this  Mo'y,  with  Provis's,  will  please 
them;  but  this  I  leave  to  Vou.  I  [am]  sorry  Y'r  Finances 
are  so  low.  I  have  sent  You  a  Supply  of  f^Jioo,  is.  8d., 
by  Mr.  Lyon.  Gov'r  Sharpe  only  comes  out  of  Curiosity, 
and  to  give  his  Advice  in  regard  to  the  Fort,  &c.  He  is 
a  worthy,  good  Man  ;  receive  him  agreeable  to  his  Character 
and  Stat'n.  This  Winter  must  be  spent  in  providing  for 
the    Spring,    and    the   nearer    You    go    to    the    Mount's,    with 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  347 

Safety,  will  facilitate  the  Operat's  of  next  Campaign.  I  can- 
not answer  the  Reward  propos'd  for  Mons'r  Joncure.'^*  I 
offered  loo  Dollars,  but,  if  more,  shall  be  glad  to  see  him 
here.  The  Ind's  Scheme  of  attacking  the  Fr.  near  to  Ve- 
nango, I  think,  is  very  feasible,  if  the  Season  of  the  year  will 
admit  of  it,  but  this  sh'd  be  determin'd  by  a  Council  of  War. 
I  wrote  to  Mr.  Montour,  some  Time  since,  to  go  to  the  Camp  and 
receive  Orders  from  You.  The  Councill  will  not  meet  till  the 
loth,  w'n  I  shall  advise  with  them  on  these  Matters.  I  fear  Y'r 
Numbers  are  too  few  for  sumoning  the  Fort.  One  other  mis- 
carriage will  dishearten  all  concerned;  therefore  I  w'd  not  pro- 
ceed there  with't  some  great  Certainty  of  Success.  I  rec'd  the 
Comand'r's  Let'r,  but  y'r  Omiting  the  most  essential  Point  in 
regard  to  the  Prisoners  being  out  of  Washington's  Hands,  and 
therefore  not  to  be  included  in  the  Capitulat'n,  [was]  a  grand 
Oversight,  for  he  knows  they  were  not  in  his  Power  to  Ca- 
pitulate for  them.  We  cannot  think  of  sending  the  Prisoners 
to  Montreal;  therefore  they  must  rem'n  at  Alexa'a  for  some 
Time.  As  for  Mr.  Lyon,  give  him  such  a  Com'o.  in  the  Ar- 
tillery as  You  think  he  is  equal  to.  I  hope  our  Assembly,  at 
[its]  next  Meeting,  will  more  seriously  consider  their  Danger, 
and  grant  [an]  adequate  Supply.  You  are  not  to  spend  Your 
Time  with't  proper  Pay,  which  I  shall  take  Care  of  It's 
easy  transporting  Forces  down  the  Ohio,  w'ch  is  an  advan- 
tage the  Fr.  at  present  have  over  Us.  I  have  wrote  home 
for  all  sorts  of  Stores,  w'ch,  I  hope,  will  soon  come.  I  am 
really  affraid  to  take  the  Officer's"^  Parole,  as  he  appears  to 
me  a  mean  Spirited  Fellow ;  or,  more  properly,  a  Petit  Matre. 
If  he  sends  a  Let'r  for  the  relief  of  Stobo,  he,  and  the  two 
Cadets,  shall  be  released.  I  have  not  sent  Home  the  Mus- 
ter  rolls,  therefore    the    respits  "*    will   be   adjusted   next   Mus- 

1"*  Probably  in  the  name,  "Jean  Clur,"  p.  142,  Jonquiere  may  have  been 
intended. 

'^^La  Force. 

^^  Respite,  from  the  French  respiter,  to  delay  or  suspend ;  now  to  be 
suspended  from  pay  or  promotion,  but  it  originally  signified  delay,  for- 
bearance, &c.  Thus,  in  Clarendon's  Civil  War,  we  read,  that  by  an 
act  passed  for  the  satisfaction  of  the  King's  army,  they  were  promised 
pay  in  November  following,  till  which  time  they  were  to  respite  it, 
and  be  contented. 


348  UINWIDIHK    PAPKRS. 

icr.  V'rs.  of  ihe  27th.— What  Vou  want,  as  to  Cash,  shall 
be  supplicil  as  much  as  may  In.*  in  my  Power.  I  agree 
with  \'o\i  y't  some  Punishmt  shd  be  inflicted  on  desert's, 
to  deter  others:  but  this  Vou  shd  consuh  at  a  Council  of 
War.  It  surprizes  me  y't  they  shd  g"  [t"]  the  Fr.,  w'n  they 
are  in  so  much  want  of  Provis's,  and  their  Allowance  so  scanty. 
Capt.  Rulhtrhird  is  a  sensible,  worthy  dent.;  consuh  with  him 
(and  shew  him  due  respect).  Hut  I  think  some  Method  shd  l>e 
fallen  on  to  prevent  this  for  the  Future,  and  [I]  have  wrote  him 
on  this  Subject  The  Assembly's  Conduct  is  not  to  thwart 
me,  but  [is  due  to]  a  difl'erence  between  them  and  the  Council. 
Their  Addresses  to  me  have  been  past  my  Expectat'n.  The 
ordering  out  the  Militia  is  very  certainly  in  my  Power,  and 
[this  is]  jjreatly  strengthen'd  by  a  new  Instruct' n,  but  I  wait  for 
my  Letters  and  Orders  from  Home  before  I  put  this  in  Execu- 
tion. I  approve  V'r  Conduct,  to  be  greatly  on  Y'r  Guard, 
for  I  fear  the  Enemy  may  venture  over  the  Mount's  to  attack 
You.  I  am  sorry  V'r  Satisfact'n  in  V'r  Com'd  has  been  so 
small,  but  Vou  must  be  patient  for  a  little  Time,  w'n  I  hope 
Things  will  turn  out  better.  I  am  fully  convinc'd  the  Fort 
Vou  are  building  will  be  of  very  great  Service  to  the  Colo- 
nies, and  I  hope  will  keep  Vour  People  in  good  Order  and 
Spirits,  in  hopes  of  some  considerable  Action  in  the  Spring, 
for  the  Service  of  the  King,  this  Dom'n,  and  the  Hon'r  of 
Y'r  Forces.  I  send  Vou  some  Letters  y't  came  to  my  Hands 
last  Week.  If  the  Affairs  You  are  now  engag'd  in  c'd  allow 
You  to  come  here  w'n  Mr.  Dobbs  arrives,  I  sh'd  be  glad, 
but  y't  You  will  not  be  till  the  End  of  this,  or  Beginning  of 
next,  Mo.  I  heartily  wish  Vou  Health.  .My  Wife  and  Girls 
join  in  kind  respects,  and  I  always  am. 

Sir.  V'r  I'ricnd,  &c. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  349 


GOVERNOR  DINWIUDIE  TO  CAPTAIN  JOHN  RUTHER- 
FORD.'»' 

Oct.  5th,  1754. 
Sir: 

This  Morn'g  I  had  the  Pleasure  of  receiv'g  Y'r  Let'r  of  the 

27th  Ult.,  and  desire  to  congratulate  You  on  Y'r  safe  Arrival  to 
Y'r  Com'd,  where  You  was  greatly  wanted.  Gov'r  Dobbs  [has] 
not  yet  arriv'd,  the  Man  of  War  he  conies  in,  I  hear  was  ordered 
to  New  London,  and  to  wait  there  till  the  King's  Ship  from  this 
[place]  proceeds  for  that  Place.  She  is  to  sail  Tuesday  next,  so 
y't  I  do  not  expect  Gov'r  Dobbs  till  the  End  of  this  Mo.,  or 
beginn'g  of  next,  w'ch  gives  me  much  Concern  for  my  Let'rs — 
those  by  Gov'r  Morris  [are]  not  yet  come  to  hand,  so  y't  I  am  at 
a  Loss  how  to  act  in  regard  to  the  Expedit'n,  and  indeed  the  un- 
accountable Backwardness  of  all  the  Assemblies,  particularly  y't 
of  this  Dom'n,  in  not  grant' g  proper  Supplies,  ties  up  my  Hands 
from  proceeding  as  the  present  Situat'n  of  our  Affairs  require, 
however,  I  hope  on  the  next  Meeting  of  our  Assembly  they  will 
more  seriously  consider  their  danger  and  grant  such  Aid  as  may 
Enable  me  to  defeat  the  Designs  of  the  French.  The  two 
Compa's  from  N.  York  were  very  long  hindered  at  that  Place, 
and  many  Delays  afterwards,  w'ch  gave  the  Enemy  the  Advantage 
in  the  last  Skirmish,  however,  we  must  look  forward  and  en- 
deavour to  retreve  y't  Loss.  I  think  the  Gov'r  of  N.  York  sh'd 
have  made  a  Draft  from  the  four  Compa's,  and  sent  two  compl't, 
agreeable  to  His  M'y's  Com'ds.  I  hope  proper  Care  will  be 
taken  to  prevent  Desertion,  and  as  the  Season  of  the  Year 
advances  fast,  I  cannot  think  it  prudent,  with  the  few  Men  now 
with  You,  to  march  over  the  Mount's,  but  to  build  a  proper  Fort 
and  Barracks  to  protect  the  Men  from  the  Inclemency  of  the 
Weather.  Surely  if  they  knew  the  scanty  Allowance  the  Fr. 
now  have  at  their  Fort,  none  w'd  offer  to  desert  to  them,  and  I 
am  of  Opinion,  some  of  them,  when  taken,  sh'd  be  made  Ex- 
amples of,  by  proper  Punishm't.     I  thank   You  for  the   Letters 

'*'John  Rutherford  was  sworn  a  member  of  His  Majesty's  Council  of 
New  York,  Jan.  14,  1744,  at  which  time  he  was  a  Captain  of  an  Inde- 
dendent  Company;  commissioned  a  Major  of  the  60th  or  Royal  Amer- 
ican Regiment,  Jan.  6,  1756,  and  killed  in  the  attack  on  Ticonderoga, 
July  8,  175S. 


860  DINWIDOIE   PAPKRS.. 

You  enclosed  nu- :  tlw  Character  and  jjood  Opinion  I  had  of 
Capi.  Ruihcrlurd  wanted  no  recomendation,  but  from  these 
Gent.,  I  must  have  a  due  regard  to  them.  And  if  Affairs  will 
give  you  a  proper  Opp'ty  1  shall  l>e  glad  of  seeing  You  here 
the  Knd  of  this  Mo.,  or  Heginn'g  of  ne.\t.  A  Sloop  is  gone 
from  Ale.xa  to  N.  Nork  by  Capt.  Clarks  Order,  for  the  Cloalh- 
ing,  so  I  presume  You  may  very  soon  expect  them.  There  has 
been  great  disputes  in  regard  to  the  Com'd  before  the  Ind't 
Companies  arrived.  I  appointed  Officers  and  raised  300  Men, 
Colo..  Lieut. -Colo.,  Majr,  tS:c.  These  Troops  were  rais'd  by  His 
M'y's  Com'ds.  and  arc  not  Militia,  as  they  are  p'd  by  Mis  M'y, 
but  as  they  have  not  their  Commiss's  imediately  from  the  King, 
the  Disputes  arose,  and  the  regulars  refus'd  acting  in  consort 
with  them,  or  receivi'g  any  direct's  or  Orders  from  their  Othcers. 
This  is  Punclillio  [which]  I  wish  c'd  be  made  easy  and  reconciled 
on  this  Kxpcdit'n,  and  I  pray  you  will  endeavour  to  bring  it  into 
some  rule.  I  have  wrote  the  Sec'ry  of  War  thereon,  but  1  fear 
it  will  be  some  Time  or  I  receive  his  Answer.  I  heartily  wish 
You  Health,  and  in  hopes  of  seeing  You  w'n  a  proper  Opp'ty 
offers,  1  remain, 

Sir.  \"t  most  h'ble  serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIi;  To  C.MT.MN  CI..\RK. 

Oct'r  20th.  [1754.] 

Y'rs  of  the  14th  ullo.  I  reed,  and  as  I  have  reed  new 
Instruct's  from  G.  H.,  it  will  be  absolutely  necessary  y't  You 
repair  to  Y'rduty  at  the  Time  Y'r  Liberty  of  Absence  ceases. 
Mr.  Sharpe,  the  Gov'r  of  M'yld  has  his  M'y's  Com'o.  to 
comand  the  Forces  on  this  Expedition,  and  he  is  to  be  with 
me  in  a  few  days,  to  consult  a  Plan  of  Operat's.  The  Minis- 
try are  very  zealous  for  conducting  the  Kxpedil'n  with  .Spirit, 
and  I  doubt  not  every  one  Concerned  will,  in  their  different 
Stats,  exert  their  utmost  in  prosecuting  an  Affair  of  so  great 
Consequence  to  the  Natn  and  these  Colonies.  I  sincerely 
wish  You  a  Confirmat'n  of  Y'r  Health,  and  am  in  Truth, 
Sir,  ^"r  Friend.   iVc. 


DINVVIDDIE    PAPERS.  351 


THE  PLAN  OF  RIILITARY  OPERATIONS. 

A  Plan  of  Operations,  Constdted  and  agreed  upon  by  Gov'r 
Dinwiddle,  of  Virg'a;  Gov'r  Dobbs,  of  No.  Carolina,  and 
Gov' r  Sharpe  of  lifyVd.  In  co7iseque7ice  thereof  Govr 
Sharpe,  ivho  is,  by  His  M'y,  appointed  Com' d' r  of  the  com- 
bined Forces  on  the  ExpediV  n  to  the  Ohio,  agrees  to  the 
same  as  follows  : 

In  pursuance  of  their  Advice  and  Approbat'n  of  the  Scheme, 
I  propose,  if  possible,  to  assemble  i,ooo  men,  the  Ind't  Compa's 
included ;  and  unless  the  Winter  sets  in  too  severely  very 
shortly,  I  hope  they  will  be  able  to  carry  the  Fr.  Fort  on  the 
River  Monongahela,  at  least  before  it  can  be  reinforced  from 
Canada,  in  the  Spring.  This,  indeed,  and  building  a  Fort 
(w'ch  we  think  necessary)  opposite  to  it,  on  an  Island  in  the 
Ohio,  is  all  I  can  entertain  very  sanguine  Hopes  of  being  able 
to  execute,  with  so  small  a  Number  of  Men  as  I  [am]  affraid 
will  be  under  my  direct' n,  unless  we  are  reinforced  from  Home, 
as  large  Detachm'ts  will  be  imediate[ly]  necessary,  and  must 
be  employ' d  in  garrisoning  those  Forts  (sh'd  we  be  successful 
in  our  Enterprize),  and  one  y't  is  already  built  at  a  Place 
called  Wills's  Creek,  on  Potom'k,  by  way  of  Magazine  for  the 
Forces  y't  shall  be  employ'd  in  this  Service.  And  if  we  find 
there  is  the  least  Prospect  of  succeeding  therein,  I  will  make 
an  attempt,  with  our  American  Strength,  on  the  Forts  w'ch 
the  French  have  built  near  Lake  Erie,  up  the  River  Buttaloe. 
And  You  will  be  pleased  to  assure  his  Majesty  y't  Nothing 
shall  be  wanting,  on  my  Part,  to  perform  it,  tho'  I  hope  y't 
the  strength  of  the  Enemy  in  those  Parts,  and  their  Superiour 
Knowledge  of  the  Co'try  proposed  for  the  Scene  of  Act'n,  as 
well  as  their  numerous  Allies  among  the  Ind'n  Nations,  will 
be  taken  into  Considerat'n,  lest  my  utmost  Endeavours  and 
Success  with  an  Inferior  Force  sh'd  not  answer  His  M'ty's 
Royal  Expectations. 


352  UlNWIDlJlK    PAPERS. 

GOVERNUK  DINW  11)1)11-:  TO  COLONKL  INNES. 

Oct'r  24th,   1754. 
Sir: 

I  rcc'd  Vr  two  Lctr^,  but  \'ou  ney;lcctecl  to  acknowledge 

the  receipt  of  the  Money  sent  by  Mr.  Lyon.  The  French 
Otiiccr  must  reni'n.  as  it  is  not  tho't  proper  to  take  his  Parole. 
Gov'r  Sharpe  is  appointed  by  His  M'y,  Comd'r  in  Chief  of 
the  combined  Forces  on  the  E.xpedit'n:  he  now  writes  You, 
And  we  have  agreed  to  appoint  You  Camp  Mast'r  Gen'I, 
with  the  same  appointm't  You  formerly  had,  w'ch  I  hope 
will  be  agreeable,  and  y't  \'ou  will  accept  thereof.  He  will 
verv  soon  be  with  ^'ou,  w'n  You  will  have  the  Opp'ty  of 
talking  every  Thing  over.  The  Pres't  You  have  from  Win- 
chester, distribute  it  properly  among  the  Ind's  as  You  may 
see  ht.  I  desire  You  may  perswade  four  or  five  of  the  most 
intelligent  Ind's  to  rem'n  with  You  till  Mr.  Sharpe  comes 
up,  for  he  probably  may  have  occasion  of  ihem.  I  am  ex- 
treamly  hurried  by  a  Ship  goin[g]  for  London,  y't  I  cannot 
enlarge.  Mr.  Dobbs  is  gone  to  his  Gov't,  and  I  think  he 
is  properly  apprised  of  Y'r  Merit  and  Services.  He  Com- 
plains much  of  the  Method  of  Coining'**  Money  in  Y'r  Prov- 
ince, and  he  is  of  Opinion,  with  many  others,  y't  it  was  a 
Jobb.  I  remain,  Sincerely, 
Y'rs,   &c. 

The    Within   Let'rs  came   to    my   Hands    very  lately;  y't  to 
C't  Mackay,  please  d'r  him. 


GOVKKNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  SIR   THOS.  ROBINSON. 

V  C't  Yuille).     Oct'r  25th,  [1754.] 

Your  two  Letters  of  the  5th  of  July  came  to  my  Hands 
last  Week.     His  M'y's  Subjects  in  this  Dom'n,  and  his  other 


"*  A  misapplication  oi  the  term,  for  printing,  as  there  was  no  colonial 
coinage  in  North  Carolina. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  353 

Colonies  on  this  Con't  must  be  under  a  grateful  Sense  of  His 
Royal  Pleasure  and  Paternal  Care  for  his  gracious  Consider- 
ation of  their  present  distresses  from  the  unjust  Invasion  of  the 
Fr.  on  His  M'y's  Lands  on  the  Ohio  the  back  of  this  Colony, 
and  of  the  extraordinary  Marks  of  his  Goodness  and  Favo.  to 
them  in  Supply' g  me  with  20,000 ;^  St'g,  for  the  Conduct' g  the 
necessary  and  essential  Expedit'n.  The  ^10,000  in  Specie  I  have 
rec'd.  And  for  His  M'y's  further  distinguish'd  regard  for  us  in 
ordering  2,000  Stand  of  Arms  for  us  with  their  proper  Ac- 
coutrem'ts  from  the  Royal  Stores.  The  Arms  are  not  yet 
arrived,  but  daily  expected.  These  extraordinary  Marks  of  His 
M'y's  great  and  generous  paternal  Love  for  his  Subjects  here, 
I  have  represented,  in  a  proper  Manner,  to  our  Assembly,  now 
sitting,  and  I  am  in  hopes  it  will  raise  a  grateful  Sense  of 
Gratitude  to  the  best  of  Kings,  and  y't  it  will  incite  them  with 
Chearfulness  to  contribute  a  considerable  Sum  for  conducting 
this  Expedit'n,  w'ch  I  have  recomended  to  them  in  the  strongest 
Terms,  and  am  in  hopes  of  Success.  You  are  pleas' d  to  mention 
His  M'y's  Pleasure  in  having  both  these  Sums  reimbursed  from 
the  Revenue  of  2s.  "^f^  Hhd. ;  give  me  Leave  humbly  to  repre- 
sent to  You  y't  the  Revenue  of  2,000/^  |f*  Annum  for  the 
Gov'r's  Salary;  1,200^  "^  Ann.,  to  the  Council;  200  _;^  to 
the  Agent  at  Home  :  200^  ^  Ann.,  to  the  Judges  of  the 
Oyer  and  Terminer  Court;  The  Adjut'ts,  Att'y  Gen'l,  and 
other  incident  Cha's  Cirsa  [?]  1,500^  ^  Ann.,  so  y't  Revenue 
is  greatly  loaded.  And  I  further  beg  Leave  to  observe  y't  the 
Revenue  of  2s.  ^  Hhd.  is  the  only  Fund  I  can  call  upon,  on  all 
Emergencies,  for  His  M'y's  Service,  and  with't  Aid  from  thence 
I  sh'd  be  often  strait' ned  to  conduct  myself  in  the  discharge  of 
my  duty  to  the  King.  From  these  Observat's,  considering  the 
pres't  Exigency  of  our  Affairs,  having  the  Enemy  so  near  us,  I 
therefore  humbly  pray  Y'r  Int't  with  His  M'y  to  suspend  the 
Reimbursem't  of  the  Money  and  Credit  sent  me  from  y't  Rev- 
enue, particularly  at  this  dangerous  Time,  and  w'n  the  different 
Assemblies  on  this  Cont't  are  so  backward  in  granting  Supplies, 
and  y't  Revenue  is  the  only  one  I  can  have  recourse  to  on  every 
pressing  Occasion.  I  shall,  by  next  Ship,  transmit  to  the  Lords 
of  the  Treas'y  y't  Acc't  and  y't  of  H.  M'y's  Quit  Rents.  You 
may  be  assur'd  the  Money  and  Credit  sent  me  shall  be  applied 
in  the  most  frugal  and  proper  Manner  for  His  M'y's  Service,  and 


354  lU.NW  iDl'll     PAPERS. 

the  Ace' Is  otniy  l)isl)iirbciu'ts  shall  be  ducly  transmiitiil  to  \'ou. 
I  shall  consult  with  Mr.  (ileii  in  orilcr  U)  secure  the  Cherokees ; 
they  have  been  twice  in  here,  their  Kmperor,  Kinj^;  and  Officers, 
I  reed  them  kindly,  sent  them  away  in  hii;h  .Spirits  and  with 
proper  Presents.  I  am  convinced,  a  I'orl  in  the  Western  Parts  of 
this  Co't'y  will  be  absolutely  necessary,  and  1  shall  endeavour  to 
perswade  Mr.  (ilen  to  this  Step.  He  built  a  Fort  anmn^jst  them 
iS  Mos  ago,  but  it  was  so  contijjuous  to  So.  Carolina  y't  it  c'd 
not  be  of  any  Use  to  anoy  the  French  or  protect  these  People 
from  their  Invasions.  Our  Militia.  I  think,  is  u|)ward  of  20,coo, 
but  in  a  short  Time  I  shall  be  able  to  give  you  a  more  e.\act 
Acc't  of  their  Numbers.  Hut  by  an  Act  of  Assembly,  I  can  not 
oblige  them  to  march  out  of  the  Counties  of  Virginia,  therefore, 
raising  of  them  will  not  answer  the  pres't  Occasion.  I  therefore 
propose  y't  each  County  be  obliged  to  Supply  a  certain  Number 
of  Men,  but  this  must  be  by  Act  of  Assembly,  w'ch  I  shall  en- 
deavour to  obtain.  These  Men  to  be  enlisted  into  regular  Corps, 
which  I  think  will  answer  the  Purpose  much  better  y'n  raising 
the  Militia,  who  have  a  settled  Pay  of  15  lbs.  of  Tob'o,  equal  to 
2S.  V  I^ay.  3nd  w'n  raised,  of  no  Service  out  of  the  Limits  of 
this  Gov't.  It's  a  Doubt  whether  the  Ohio  is  in  this  Dom'n, 
or  included  in  Mr.  Pen's  Proprietary  of  Pensylvania,  but  it  will 
be  necessary  in  a  proper  Time  to  have  the  Line  run,  to  ascertain 
the  Bounds  of  this  Colony,  y't  Otticers  of  Justice  may  be  ap- 
pointed, to  keep  the  Settlers  and  Ind'n  Traders  in  good  Order. 
Mr.  Dobbs  is  now  with  me  and  in  a  few  Days,  proceeds  to  his 
Gov't.  I  am  very  well  pleased  y't  Mr.  Sharpe  is  appointed  to 
Comand  the  combined  P'orces.  w'ch  will  put  an  Knd  to  some 
Disputes  between  the  Ind't  Compa's  and  the  Officer  I  ap- 
pointed to  Comand.  This  Person,  Colo.  J.  Inncs,  has  been  in 
His  M'y's  Army,  and  [is]  of  an  unblemished  Character,  of  great 
Reputat'n  for  his  Bravery  and  Conduct,  and  I  shall  still  en- 
deavour to  keep  him  in  the  .Service.  I  have  ordered  him  to 
build  a  .Magazine  for  .Stores,  and  a  Fort  to  protect  it,  near  the 
Allegany  Mount's,  w'ch  I  believe  by  this  time  is  finished.  Our 
Assembly  have,  after  strong  Argum'ts  and  the  greatest  Int't  I 
c'd  make,  voted  ^20,000,  this  .Money,  towards  conducting  the 
Expedition,  but  this,  with  His  Majesty's  generous  and  Kind 
Donat'n.  will  come  far  short  of  the  Expenses  y't  will  attend  it, 
w'ch  you  will  please  observe  by  the  enclosed  Calculat'n,  and  the 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  355 

Other  Colonies  as  yet  rem'n  refractory  and  Indolent,  by  not 
granting-  a  mutual  Supply.  In  order  to  Conduct  this  Expedit'n 
with  a  proper  Spirit  and  Forces,  I  propose  raising  lo  Companies 
of  200  Men  each.  There  is  an  Uneasiness  subsist'g  between  the 
Officers  of  His  M'y's  In't  Compa's,  and  those  under  my  Comis- 
sions.  The  former  will  not  rank  with  them,  and  I  fear  [this]  may 
be  of  great  Prejudice  in  case  of  Action.  I  w'd,  therefore,  h'bly  pro- 
pose y't  they  may  be  regiment'd,  and  blank  Comiss's  sent  out 
to  me  to  fill  up  as  was  done  on  the  Expedition  to  Carthegena, 
and  to  the  Ind't  Compa's  comanded  by  Cap'ts  and  Lieut'ts  only; 
this  w'd  reconcile  all  the  Officers,  and  if  His  M'y  sh'd  be  gra- 
ciously pleased  to  give  me  the  Com'd  of  the  Forces  raised  here, 
I  am  perswaded  they  w'd  be  greatly  pleased,  but  this  I  shall 
submit,  as  I  shall  never  offer  any  Thing  but  w't  I  conceive  abso- 
lutely necessary  for  this  important  Service.  Inclosed,  I  send 
You  a  Dem'd  from  the  Ordnance,  to  be  added  to  my  former 
request,  w'ch  is  tho't  absolutely  necess'y  by  Gov'r  Dobbs,  Gov'r 
Sharpe,  and  myself  I  beg  you  will  excuse  the  Length  of  this 
Letter,  w'ch  I  c'd  not  properly  abridge,  and  desire  to  assure  you, 
y't  I  rem'n  w'th  great  deference  and  due  respects, 

R't  Hon'ble,  Y'r  most  ob't  and  faithful  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE'S  CHARGE  TO  THE  GRAND  JURY. 

Oct'r  26th,  1754. 
Geyifn  of  the  Grand  Jury  : 

You  are  here  assembled  and  swore  to  the  execution  of  the 
most  important  trust.  The  enacting  of  Laws  is  the  Business  of 
the  Legislature;  but  the  Happiness  of  the  Country  we  live  in 
depends  much  on  the  Execut'n  of  those  Laws.  I  am  very  sorry 
to  see  so  many  Criminals  now  to  be  tried.  It  is  Your  duty, 
Gent.,  to  examine  into  the  different  offences  they  are  comitted 
for,  and  report  the  same  to  the  Court.  Examples  by  punishment 
is  absolutely  necessary  to  deter  others  from  such  wicked  Prac- 
tices, and  I  have  not  the  least  doubt  but  Y'r  Conduct  in  this 
essential  duty  will  entitle  You  to  the  Praise  of  Y'r  fellow  Subjects, 
and  the  Blessing  of  God. 


866  i'iN\\ii)i)n    PAPERS. 


GOVERNOK  DINWIUIJIKS  ADDKKSS  TO  THE  GENERAL 
ASSK.MHLV. 

Grnt'n  ot  the   Council,  Mr.  S/>t  akt  r,  atiJ  Gent' n  of  the  Ho.  of 
Bur  gases  : 

I  once  more  call  \'ou  toj^cllier  to  consult  on  the  dan- 
gerous Situation  ot'  Y'r  Co't'y,  trom  the  unjustiliable  Invasion 
and  Encroach  Tits  of  the  French,  and  I  am  in  hopes  that  during 
Vr  short  Recess  ^'ou  have  seriously  considered  the  miserable 
Circumstances  of  V  r  AfVairs,  and  in  Course  the  absolute  Ne- 
cessity of  granting  imediate,  considerable,  and  adequate  sup- 
plies to  enable  me  to  put  a  stop  to  their  injurious  designs, 
and  to  drive  them  from  His  M'y's  Lands  upon  the  Ohio.  I 
have  the  Pleasure  to  acquaint  N'ou  y't  His  M'y,  considering  the 
pernicious  Measures  taken  by  the  French  and  the  great  Regard 
he  bears  for  his  Subjects  in  these  Colonies,  has  been  graciously 
pleased  to  send  me  f/']  10,000  St'g  in  Specie,  and  also  to  order 
from  his  Royal  Stores,  2,000  .Stands  of  Arms,  with  their  proper 
Accoutrem'ts,  (w'ch  I  daily  expect  the  arrival  of,)  for  Vr  Aid 
and  L'se.  Gent,  of  the  Ho.  of  Burgesses,  These  distinguish' d 
Marks  of  His  M'y's  paternal  Care  for  his  Subjects  in  these  Col- 
onies :  his  Solicitude  for  their  Safety,  and  his  earnest  desires  to 
defeat  the  designs  of  the  F"r..  I  hope  will  raise  in  You  a  just 
Sense  of  Duty  and  (iratitude  to  the  best  of  Kings  and  engage 
\"r  more  effectual  Attent'n  to  His  M'y's  repeated  Com'ds  for 
granting  .Supplies.  The  \'oice  of  Nature,  (jcnt.,  and  w't  Vou 
are  sensible  is  among  the  most  prevailing  Motives  of  human 
Actions,  ^"r  own  Intt.  loudly  call  on  ^'ou  with  the  most 
urging  Emphasis,  to  rouse  from  Y'r  Inactivity  and  assert  their 
Rights.  And  can  You  continue  deaf  to  such  Intreaties?  Shall 
Y'r  Posterity,  groaning  under  the  Yoak  of  civil  and  religious 
Slavery,  despoiled  of  every  Thing  that  renders  Life  desirable, 
amidst  their  dcs{)ondence  tind  their  Misery  still  aggravated  by 
reflecting  on  the  Cause  ?  That  their  own  Progenitors,  who 
might  have  transmitted  to  them,  inviolated.  the  Liberties,  the 
Properties,  and  the  pure  Religion  y't  they  enjoyed,  by  a  Supine- 
ness  and  Neglect,  as  unaccountable  as  it  was  unnatural,  suffered 
all  to  be  taken  from  them  I  Gent ,  The  Eyes  of  His  My,  His 
Ministry,  nay,  of  all  Y'r  fellow  Subjects,  are  fixed  on  Y'r  present 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  357 

determinat's.  I  wish  I  had  Words  strong  enough  to  convey  to 
You  the  absolute  Necessity  there  is  at  this  Time  for  a  generous 
Supply ;  but  Words  cannot  be  so  strong  as  Facts.  Consider 
w't  the  Enemy  have  done  and  w't  they  further  threaten  to  do, 
and  I  am  convinced,  y't  is  sufficient  to  raise  the  Spirit  of  every 
British  Subject  to  an  imediate  resentm't,  and  thorough  Reso- 
luti'n,  with  their  Lives  and  Fortunes,  to  repel  the  impending 
Ruin.  Let  me  prevail  with  you  then,  Gent  ,  to  prevent  Evils 
y't  but  in  Prospect,  must  affect  every  serious  Considerer  with 
Honor;  and  be  persuaded  to  exert  the  true  Spirit  of  Patriotism, 
and  convince  the  World  y't  no  Motive  can  impede,  or  any  Con- 
siderat'n  w't  ever  obstruct,  the  great  and  important  Business  now 
recommended  to  Your  consideration.  It  is  at  this  Time,  y't  by 
an  Exertion  of  Your  Strength,  You  may  answer  the  Expectat'n 
of  His  M'y,  promote  the  Interest  of  G.  B.,  secure  the  Peace  and 
Happiness  of  Y'r  Co't'y,  and  by  a  brave,  vigorous  and  united 
Effort,  entirely  defeat  the  Machinations  of  France,  the  ancient 
Enemy  of  G.  B.  and  the  disturber  of  Mankind. 

Gent,  of  the  Council,  Mr.  Speaker,  and  Gent,  of  Ho.  of  Bur- 
gesses, At  this  critical  Juncture,  I  sincerely  recommend  to  You, 
Harmony  and  Unanimity,  ever  propitious  to  public  Councills, 
never  more  indispensably  necessary  than  on  this  occasion.  Let 
all  Cavils  and  Disputes  subside,  and  cordially  unite  in  concerting 
the  most  prud't  Measures  to  be  pursued  in  the  present  evident 
Emergency.  For  my  Part,  I  do  assure  [you]  y't  I  will,  with 
the  greatest  Pleasure,  join  with  You  in  every  Step  You  take  for 
those  just  and  salutary  purposes,  agreeable  to  my  Instruct' s. 


REPLY  OF  THE  COUNCIL  TO   GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE. 

2ist  Oct'r,  [1754]. 
S'r: 

We,  His  M'y's  most  dutiful  and  loyal  Subjects,  the  Coun- 
cil of  Virg'a,  now  met  in  Gen'i  Assembly,  beg  leave  to  return 
Y'r  Honor  our  most  sincere  and  hearty  Thanks  for  \'r  very 
affect,  and  pathetic  Speech  at  the  opening  of  this  Session.  We 
have  seriously  reflected  on  the  dangerous  Situat'n  of  our  Co't'y 


358  DINWIDDIE    PAPERS, 

from  the  unjustifiable  Invas'n  and  Incroachm'ts  of  the  Fr.,  and 
a  deep  sense  thereof,  will  determine  us  to  pay  all  due  Attent'n 
to  the  import't  Business  Y'r  Hon'r  has  been  pleased  to  recom- 
mend to  our  Considerat'n.  His  M'y's  paternal  Rej^ard  for 
these  Colonies,  the  jjenerous  aid  he  luus  been  ple;is'd  to  grant 
towards  enabling  us  to  repel  the  destructive  Machinat's  of  the 
Knemy,  dem'd  our  most  grateful  Acknowledgments,  and  we 
sh.  think  ourselves  unpardonable,  if,  at  this  perilous  Juncture, 
we  rendered  it  useless  and  abortive  by  an  ill-timed  Parsi- 
mony, or  failed,  by  suitable  Sup|)lies,  to  make  it  adecjuate  to 
our  present  exigencies,  ^"r  Hon'r  may  therefore  securely  rely 
on  our  Assurance  of  heartily  concurring  with  the  Ho.  of  B's 
in  all  such  Measures  as  shall  be  tho't  necessary  for  advancing 
His  M'y's  Service,  the  Int't  of  the  American  Colonies,  and  for 
defeating  the  injurious  designs  of  France,  the  ancient  Enemy 
of  G.  B.,  and  the  disturber  of  mankind.  By  these  Means  we 
hope  to  secure  our  Liberties,  Properties  and  Religion,  and  to 
preserve  the  numerous  Blessings  we  enjoy,  to  ourselves  and 
our  Posterity.  In  an  Affair  of  such  vast  Importance,  we  assure 
Y'r  Hon'r,  y't  we  will  proceed  with  y't  Harmony  and  Unanimity 
w'ch  is  ever  propitious  to  public  Councils,  and  most  indis- 
pensably necessary  on  this  Occasion.  We  acknowledge,  with 
the  warmest  Sentim'ts  of  Gratitude,  Y'r  Hon'r's  constant  and 
unwearied  Applicat'n  in  the  defence  and  Support  of  His  M'y's 
undoubted  Rights  in  promoting  the  true  Int't  and  Prosperity 
of  the  Country,  and  for  your  Readiness  to  join,  with  the  great- 
est Pleasure,  in  every  step  conducive  to  these  just  and  salutary 
Purposes. 


G()VF:RNoR  I)IN\VII»l)li-  ^    Kl-.J(»INI)nK    To  THi:  COUNCIL. 

Grnl.  of  the   Coiinn'/  : 

1  sincerely  thank  you  for  \"r  kind  and  affection- 
ate Address.  It  gives  me  great  Pleasure  to  observe  ^"r 
grateful  Acknowledgments  and  true  sense  of  His  M'y's  Re- 
gard for  \"r  Safety,  in  granting  us  so  generous  .Supplies, 
and  of  Y'r  determination    of  concurring  with   the   Ho.  of  Bur- 


DINVVIDDIE    PAPERS.  359 

gesses  for  His  M'y's  Service  and  the  Int't  of  His  American 
Colonies.  Y'r  proceeding  at  this  Time  with  Harmony  and 
unanimity,  I  doubt  not,  will  be  a  Means  of  defeating  the 
wicked  designs  of  our  Enemies.  I,  with  Pleasure,  shall  con- 
tinue in  doing  every  Thing  in  my  Power  for  the  Service  of 
His  M'y,  and  of  this  Dom'n,  and  y't,  with  the  greatest  Alac- 
rity, while  I  have  Y'r  Advice  and  Approbat'n. 


REPLY  OF  THE  HOUSE  OF  BURGESSES  TO  GOVERNOR 
DINWIDDIE. 

Sir  : 

We,  His  M'y's  most  dutiful  and  loyal  Subjects,  the  B's  of 
Virg'a,  now  met  in  Gen'l  Assembly,  beg  Leave  to  return  Y'r 
Hon'r  Thanks  for  Y'r  Speech  to  the  Council,  and  this  Ho,,  at 
the  Opening  of  this  Session.  The  Assistance  that  His  M'y  has 
been  graciously  pleas' d  to  grant  to  the  Subjects  of  this  Colony 
ag'st  the  pernicious  attempts  of  the  French,  hath  justly  excited 
in  us  the  warmest  Sentim'ts  of  duty  and  Gratitude  for  this  pa- 
ternal Regard.  The  Welfare  of  our  Co' try,  as  it  is  indeed  a 
natural  Inducem't,  so  it  hath  ever  been  the  only  governing  Motive 
in  all  our  resolut'ns,  however  illy  they  have  been  represented. 
And  Y'r  Hon'r  may  be  assured  y't  we  will  continue  to  proceed 
with  such  Unanimity  and  Concord  amongst  Ourselves,  as  may 
render  our  Consultat's  for  the  public  Good  conducive  to  y't 
Justice  of  our  own  Endeavours.  We  flatter  ourselves.  Sir,  y't  our 
Proceedings  in  every  Case,  will  be  such  an  undeniable  Testimony 
to  Posterity  of  our  strict  Attachm't  to  Y'r  Rights  and  Prop- 
erties, y't,  sh'd  they  ever  be  so  unhappy  as  to  groan  under  the 
galling  Yoke  of  civil  and  religious  Oppress' n,  it  c'd  not  be  the 
Effect  of  any  Inactivity,  Supineness,  or  Neglect  in  us,  the  faith- 
ful Guardians  of  their  Liberty. 


360  IHNWIODIE    PAPERS. 

GOVKKNuK   DlNWlDlMl.s  kl.JoiNDKk  TOTHi;   lUKCiKSSKS. 
Mr.  Sftfiiker.  and  Gent,  of  the  Ho.  of  liurgcssis 

I  thank  \'ou  for  Y'r  Address,  and  V'r  jijraicful  Acknowl- 
cdjjcm'ts  of  His  M'y's  paternal  Care  in  grantinj^  Assistance  to 
You  in  these  Times  of  Danj^er.  Let  (Openness,  mutual  Confi- 
dence, and  a  dehght  for  the  Prosperity  of  V'r  Country,  increase 
our  Happiness,  and  I  doubt  not  \o\x  will  now  consult  the  most 
essential  Methods  to  extricate  ourselves  from  the  threatened  ruin 
intended  by  our  Mnemi[e]s.  And  I  sincerely  wish  and  desire,  y"t 
generous  Benevolence,  Love  and  F'dship,  may  be  the  prevail' g 
Principles  of  all  \"r  public  Transactions. 


ADDRKS-S   OK    TllK  COMMISSARY    .WD   CI.KRGV    TO    GOV- 
KRNOR   DlNWIDDli:. 

Sir  : 

We,  His  M'y's  most  dutiful  and  loyal  Subjects,  the  Comis- 

sary  and  Clergy  of  X'irg'a,  assembled  in  Convent' n,  beg  Leave 
to  express  our  Sense  of  His  M'y's  Care  of  this  Colony,  in  ap 
pointing  V'r  Hon'r  to  preside  in  the  Gov't.  If  we  are  late 
in  doing  this,  by  reason  of  not  being  called  together  sooner, 
We  have  thereby  acquired  an  Oppty  of  adding  our  Thanks 
to  \"r  Honor  for  y't  Confirmat'n  w'ch  V'r  laudal^le  Conduct 
in  quality  of  our  Gov'r,  has  given  to  the  Notions  we  had  pre- 
conceiv'd  of  Vou  from  w't  we  had  frequently  heard  of  V'r 
Abilities,  Resolution  and  Integrity  in  Other  Stations.  It  is  an 
uncom'n  Pleasure  to  be  able  ourselves  to  observe  in  Vou  y't 
tenderness  for  the  Com'n  Int't,  and  Sensibility  to  its  Danger, 
w'ch  ever  make  ^'ou  the  first  to  perceive,  the  readiest  to  ob- 
viate, and  the  most  indefatigable  to  repel,  the  Calamities  w'ch 
threaten  the  Public.  It  is  still  a  higher  Gratification  to  see 
Y'r  Sense  of  Things  too  enlarged  to  take  up  with  the  Pursuit 
of  single  and  detach'd  Articles  of  public  Utility,  and  in  that, 
mistake  the  irregular  Advancem't  of  some  Part  of  the  Good 
of  the  Whole ;  to  find  ^'ou  now  eager  to  amend  our  staple, 
now  zealous  to   prevent  the  dreadful  effects    of    Invasion,   now 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  361 

heartily  disposed  to  encouraging  Piety  and  Virtue,  Seeking 
Y'r  Duty  where  alone  it  is  to  be  found,  in  the  joint  Service 
of  Y'r  People,  Y'r  King,  and  Y'r  God;  Any  one  of  vv'ch 
Services  can  be  no  more  than  speciously  promoted  by  him, 
whose  Views  are  too  narrow  and  partial  to  comprehend  them 
all.  When  we  consider  how  cold  many  are  in  religion, 
how  tenacious  of  Luxury  and  Vice,  together  with  our 
Cond'n  in  being  Exposed  to  the  Incroachm'ts  and  ravages 
of  an  ambitious  and  cruel  Neighbour,  we  sink  into  melan- 
anchoUy  reflect' s,  from  w'ch  Nothing  can  raise  Us  but  the 
looking  up  to,  and  beholding  at  the  head  of  Affairs,  a  Per- 
son whom,  we  hope,  [was]  design' d  by  Providence  for  the  glo- 
rious Labour  of  so  critical  a  Juncture,  for  making  us  happy 
by  driving  Hostilities  from  our  Borders,  and  ejecting  from 
every  other  Part,  Selfishness,  Disaffect'n  and  Irreligion.  May 
y't  extensive  Plan  w'ch  Y'r  Hon'r  acts  upon,  meet  with  the 
success  w'ch  it  deserves.  May  the  People  long  and  gratefully 
enjoy  the  Bless' g  of  Y'r  Administrat'n.  May  the  King,  with 
Pleasure,  remark,  and  with  Bounty  reward,  Y'r  Fidelity,  and 
may  the  King  of  Kings  finally  crown  You  with  Y't  distin- 
guished Felicity  w'ch  the  Holy  Spirit  has  tho't  proper  to 
figure  to  us,  by  saying  to  the  emphatically  good  Serv't  who 
had  made  the  most  of  his  Charge:  "Have  thou  authority  over 
ten  Cities." 


GOVERNOR   DINWIDDIE'S    REPLY  TO   THE  COMMISSARY 
AND  CLERGY. 

Mr.  Commissary,  and  Gent,  of  this  Dom'n: 

I  return  You  my  sincere  Thanks  for  Y'r  very  kind 
Address.  If  Vanity  is  at  any  Time  justifiable.  You  give  me  a 
large  Field  to  indulge  it,  but  as  I  am  convinced  from  this  Ad- 
dress, of  Y'r  Sincere  regard  for,  and  good  Opinion  of,  my  Ad- 
ministrat'n, it  will  have  its  proper  Effect  in  engaging  me,  with 
d'ble  diligence,  to  discharge  my  duties  to  the  best  of  Kings  and 
the  Service  of  our  Co'try.  I  shall  take  it  kind,  if  You  from 
Y'r    Pulpits  inculcate  into    the    People  the  great    dangers    we 


362  lUNWIDDIK    PAPERS. 

are  Expos'd  to.  both  as  to  our  Lives.  Liberties  and  Estates, 
and.  w't  sh'd  be  most  dear  to  Is,  our  religion,  and  Endea- 
vour, y'l  in  this  Time  of  iinin't  danj^cr.  they  will,  with  \'igour 
and  resoUit'n.  assist  me  in  dcfeatinyj  the  Designs  of  our  mer- 
ciless Enemies.  Gent'n,  I  am  in  duty  bound  to  support  our 
Elstabhsh'd  Church,  and  I  desire  to  assure  N'ou  y't  my  In- 
chnations  are  very  sanjijuini;  on  y't  head,  and  to  shew  the  re- 
spect and  esteem  I  have  for  the  Clerj^y,  and  shall  always 
be  ready  and  willinji;  to  serve  them.  I  further  earnestly  de- 
sire \"r  fervent  Prayers  to  the  Throne  of  Grace  for  Success 
to  our  Arms,  and  the  just  Cause  we  are  enyjag'd  in,  to  de- 
feat the  wicked  Machinat's  of  the  Enemies  to  our  Liberties 
and  Church. 


GOVKRNoR   DINWIDDIIC    I'o  THK  LORD.S  OF  TR.XDK. 

Oct'r  2Sth,  1754. 
Rt   }h)N-.: 

Inclosed  \ou  have  Copy  of  my  last,  Since  w'ch,  I 
am  hon'd  with  V'r  Let'rs  of  the  3d  and  4th  of  July.  I  ob- 
serve the  Council  were  pleased  to  reject  the  Pet'n  of  the  Ho. 
of  B.  of  this  Domn,  in  respect  to  the  Pistole  Fee,  and  y't  Y'r 
L'ds.  were  Com'd  by  his  M'y  to  regulate  the  same  for  the 
Future.  I  bej^  leave  to  observe,  y't  the  Fee  of  a  Pistole  was 
never  rec'd  or  demanded  by  me  for  Lands  under  100  Acres, 
or  shall  I  ever  ask.  or  receive  any  Fee  for  less  than  Y'r  L'ds. 
have  prescribed,  or  shall  I  ever  desire  y't  Fee  on  Persons' 
Rights  or  Importat'n,  or  has  there  been  any  Grants  on  y't 
Head  for  these  50  Years,  as  I  am  informed  from  the  Sec'ry's 
Office.  You  are  pleased  to  direct  y  t  no  Fee  shall  be  received 
on  Sealinj^  r,rants  for  Land  in  y't  Part  of  the  Colony  y't 
lies  to  the  Westw'd  of  the  .Mount's  With  Submission  to 
Y'r  L'ds.,  this  wants  E.xplanatii.  VW-  have  the  little  Mount's 
called  Pignut,  the  blue  Mount's,  and  the  Allcg'y  Mount's. 
The  Lands  to  the  Allegany  .Mount's  have  been  greatly  taken 
up,  and  some  remain'g  to  be  settled.  The  Lands  on  the 
other  side  of  the  Allegany  Mount's,  .Applicat'n  has  been  made 
to   His  My  for  an  Exemption   from   (Juit    Rents  for   10  ^'ears 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  363 

on  the  Indulgence  of  the  Crown  to  the  Subjects.  I  always 
conceiv'd,  and  shall  constant^  continue  [so]  to  do,  to  Seal  and 
and  Sign  all  Patents  of  this  Nature  with't  a  Fee,  therefore, 
desire  to  know  if  V'r  L'ds.  Restrict's  is  on  the  Patents  of 
Land  the  other  side  of  the  Allegany  Mount's,  otherwise,  Dis- 
putes will  still  arise.  The  Proposit'n  to  the  Assembly  to  estab- 
lish this  petty  Fee  was  from  the  Council.  I  was  always  clear  in 
Opinion  y't  they  had  no  Business  with  it,  but  y't  it  lay  with  the 
Council,  having  Approbat'n  from  Home  to  establish  it.  Y'r  L'ds. 
are  further  of  Opinion,  y't  as  no  Fee  sh'd  be  rec'd  on  Lands,  y't 
the  Survey  and  Works  [of]  were  lodg'd  in  the  Sec'ry's  Office  be- 
fore the  22d  of  April,  1752,  or  from  Persons  who  had  Orders  for 
Land  before  that  Period.  This,  My  Lords,  was  the  Chief  dispute 
between  the  People  and  me.  I  asked  no  Fee  for  these  Lands, 
but  as  they  had  possessed  and  occupied  them  for  many  Years, 
in  order  to  defraud  His  M'y  of  His  Quit  Rents,  I  tho't  it  my 
Duty  as  one  of  the  Stewards  of  y't  Revenue,  to  dem'd  the 
Arrears  of  Quit  Rents  before  I  sealed  and  Signed  their  Patents, 
On  this  Head,  Y'r  L'ds.  are  silent,  and  I  defer  granting  the 
Patents  till  I  have  Y'r  Determinat'n  thereon.  I,  therefore  pray 
Y'r  direct'n  therein,  (as  I  conceive  it  a  Fraud  to  that  Revenue,) 
and  Y'r  Com'ds  on  this  Head,  shall  be  duly  obey'd.  It  has  been 
too  long  a  Practice  here,  to  have  Orders  for  Land — return  their 
Surveys,  Works,  and  Improvem'ts  to  the  Sec'ry's  Office,  by  w'ch 
they  Pretend  to  a  Legal  right,  and  enjoy  the  Lands  for  Years 
before  they  take  out  a  Patent  for  them,  by  w'ch  the  Crown  has 
been  greatly  defrauded.  I  w'd,  therefore,  h'bly  propose,  y't  on 
the  return  of  their  Surveys,  Works,  &c.  to  the  Office,  y't  a  Pat't 
be  imediately  filled  up,  and  accordingly  carried  to  the  Rent  Roll; 
this  is  agreeable  to  the  Method  practiced  in  L'd  Fairfax's  Pro- 
prietary of  the  Northern  Neck.  I  shall,  therefore,  wait  for  List's 
on  these  Heads,  as  my  puting  them  in  force  from  my  own  Au- 
thority, may  raise  a  new  Content'n  between  the  People  and  me, 
w'ch  I  w'ld  gladly  avoid.  Y'r  Com'ds  in  regard  to  the  granting 
not  above  1,000  Acres  to  one  Person,  shall  be  duly  observed  for 
the  Future.  Y'r  Kind  favo.  to  Mr.  R.  in  recommending  him  to 
me  to  re-instate  him  in  the  Post  of  Atto'y  Gen'l,  is  very  conde- 
scending. When  I  consider  the  Argum'ts  I  made  use  of  to  him 
not  to  undertake  y't  inconsistent  Duty,  and  the  many  unjust  and 
false  Reflect's  on   me  personally  in   the   Publick  Papers,  makes 


364  DINWIDUIE    PAPERS. 

this  Rcconicndat'n  very  (lis;iKrccable  in  me,  however,  for  the 
Reasons  V'r  Lordships  are  pleased  to  assign,  u'ch  are  both  just 
and  necessary;  On  his  arrival,  if  he  in  a  decent  and  pro|>er 
Manner,  makes  Acknowletl^em't  ol  his  l-rr«)rs,  and  I'romise  of 
more  regular  Conduct  for  ilie  Future.  I  shall  be  jjlad  of  every 
Opp'iy  to  moderate  the  Heats  of  the  People,  at  this  danj^erous 
Time.  V'r  L'ds.  Letter  of  the  4th  of  July,  I  have  now  before  me; 
Y'r  Sentim't>i  on  Ind'n  AlTair-^  I  h.i\r  rhc  Hdii"!  i>l  .i^reeing 
with  You. 

My  \'ie\vs  anil  Incliiial's  have  alway.s  bctn  s.inj^ume  in  cul- 
tivat'jj  a  FcLship  with  the  diflcrent  Nat's  of  Ind's  in  Amity 
with  Hrittain  and  these  Colonics,  particularly  with  the  So'ern 
Ind's,  the  Catawbas  and  Cherokces  :  tlu-ir  Kmpcror,  King  and 
many  of  their  Chiefs  have  been  here;  I  always  entertain'd  them 
properly,  and  sent  them  away  pleased  with  Prest's,  but  the 
Gov'r  of  So.  Car.  has  found  j^reat  Fault  with  me,  saying  these 
Nats  of  Ind's  are  imediately  under  his  Care,  and  therefore  I 
sh'd  not  interfere  with  them.  The  above  two  Nat's  promised 
me  a  number  of  their  Warriors  to  go  against  the  French  on  the 
Ohio.  I  accordingly  called  on  them  early  this  Spring  to  assist 
the  F'orces  I  had  raised  ;  they  answered  the  Gov'r  of  Carolina 
ordered  them  to  renin  at  Home.  The  different  Gov'rs,  as- 
suming particular  Attachm'ts  to  the  Ind's  out  of  some  Pro- 
vinci[a]l  Views.  I  have  observed,  ever  since  I  have  been  here, 
is  a  real  prejudice  to  his  M'y's  Colonies  in  General,  as  some  of 
them  act  independ't  and  not  as  subjects  to  one  Prince.  How- 
ever, I  shall  in  a  proper  manner,  not  to  give  oHence  to  my  neigh- 
bouring (iov'rs,  endeavour  U)  i\\  them  to  the  H'h  Interest.  Our 
Assembly  c'd  not  be  prevailed  on  to  appoint  Com'rs  to  meet 
the  6  Nat's  at  Albany,  but  I  wrote  to  (iov'r  Delancey  to  ap- 
pear in  behalf  of  this  Uom'n,  w'ch  he  was  kind  enough  to  do, 
and  if  any  meeting  is  [held]  hereafter  I  shall  be  particularly  Care- 
ful to  have  Com'rs  there,  even  if  I  sh'd  be  put  to  the  Necessity 
of  providing  for  them  out  of  the  Funds  placed  in  my  Hands  by 
His  M'y.  I  have  rcc'd  His  M'y's  Com'ds  by  the  Hands  of 
S'r  Thos.  Robinson,  w'ch  [I]  shall  iluly.  and  with  A.ssiduity 
obey,  and  every  Thing  in  my  Power  to  promote  and  carry  on 
this  essential  Expedition  shall  be  done,  and  during  the  Winter 
Mos.,  I  shall  be  carefully  preparing  Necessaries  for  the  Cam- 
paign  in  the  -Spring.      I    heartily  wish  for  two   regim'ts.   .some 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  365 

Ingineers  and  good  officers,  with  a  Supply  of  Ordnance  Stores, 
as  I  humbly  pray'd  for  in  my  former  Letters,  all  w'ch  is  greatly 
wanted,  and  I  am  of  Opinion  no  time  is  to  be  lost  in  making  a 
strong  Push  against  the  Enemy,  for  while  we  are  indolent  and 
neglectful  of  our  Safety,  they  are  gather' g  Strength.  I  hear  from 
Potom'k  River  y"t  a  Mast'r  of  a  Ship  [who]  arrived  in  y't  River 
from  Brit'n,  reports  y't  on  the  Banks  of  Newfoundland,  he  see 
12  Sail  Fr.  men  of  War,  full  of  Men,  standing  to  the  No'w'd, 
but  the  Motions  and  Designs  of  the  Fr.  must  be  better  known  to 
You  than  the  Informat'n  of  a  Master  of  a  Ship,  who  are  ready 
to  aggrevate  and  increase  Numbers  from  their  own  Opinion. 
His  M'y  has  been  pleased  to  appoint  Gov'r  Sharpe,  of  M'yl'd, 
to  com'd  the  combined  Forces  on  this  Expedit'n,  w'ch  is  very 
agreeable  to  me.  Our  Assembly  have  voted  20,ooO;^  towards 
conducting  this  necessary  Expedit'n ;  but  that  with't  Assistance 
from  our  neighbouring  Colonies  and  two  Regim'ts  from  G.  B., 
will  not  answer  the  End  proposed.  I  have,  therefore,  wrote 
the  Sec'ry  of  State  for  Forces  from  B'n,  and  other  necessary 
Ordnance  Stores,  w'ch  I  intreat  Y'r  Interest  in  procuring,  and 
the  sooner  the  better,  for  it  may  be  expected  y't  the  Fr.  will  bring 
all  the  Forces  that  they  can  into  the  Field  next  Spring,  and 
Mr.  Sharpe  thinks  he  will  want  4,000  Men,  w'ch  I  fear  will  be 
difficult  to  raise.  I  propose  raising  10  Compa's  of  100  Men 
each,  but  an  unhappy  Dispute  subsists  between  the  Regular 
Officers  of  the  Independ't  Compa's,  and  thOse  under  my 
Com's;  the  former  insist  on  the  Com'd  over  them,  the  others 
will  not  submit  to  it;  in  case  of  Action  this  may  be  productive  of 
bad  Consequences.  I  therefore  pray'd  the  Sec'ry  of  State  for 
Blank  Com'o's  to  be  filled  up  by  me  here,  agreeable  to  the 
Method  y't  was  practiced  in  the  Carthagena  Expedit'n,  w'ch  I 
submit  to  him.  Pray  excuse  the  Length  of  this  Letter  and  be 
assured  y't  I  rem'n  with  due  respects, 

Y'r  L'd's  most  obed't  h'ble  Serv't. 


366  lUNwiDruE  i-ai'Ek*>. 

GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIK  TO  TIIK  KARL  OK  MAMKAX. 

Oci'r  25lh.  [I754-] 

R  1  n.)N. 

I  have  [had]  the  Hon'r  of  receiving  Y'rfavo.  of  the  6th 
of  July  by  Gov'r  Dobbs.  who  arrived  here  last  Week,  and  [I] 
have  prevaileil  with  him  to  renin  with  me  till  (iov'r  Shaq^e. 
of  M'yl'd.  comes,  having  sent  an  Express  for  him,  and  shall, 
with  their  Assistance,  form  a  Plan  for  the  Opcrat's  of  the 
Camp.iiyjn  early  next  Sprinjj  ajs '''  'be  French.  The  Invas'n 
and  wicked  desijjns  of  the  Kr.  on  the  River  Ohio  has  given 
me  a  Continual  Uneasiness,  w'ch  was  increased  by  the  supine 
and  unaccountable  (Obstinacy  of  the  Assemblies  of  the  different 
Colonies  on  this  Cont't.  yt  tho"  they  were  convinced  of  the  Pro- 
gress they  had  made,  and  the  threat 'g  Speeches  they  gave  out, 
they  c'd  not  be  roused  from  their  lethargic  Indolence,  to  grant 
suitable  Supplies  for  conducting  an  Mxpedit'n  so  necessary  for 
their  own  Safety.  This,  My  Lord,  is  my  unhappy  Situat'n, 
and  prevented  my  exccui'g  his  M'y's  Com'ds  with  such  Spirit 
ami  Resolut'n  as  the  emergency  ot  our  Affairs  retjuired  ;  how- 
ever, with  the  few  Men  and  little  Money,  1  have  done  every 
Thing  in  my  Power.  I  have  got  a  Magazine  and  Fort  al- 
most tinishetl,  near  to  the  Allegany  Mount's,  and  shall,  during 
the  Winter  Mos..  provide  every  Thing  y'l  may  be  wanted 
here  to  go  on  Action  very  early  in  the  Spring,  and  hope 
for  a  Blessing  on  our  just  Designs.  I  may  venture  to  atftrm 
y't  the  greatest  \'iew  I  have,  is  to  discharge  the  Trust  re- 
posed in  me.  and  the  Service  left  to  my  Conduct,  in  such 
Manner  as  to  have  his  M'y's  gracious  Approbat'n,  and  I 
shall  continue,  with  Assiduity,  to  perform  my  Huty  with  In- 
tegrity and  Spirit.  The  Support  sent  from  His  M  y's  gener- 
ous donat'n,  came  very  opportunely,  as  the  Money  granted  by 
our  Assembly  was  expended.  The  Assembly  met  on  my  Pro- 
rogation last  Thursclay,  wn,  in  my  Speech,  I  informed  them 
of  His  M'y's  paternal  Care,  and  his  condescending  Goodness 
in  granting  us  Money  and  small  Arms.  w'ch.  I  hope,  will 
have  the  profK-r  efVecl  in  raising  in  them  a  grateful  Acknowl- 
edgemt  of  his  M'y's  Cioodness,  and  incite  in  them  a  due 
regard  to  their  own  Safety,  by  granting  a  large  Supply, 
w  ch,  I  am    endeavouring   to  promote  among   the  Members   of 


DINWIDUIE    PAPERS.  307 

the  Ho.  I  beg  pardon  for  not  sendin.ij  a  proper  Estimate  of 
the  necessary  Cha's  and  Supplies.  I  found  it  merely  im])rac- 
ticable,  from  the  bad  Intelligence  we  have  of  the  Enemy's  Num- 
bers, but  I  have  repeatedly  wrote  for  Ordnance  Stores,  Some  In- 
gineers  and  Officers,  and  if  eligible,  two  Regim'ts  of  Men,  w'ch  [I] 
am  of  Opinion,  with  w't  may  be  raised  here,  will  be  sufficient  to 
drive  the  Fr.  from  His  M'y's  Lands.  I  sent  an  Express  for 
Gov'r  Sharpe,  who  is  now  appointed  by  His  M'y  to  Com'd 
the  combined  Forces  on  this  Expedit'n,  and  inclosed,  I  send  the 
Plan  of  Operat's  concert'd  between  him,  Mr.  Dobbs,  and  myself, 
for  the  Spring  Campaign.  If  the  different  Colonies  w'd  exert 
themselves  with  Spirit,  we  have  numbers  of  Men  sufficient  to 
drive  the  Fr.  from  the  Continent;  but  the  obstinate  Behaviour  of 
their  Representatives  in  the  Colonies,  such  ( with't  Precedent)  [be- 
ing] entirely  easy,  tho"  their  Enemies  are  at  their  Doors,  yet  they 
remain  unactive  at  the  Time  of  the  most  pressing  Danger, 
wherefore,  some  Regulars  from  G.  B.  will  be  of  essential  Service. 
The  Supply  granted  here,  was  voted  in  a  most  inconstitutional 
Method,  and  not  agreeable  to  my  Instruct's,  and  I  was  some 
Days  before  I  c'd  give  my  Assent  to  it,  but  w'n  I  considered  the 
the  Emergency  of  our  Affairs,  I  was  prevailed  on  to  give 
my  Assent,  with  the  Advice  of  the  Council,  and  I  hope  this 
will  plead  my  Excuse  with  You.  Our  Militia,  I  think,  is 
upwards  of  20,000  Men,  (but  [I]  shall,  soon  transmit  a  regular 
Acc't  thereof,)  but  my  L'd,  the  Act  of  Assembly  relating  to 
the  Militia,  confines  them  to  Act'n  within  this  Dom'n,  so,  if  I 
had  raised  them,  not  one  of  them  w'd  have  gone  over  the 
Allegany  Mount's,  and,  in  course,  c'd  be  of  no  Service  on  this 
Expedit'n.  I  therefore  now  propose  a  Plan,  y't  each  Co'ty,  from 
their  Militia,  supply  one  in  ten,  w'ch  will  be  at  least  2,000  Men, 
this  I  lay  before  the  Assembly,  for  with't  an  Act,  I  cannot  even 
Com'd  them  to  march  out  of  the  Dom'n,  or  y't  w'ch  is  conceived 
to  be  the  Limits  of  the  Gov't,  at  this  Time ;  however,  if  I  can  pre- 
vail on  them  to  pass  such  an  Act.it  will  answer  the  End  much 
better  than  raising  the  Militia;  under  the  present  Indulgence  they 
plead  from  the  former  Act,  and  I  am  greatly  in  hopes  y't  we 
shall  be  able  in  the  Spring  to  raise  a  proper  Force,  to  repell  the 
unjust  Invasions  of  the  Fr.  The  Fr.,  I  presume,  will  not  all 
Winter  at  the  Ohio,  but  Keep  proper  Numbers  in  their  Forts, 
however,  as  most  of  their  Men,  Provis's,  &c.,  are  bro't  bv  Water 


308  :-iN\vnnnE  rAi'KRS. 

from  Canada,  ihcit  Supplit-s  come  by  an  vasy  Carnage,  but  wc 
must  endeavour  to  Ik-  at  the  Ohio  iK'lore  they  can  come  down  ihc 
River,  bcinjj  hinderetl  by  the  Ice  till  the  end  of  Mar.  or  be- 
ginn');  of  Apr.  \"ou  may  l>e  ;i.vsuretl  y't  the  Money  sent,  and  the 
Cretlit  given,  shall  l>e  managed  with  the  great' t  Prudence,  and 
applieil  with  Frugality,  and  Occonomy  for  the  Gcn'l  Service  of 
these  Colonies,  and  I  hope  it  will  be  attended  with  Success  in  dc- 
feat'g  the  Machinat's  of  the  Fr.  1  have  (Ixren)  and  shall  be  very 
earnest  in  cultivating  F'dship  with  the  different  Nat's  of  Ind's, 
and  in  particular  with  the  So'ern  Indians,  tho'  I  meet  with  many 
Obstacles  from  the  (iov'r  of  .So.  Car.  Some  of  the  Chiefs  of  the 
Cherokees,  and  Catawbas  have  been  here.  I  rec'd  and  enter- 
tain'd  them  in  a  very  Friendly  Manner,  sent  them  away  greatly 
pleased  with  the  Presents  given  them,  and  with  full  Assurances 
of  I''dship,  but  Mr.  Glen  complains  and  s;iys,  I  have  no  Business 
wiili  these  Inil's,  for  they  are  under  his  I'rolecl'n,  and  y't  no 
other  Colony  has  any  Business  with  them.  I  cannot  see  his  rea- 
sons for  this,  unless  from  a  Jealously  of  our  People  trading  with 
them.  I  wrote  him  y't  all  the  Ind's  y't  are  in  Amity  with  B. 
Subjects  have  a  right  to  the  Countenance  and  F'dship  of  each 
Colony,  and  y't  the  Trade  is  open  for  all  the  Subjects,  tho'  very 
little  carried  on  from  this  [Colony].  The  Fmperor  of  the  Cher- 
okees and  King  of  the  Catawbas,  told  me,  whenever  1  wanted, 
they  w'd  supply  me  with  8oo  or  i.ooo  of  their  Warriors  to  go 
ag'st  the  Fr. ;  accordingly,  in  May  last,  I  sent  a  Messenger  to  tell 
them  the  I-  r.  had  taken  up  the  Hatchet  and  Invaded  their  Hunt- 
ing Cirounds  on  the  River  Ohio,  y't  I  w;is  raising  Forces  to  pro- 
tect these  lands  and  tlrive  the  Fr.  oii,  and,  therefore,  I  desired 
their  Assistance.  They  sent  me  Word  y't  they  were  ready,  but 
y't  Mr.  (ilen  had  desired  them  to  remain  at  Home,  w'ch  they 
did.  Mr.  (ilen  seenis  to  dispute  His  M'y's  Right  to  these  Lands 
and  fmds  I'ault  with  the  Treaties  of  Lancaster,  and  the  Logstown, 
siiying  the  other  Nat's  of  Ind's  concerned  in  these  Lands  were 
not  pres't.  therefore,  not  right,  and  y't  I  sh'd  have  sent  to  the 
Gov'r  of  Canada,  with  Acc't  of  the  Insults  done  by  his  People, 
before  I  had  offered  to  rc-sist  their  Power.  In  short,  his  Letter 
might  have  been  Argum'Ls  from  a  Fr.  Comander,  more  than  from 
an  Lnglish  (iov'r.  My  sending  to  the  Fr.  Com'd't,  and  w't  fol- 
lowed thereon,  were  exactly  agreeable  to  His  M'y's  Com'ds,  and 
[I]  shall  continue  in  due  obed'ce  thereto.     However,  I  shall  press 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  .369 

y't  Gent,  to  build  a  Fort  in  tlie  Upper  Cherokee  Co't'y,  and 
offer  my  Assistance  in  an  Affair  of  so  much  Use,  and  at  this 
Time,  so  absolutely  necessary,  for  no  private  Reject's  on  my 
Conduct  shall  retard  the  general  Intention  of  the  Crown, 
but  my  Inclinat's  and  Conduct  shall  be  with  proper  Spirit. 
I  have  the  Pleasure  of  acquainting  You  y't  the  Ho.  of  Burgesses, 
after  strong  Applicat's,  and  pressing  Argum'ts,  at  last  have  voted 
20,000^  for  support  of  the  Expedit'n,  and  as  there  have  been 
some  disputes  betw'n  the  Regulars  and  the  Officers  appointed 
by  me,  I  am  now  determin'd  to  reduce  our  Regim't  into  Ind't 
Companies,  so  y't  from  our  Forces  there  will  be  no  other  dis- 
tinguish'd  officer  above  a  Capt.,  and  I  shall  raise  10  Compa's  of 
100  Men  each,  w'ch,  with  the  additional  Forces  from  the  neigh- 
bouring Colonies,  I  hope  we  shall  be  able  to  bring  2,000  or  2,500 
Men  into  the  Field.  I  have  a  Letter  this  Day  informing  me  that 
the  Twightwees  continue  in  our  Int't,  and  have  declared  ag'st 
the  Fr.,  and  killed  many  of  them.  I  shall  endeavour  to  send 
them  an  Express  to  acquaint  them  of  our  designs  to  support 
them,  and  all  our  other  Fr'dly  Ind's.  The  above  Letter  brings 
Acc't  of  the  half  King's  death,  (w'ch  is  a  Loss  as  he  was  a  steady 
Friend,  and  a  brave  Man. )  The  Sec'ry  of  the  State  writes  me  y't 
His  M'y  proposes  reimbursing  the  20,ooo[^]  sent  me,  from  the 
2S.  '^  Hhd.  I  have  earnesdy  entreated  him  to  represent  to  His 
M'y,  the  great  Prejudice  it  will  be  to  his  Affairs  here,  if  y't 
Fund  sh'd  be  applied  to  the  Reimbursem't  of  the  above  Sum; 
it  will  be  many  Years  before  it  w'd  be  able  to  pay  it,  and  at  this 
Time  I  have  no  other  Fund  to  call  on  for  a  Supply  on  any  ex- 
traordinary Emergency.  I,  therefore,  h'bly  pray  your  Int't  to 
prevent  any  Warr't  for  Paym't  from  y't  Revenue.  I  have  wrote 
fully  to  S'r  Thos.  Robinson  on  y't  head;  Y'r  favo.  in  speaking  to 
him  thereon,  I  am  convinced  will  be  of  great  Service,  and  am 
perswaded  if  the  Inconveniences  are  properly  considered  it  will 
be  stopt,  at  least  for  some  Time,  till  this  Expedit'n  is  ended. 
Excuse  the  Length  of  this  Letter,  and  [I]  beg  to  assure  You  as 
my  Hands  are  now  strengthen' d  with  Supplies,  y't  I  will  with 
great  Assiduity  and  Care,  do  every  Thing  in  my  Power  for  His 
M'y's  Service,  and  the  Good  of  His  Empire  on  this  Cont't,  and 
beg  Leave  to  assure  You,  y't  with  great  Deference  and  dutiful 

Respects,  I  am, 

R't  Hon.,  Y'r  L'd's  much  obliged  and 

**  most  ob'd't  humble  Serv't. 


87u  uiN\\ii)i>n:  pai'KRS. 

GOVKKNOK  DINW  IDDIK    I'o  HoKAlI:  WALruLK. 

Oct'r  25lh,  1754. 
Rt   Hon.: 

Vr  kind  Let's  of  the  ist  June,  and  15th  of  July, 
1  hail  ihc  Honr  of  rcceiv'jj  Yesterday,  and  am  much  obliged 
for  the  Approbat'n  You  are  pleas'd  to  j^ive  on  my  Trans- 
actions in  regard  to  His  M'y's  Revenue  of  (Juit  Rents- 
The  Petit' n  of  the  Ho.  of  B.,  against  the  Pistole  F'ee,  was 
rejected  by  the  Council,  and  ordered  yt  the  li'd  of  Trade 
sh'd  regulate  y't  Fee  for  the  Future.  They  have  accord- 
ingly directed  y't  no  Fee  sh'd  be  taken  for  Lands  less  than 
100  Acres,  or  on  the  Rights  of  Families,  imported  agreeable 
to  an  Act  of  Assembly,  w'ch  is  perfectly  right,  and  w't  never 
was  dem'd.  And,  further,  y't  no  Fee  sh'd  be  taken  [for] 
Grants  of  Land  [the]  other  Side  of  the  Mount's,  as  His  Majesty 
is  graciously  pleased  to  e.\empt  them  from  Ouil  Rents  for  10 
Years.  As  I  am  determin'd  punctually  to  obey  any  Orders 
sent  me,  1  shall  not  in.sisi  on  any  Fees  for  Lands  so  ex- 
empted from  (Juit  Rents.  They  are  further  pleased  to  direct 
and  order  yt  I  sh'd  grant  Patents  for  the  Lands  so  long 
taken  up  and  Possessed  before  my  Arrival  with't  being  bro't 
to  the  Rent  Roll,  with't  any  Fee;  but  their  Lds.  are  silent 
as  to  the  Arrears  of  (Juit  rents,  w'ch,  if  s^ivcn  up,  these  Peo- 
ple [will]  obtain  all  they  desired,  ami  my  Applicat'n  for  the 
Arrears  will  be  defeated.  I  am  willing  to  think  it  may  be  an 
Omission  or  Oversight  at  that  B'd,  therefore  I  decline  Sign- 
ing their  Pat'ts  till  further  Orders,  For  I  ofilered  to  sign  their 
Patents  with't  the  Fee  if  they  w'd  pay  the  Arrears  of  (Juit 
rents.  However,  if  it's  the  design  of  their  Lds.  to  give  up 
the  Arrears,  1  shall  give  due  Obedience  to  their  Comds,  but 
tho"  it  is  proper  to  apprise  you  therewith.  And  for  my  Con- 
duct for  the  future,  in  regard  to  His  My's  Quit  rents,  I 
am  h'bly  of  Opinion  y't  I  sh'd  have  an  Instructn  di- 
rect'g  Patents  to  be  made  out  and  e.xecuted  imediately  on 
the  Return  of  the  Works  and  Improvem'ts  to  the  Secr'y's 
Office.  This  will  regulate  the  (Juit  Rent  Roll  for  the  Future, 
and  much  improve  y't  Revenue,  and  this  is  the  Practice  in  the 
Northern  Neck,  under  L'd  Fairfa.x's  Proprietary,  and  it  is  h'bly 
submitted  to  You.      Their    L'ds.  have  further  directed,  y't  no 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  371 

Person  have  a  Patent  for  more  than  1,000  Acres,  w'ch  I  shall 
duly  attend  to.  The  grantino^  of  large  Quantities  to  one  Person 
has  been  of  Service  in  settling  the  back  and  remote  Parts  of  this 
Dom'n,  as  these  great  Grants  have  been  subdivided  to  poor 
People  y't  come  from  the  other  Colonies,  and  are  not  able  to 
be  at  the  Charge  of  coming  here  and  taking  out  Grants  for 
small  Quantities  of  land  ;  however,  the  Rule  prescribed  shall  be 
observed,  and  any  Inconveniences  y't  may  occur  shall  be  here- 
after represented.  We  are  at  present  in  a  State  of  War,  the 
French  have  very  unjustly  invaded  His  M'y's  Lands;  they 
have  taken  a  Fort  I  ordered  to  be  built  by  the  King's  Com'ds, 
near  the  River  Ohio ;  they  continue  in  Arms  and  threaten  Us 
with  further  Invasions  and  depredat's,  and  our  Assemblies  on 
this  Cont't  are  seized  with  a  lethargic  Supineness,  by  not  grant- 
ing proper  Supplies  to  defeat  their  Designs ;  I  have  done  all  in 
my  Power  to  awaken  them  to  a  Sense  of  their  danger,  and  to 
endeavour  to  get  proper  Supplies,  but  to  very  little  Purpose. 
His  M'y  has  been  graciously  pleased  to  order  me  io,ooo[^] 
in  Specie,  and  Direct's  to  draw  for  io,ooo[_;,^]  more,  w'ch  was 
a  most  agreeable  Supply,  and  I  shall  take  the  proper  Care  of 
applying  it  with  Frugality  to  the  Uses  designed.  Our  Militia 
being  very  raw  and  unskilful  in  Military  Affairs,  I  have  repre- 
sented the  Necessity  of  hav'g  two  Regim'ts  of  Regulars  to  put 
us  on  a  proper  Footing  with  the  Fr.  Forces,  who  have  a  great 
many  Regulars  in  their  Army  at  the  Ohio;  they  threaten  us 
much,  and,  indeed,  I  have  reason  to  think  they  aim  at  a  general 
overthrow  of  all  our  Colonies  on  this  Cont't,  and  to  reduce 
them  to  the  Obedience  of  their  Grand  Monarch,  but  I  trust  in 
God,  if  we  are  reinforced  from,  and  assisted  by  our  neighbour- 
ing Colonies,  y't  next  sumer  we  shall  be  able  to  drive  them 
from  His  M'y's  Lands  on  the  Ohio.  This  is  w't  I  have  much 
at  Heart,  and  shall  do  all  in  my  Power  for  y't  purpose,  w'ch 
might  have  been  done  before  [if  J  the  Assemblies  of  the  different 
Colonies  had  with  a  proper  Spirit  granted  mutual  Supplies.  I 
flatter  myself  y't  now  they  begin  to  see  their  Danger,  and  hope 
they  will  in  duty  comply  with  the  Com'ds  of  His  M'y  on  this 
Head.  I  am  ashamed  of  the  dirty  Transact'n  in  regard  to  the 
Pales ;  I  believe  I  told  Mr.  Blair  of  the  Ship,  but  if  I  had  seen 
the  Bill  of  Lading,  I  sh'd  [have]  shewn  the  injustice  of  leaving 
the  Freight  so  open  to  the  owners  of  the  Ship.     I  must  say,  the 


372  lUNWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

Owner  does  not  api)car  to  have  acted  with  Hon'r  in  reduc'g 
them  to  s(|uare  Keet  and  then  char^injj  equal  Freijfht  with 
Perishable  Comoditics.  Mr.  Blair  has  sent  V'r  n'p'ty,  Mr. 
Smith,  an  Attidavit,  w'ch  I  wish  may  answer  the  End,  or  ex- 
pose the  Owner.  Before  I  kit  Londo.,  Vou  ment'd  Y'r  In- 
tent'n  of  having  Pales  from  this  [Colony]  and  I  wrote  You 
on  the  Htatl.  but  \'ou  answ'd  N'ou  w'd  not  trouble  me,  but  had 
wrote  to  .Mr.  HIair.  \"r  Hon'r  surely  must  think  Nothing  c'd 
be  trouble  to  me  in  executing  \ 'r  Com'ds,  w'ch  I  shall  always 
think  myself  in  Duty  bound  to  do,  as  I  shall  never  forget  the 
( )bligai's  I  am  under  to  V'r  K'dship  and  Patronage.  It  gives 
me  much  Joy  to  hear  \'ou  are  in  a  perfect  State  of  Health. 
Pray  God  continue  it  for  His  .NPy's  Service  and  the  Happiness 
of  ^'our  agreeable  Family. 

I  rcni'n  with  Gratitude  and  due  respects, 

R't  Hon  ,  \"r  most  obed'l  and  most  humble  serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIK   l\)   KARL  (".R.\N\Il.l.i:. 

Oct'r  25lh.  1754. 
Rt   Hon.: 

My  last  was  the  23d  of  Sept'r.  The  few  forces  I 
have  for  the  Expedit'n  are  employ'd  in  building  a  P"ort  and 
Magazine  near  the  Allegany  Mount's,  w'ch  I  expect  is  hnish'd 
by  this  Time.  His  M'y  has  been  pleased  to  appoint  Horatio 
Sharpe,  Hsq'r,  Gov'r  of  M'yl'd,  to  be  Com'd'r  in  Chief  of  the 
combined  I'"orces  on  the  Kxpedition,  w'ch  I  am  very  glad  of,  and 
doubt  not  from  his  Experience  in  .Military  Aflairs,  y't  he  will 
be  of  good  Service,  and  he  is  now  here  in  order  to  concert  a 
Plan  of  Operat's  for  the  Campaign.  There  is  an  unlucky  Mis- 
understanding between  the  Officers  of  the  Indt  Compa's  and 
those  appointed  by  me,  in  regard  io  Rank,  w'ch  I  fear  in  Case 
of  Act'n,  may  be  of  [)ernicious  Conseq'ce.  I  have  therefore 
wrote  to  S'r  Thos.  Robinson,  praying  for  blank  Com's  for  the 
Oliticers  y't  com'd  the  Forces  in  this  Uom'n.  And,  as  out  As- 
sembly have  voted  20,000^  for  conducting  this  necessary  Ex- 
pedit'n,  I  propose  raising  10  Compa's  of  100  Men  each,  with  3 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  373 

Lieut'ts  lo  each  Co.,  and  il"  put  on  the  B.  EstabHshm't  [it]  will  be 
more  agreeable  to  them,  and  the  Money  raised  in  each  Colony 
shall  be  properly  acc't'd  for.  I  have  further  pray'd  to  have 
the  Coni'd  of  them,  but  if  it  is  not  tho't  proper,  I  am  ready  to 
assist  the  Expedit'n  in  any  Shape  y't  may  be  tho't  proper, 
but  as  it's  for  the  Service,  and  to  conduct  it  regularly,  the  above 
Commiss's  I  think  absolutely  necessary  to  confirm  Peace  among 
the  Officers.  I  therefore  h'bly  intreat  Y'r  favo.  to  speak  to 
His  M'y  or  S'r  Thos.  Robinson  on  this  Affair.  I  know  Y'r 
great  Concern  for  the  Success  of  this  Expedit'n,  vv'ch  engages 
me  to  give  You  this  Trouble.  Mr.  Corbin  has  sent  a  little 
Money  to  be  remitted  to  Y'r  L'ds.,  but  I  have  not  yet  rec'd 
it,  but  [he]  says,  very  soon,  he  will  send  me  a  little  more  ;  w'n  it 
comes  to  hand  I  shall  carefully  remit  it  to  You. 
I  rem'n,  with  much  Gratitude  and  dutiful  Respects, 
R't  Hon.,  Y'r  L'd's  much  obliged, 

most  obed't  humble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  JAMES  ABERCROMBY,  ESQ. 

Oct'r  23rd,   1754. 
Sir  : 

Y'r  Let's  of  30th  June,  5th,  and  12th  July,  15th,  and  i8th 
Aug'st,  I  have  now  before  me.  I  am  very  glad  the  Pistole  Fee 
is  finished  by  the  reject'n  of  the  Ho.  of  B.  Pet'n,  and  I  am  ob- 
liged for  the  great  Care  You  took  in  y't  Affair.  But  I  think  the 
L'ds  of  Trade  are  not  explicit  enough,  in  regard  to  the  regulat's 
propos'd  by  them,  for  my  Conduct  therein  for  the  Future.  The 
first,  is  forbiding  taking  a  Fee  for  less  y'n  100  Acres,  and  from 
Families  Imported,  who  have  a  Right  to  50  Acres  for  each  white 
Person.  I  never  required  a  Fee  from  any  such,  or  has  there 
been  a  dem'd  of  Land  on  y't  head  for  these  50  Years.  2dly, 
They  direct  no  Fee  to  be  taken  for  Lands  to  [the]  westw'd  of 
the  Mount's ;  we  have  three  Ridges  of  Mount's,  the  Pignut,^'*  or 

'**  The  range  lying  between  the  Blue  Ridge  and  the  Alleghany  Moun- 
tains, given  by  JeiTerson  {Azotes,  ed.  of  1855,  p.  18)  as  the  North  Moun- 
tain, is  doubtless  here  intended. 


37i  IHNWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

small  Mounts, the  blue  Ri(Jj»c, and  the  Allegany  Mount's.  I  pre- 
sume their  L'ds.  Intent's  are  on  the  Lands  to  the  West  ol  the 
Allejjany  Mounts,  < where  Applicat'n  is  made  to  encourajje  Set- 
tling there*  that  the  lV<iple  be  indulged  free  of  Ouit  rents  for 
lo  Years  for  these  Lands;  and  under  y't  Favo.  of  the  Crown,  1 
never  proposed  taking  any  Fee.  3dly.  Forbiding  me  taking  any 
Fee  for  Lands,  wlure  the  Survey,  <S:c.,  was  ret'd  to  the  .Sec'ry's 
Ofhce,  before  the  22d  Apr.,  1752,  or  from  such  y't  had  Orders 
for  Land  before  y't  Time.  This  was  the  Chief  Dispute  between 
me  and  the  People.  1  tlid  not  insist  on  Fees  for  these  Pat'ts,  but 
as  they  had  occupied  the  I-inds  lor  many  \'ears  with't  taking  out 
their  Pat'ts,  and  in  course  [they  were]  not  bro'l  lo  the  Rent  Rolls,  I 
dem'd  the  arrears  of  (,)uit  rents.  On  this  head  their  L'ds.  are  en- 
tirely silent,  and  I  am  delcrm'tl,  not  to  seal  or  sign  the  Patenls 
till  I  havedirecl's  thereon.  I  have  wrote  them  now  on  y't  Head, 
and  I  desire  \ov\  will  imediately  endeavour  to  get  their  Direct's 
therein,  and  transmit  it  to  me  by  very  first  Opp'ty.  Call  on 
Mr.  Walpole,  and  tell  him  the  Affair,  and  desire  his  Opinion 
thereon,  but  the  sooner  you  send  me  Orders,  the  better,  y't  I 
may  be  distinct  in  this  Part  of  my  Duty,  for  if  I  sh'd  grant  the 
Pat's  with't  the  Quit  rent,  I  probably  may  be  complained  of, 
and  I  have  some  reason  to  think  there  has  been  some  Man- 
agem't  in  this  AtTair,  to  have  it  left  open  with't  their  Opinion 
thereon.  On  the  whole  of  this,  I  am  much  surpriz'd  at  the  H'd 
of  Trade's  Taciturnity,  and  not  acting  with  more  Spirit,  for  if  it 
had  not  been  for  their  Approbat'n  of  that  Fee.  and  in  Support 
of  the  Hon'r  they  had  done  me,  the  AtTair  w'd  not  have  gone 
home,  and  in  course  my  F'ds  w'd  have  had  no  Trouble  therein; 
but  I  shall  not  say  any  more  on  y't  .Subject.  The  Appearances 
on  this  Fee's  being  Rstablish'd,  may  appear  to  some  to  be  venal 
and  lucrative,  no  Doubt.  I  tho't  of  the  Percjuisite  arising,  but 
am  perswaded  if  establish'd  some  years  agone,  it  w'd  have  been 
a  great  Increase  of  the  (Juit  Rent  Revenue,  and  w'n  on  arrival, 
I  tbund  upwards  of  900,000  Acres  not  bro't  to  the  <Juit  rent 
rolls,  as  Steward  to  y't  Revenue,  I,  in  Justice  to  His  M'y's  Rev- 
enue, I  must  stand  approved  in  the  .Steps  I  took.  I  observe  w't 
you  write  of  the  Atto  y,  as  to  reinstating  him  to  his  office,  ^'ou 
must  think  y't  some  w't  absurd,  from  the  bad  Treatm't  I  have 
met  with,  however,  if  he  answers  properly  w't  I  have  to  say  to 
him,  I  am  not  inflexible,  and  he  must  confess,  before  this  hap- 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  375 

pen'd,  he  had  [a]  greater  share  of  my  Favo.  and  Counten'ce  than 
any  other  in  the  Gov't.  My  determinati'n  on  y't  head  must 
rem'n  till  his  Arrival.  As  to  the  Speaker,  he  has  behav'd  with 
great  Warmth,  and  ill  Manners,  therefore,  w't  You  propose 
must  be  suspended  for  some  Time.  I  always  was  of  Opinion, 
y't  [the  combined  offices  of]  Speaker  of  the  Ho.,  and  Treas- 
urer were  inconsistent,  but  so  I  found  it,  and  [it]  has  been  so 
for  many  Years,  and  I  dreaded  to  make  any  Innovat's  on  my  first 
Arrival,  but  am  determin'd  on  calling  a  new  Assembly  to  reg- 
ulate it  for  the  Future  in  a  more  Constitutional  Method.  The 
Sec'ry  of  State  has  wrote  me  of  His  M'y's  Intent's  of  having  the 
2o,coo[^]  reimbursed  from  [the  revenue  of]  2s.  ~p^  Hhd.  on 
Tob'o.  I  have  wrote  him  fully  on  y't  Head,  with  the  great  In- 
conveniences y't  must  attend  his  M'y's  Service  if  y't  Fund  sh'd 
be  so  loaded  at  this  Time,  as  there  is  no  other  y't  I  can  call  upon 
for  Aid  on  any  Emergency,  and  while  this  Expedit'n  is  on 
Foot  it  may  be  of  Fatal  Consequence  to  His  M'y's  Service. 
I  have  therefore  pray'd  his  Favo.  to  represent  the  same  to 
His  M'y  to  stop  the  Warr't  for  reimbursing  y't  Sum  out  of 
the  2s.  "p^  Hhd.  As  the  Warr't  is  not  come  out  I  think  it's 
too  premature  to  write  to  the  L'ds  of  the  Treas'y,  or  to  the 
Pay  Mast'r  on  y't  head,  but  very  soon  I  shall  transmit  y't  Acc't 
and  then  shall  write  fully  thereon,  but  I  desire  You  to  call  on  S'r 
T.  Robinson,  and  endeavour,  with  him,  to  put  a  Stop  to  the 
Warr't.  Mr.  Glen  writes  me  in  a  very  dictatorial  Style  and 
seems  to  find  Fault  with  my  Conduct  on  this  Expedit'n  ;  [and 
thinks]  «y't  I  sh'd  have  wrote  to  the  Gov'r  of  Ouebeck  before  I 
went  to  forcible  Measures  in  stoping  the  unjust  Designs  of  the 
Fr.,  vv'ch  Step  is  not  agreeable  to  His  M'y's  Com'ds.  He  com- 
plains of  the  Treaties  of  Lancaster  and  Logstown,  saying  all  the 
Ind's  concerned  in  these  Lands  were  not  pres't;  he  desires  me 
not  to  interfere  w'th  [the]  Catawbas  and  Cherokees,  who  are 
under  the  Protect' n  of  their  Colony,  tho'  I  am  positively  ordered 
to  give  them  Presents  and  cultivate  a  F'dship  with  them; 
nay,  he  goes  the  Length  to  doubt  His  M'y's  Right  to  the  Lands 
on  the  Ohio,  and  refuses  any  Supplies.  He  appears  to  mc  to  be 
a  wrong-headed  Man,  and  the  only  Gov'r  on  this  Cont't  y't  finds 
fault  with  my  Conduct,  and  draws  Conclusions  from  our  late 
Misfortune,  near  the  Ohio.  I  have  been  obliged  to  touch  upon 
these  Things  to  the  B'd  of  Trade,  and  L'd  Halifax.     On  receipt 


376  UINUIDUIF.    PAPERS. 

of  Your  Letters,  I  call[e(i]  the  Council,  and  prevailed  with  them 
to  Au^mt  Y'r  Salary  to  2iJo£    f*  Ann. 

Pray  send  me  a  particular  Acc'l  of  all  the  Cha's  attending 
the  .'Vpplicat'n  ol  the  I'istole  Fee.  A  tier  lonjj  Disputes  and 
Arjjum'is,  and  pushinjj  all  my  Int't.  I  at  last  have  prevailed  with 
our  Ho.  of  Hur^esses  to  vote  20,ooO;^  towards  Conducting  the 
KxjHxiit'n.  w'ch  j^ivrs  me  much  Satisfact'n.  The  Speaker  waited 
on  me.  and  acknowledged  the  great  ill  manners  shewn  me  by 
their  Ho.,  and  beged  my  I*ardon,  w'ch  I  granted,  and  I  think  we 
are  now  on  a  very  good  Footing,  w'ch  I  desire  may  long  con- 
tinue, and  surely  it  will  be  their  «)wn  Faults  if  it  does  not,  as  I 
shall  now  continue  to  do  every  Thing  in  my  Power  to  establish 
it,  agreeable  to  Instruct's.  I  h(jpe  the  Parliam't  will  be  applied  to 
in  behalf  of  the  Colonies;  an  Aid  from  them  at  this  Time  will  be 
very  essential.  I  have  wrote  to  the  Sec'ry  of  State  for  some  more 
Ordnance  Stores.  Vou  may  call  on  Mr.  .Amyand'*  who  pro- 
bably will  shew  the  Demander's  request.  With  the  Aid  His  My 
has  been  graciously  pleased  to  Order  me,  and  the  vote  of  our 
Assembly  for  20,000^,  I  propose  raising  10  Compa's  of  100 
Men  each,  but  there  Subsists  a  Difference  between  the  Inde- 
pend't  Regular  Ofticers,  and  those  appointed  by  me:  the  former 
will  not  rank  with  them,  and  I  fear  on  any  Action,  there  may  be 
some  Confusion;  wherefore,  I  propose,  if  His  .M'y  thinks  pro- 
per, y't  the  Officers  may  be  hon'd  with  His  M'y's  Com.,  w'ch  if 
agreed  to,  and  blank  Corn's  [arej  sent  out  fi.xing  them  on  the  B. 
Establishm't,  it  will  be  of  great  Service  to  the  Fxpedit'n,  and  if  I 
am  thot  worthy  to  be  their  Colo..  I  shall  be  very  glad,  and  am 
perswaded  [this]  will  l>e  very  much  agreeable  to  the  Officers  and 
Soldiers.  This  I  write  to  Sr.  T.  Robinson,  and  You  will  soon 
find  whether  [it  isj  agreeable  There  is  the  Presid't  [precedent] 
of  the  Carthagena  K.xpediin,  and  y't  to  Canada.""  Please  take 
some  Trouble  in  this.  I  am  quite  weary,  therefore  must  leave 
off,  and  [beg]  to  assure  \'ou.  I  am  with  due  Esteem, 

Dr  .Sir.  ^"r  Affect.,  humble  Serv't. 


""Claudius  Amyand  w.is  an  Under  Secretar)-,  Novenil)er,  1755;  he 
ser\'ed  also  as  one  of  the  .St'crctaries  of  the  Lords  Justices. 

*•  Alluding  to  Governor  (i<MK:h.  who  commanded  in  the  Cnrthafjena 
expedition,  and  (iovernor  .Shirley,  of  .Massachusetts,  was  probably  in- 
tended as  the  second  instance. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  377 

GOVERNOR  DIXWIDDiE  TO  GOVERNOR  JAMES  GLEN. 

Oct'r  25th,   1754. 
Sir: 

I  rec'd  both  Y'r  Let'rs  of  the  loth  Sept'r,  with  the  Re- 
port of  Y'r  Comittee,  and  am  sorry  to  find  You  complain  of 
the  Style  of  my  Let'r.  I  have  great  reason  to  do  so  both  as 
the  method  and  Substance  of  Y'rs.  You  object  greatly  to  the 
Treaties  of  Lancaster  and  Logstown ;  the  first  was  long  before 
I  came  to  my  Gov't,  and  is  generally  esteemed  a  very  proper 
Treaty,  the  last  was  to  confirm  it,  and  to  have  the  Consent  of 
the  Ind's  to  build  Forts  on  the  Ohio.  You  and  Your  Com- 
mitttee  think  I  ought  to  have  represented  the  Injuries  done  by 
the  Fr.,  to  the  Gov'r  of  Canada,  w'ch  is  quite  contrary  to  my 
Instruct' s  from  Home,  being  Com'd  to  send  to  the  Com'd't  of 
the  Fr.  Forces  in  the  very  Manner  I  have  done,  and  as  such  an 
Answer,  to  take  the  Steps  I  followed.  I  am  sorry  You  or  Y'r 
Comittee  doubts  His  M'y's  Right  to  the  Lands  on  the  Ohio. 
In  his  Com'ds  to  me,  he  assertains  his  Right  to  those  Lands  and 
orders  Forts  to  be  built,  and  [for  me]  to  resist  any  foreign  Power 
that  shall  presume  to  settle  them.  The  Acc't  you  have,  and  de- 
pend on,  from  John  Shaw,  tho'  swore  to,  is  certainly  false,  and 
I  suppose  he  is  a  Deserter  and  ought  to  be  put  in  Prison  and 
returned  here.  Y'r  Observat's  attending  the  late  unlucky  Ac- 
tion at  the  Meadows  is  ungenerous.  My  orders  were  not  to 
engage  the  Enemy  till  the  Forces  were  joined,  but  they  were 
taken  on  Surprize,  and  the  other  Forces  were  very  dillatory, 
otherways,  they  might  have  joined  them  before  the  Action ; 
we  c'd  not  march  the  whole  Body  together  for  want  of  conve- 
nient Carriages  for  the  Provisions,  w'ch  was  the  reason  of 
marching  in  Detachm'ts.  As  to  our  Militia  (tho'  not  near  the 
No.  You  mention)  [they]  cannot  be  comanded  to  march  over  the 
Allegany  Mount's,  by  an  Act  of  Assembly  now  subsisting.  The 
Fort  Mr,  Washington  went  to,  is  on  Bufifalo  Creek,  that  runs 
into  the  Ohio,  and  on  His  M'y's  Land,  if  You  will  read  the 
Treaty  of  Utrich,  w'ch  confirms  it,  as  it  is  on  the  Land  of  the  Six 
Nat's  or  Iroquois  [and]  ceded  to  us  by  Treaty.  The  Complaints 
made  me  of  the  French's  unjust  Treatment  of  our  People  were 
not  confirmed  before  Mr.  W.  left  this  [place]  on  that  Message, 
wherefore,  I  c'd  not  be  particular  thereon  in  my  Letter,  but  de- 


378  DINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

sired  him  lo  inquire  into  it  when  he  came  to  the  Ohio,  and  if 
true,  to  represent  the  same  to  the  Com'd'r  of  the  Fr.  Forces, 
w'ch  he  <lid.  but  V'r  Comittee  docs  not  think  pro|>cr  to  take  any 
Notice  thereot.  It  is  iK-yond  my  Power  or  Instruct's  to  contest 
His  Mys  Titles  to  these  Lands  with  the  (.iovr  of  Canada,  or 
do  I  think  such  Powers  will  ever  be  vested  in  any  Gov'r.  It's 
sufticient  tor  me.  y  t  His  My  asserts  his  Ri^ht  to  them,  and 
orders  me  to  build  Forts,  and  to  prevent  any  other  Nat'n  set- 
tling them.  I  thmk  there  can  be  no  greater  Act  of  Hostility 
yn  taking  a  Fort  begun  to  be  built  by  His  M'y's  imediate 
Comds.  and  this  must  be  esteemd  the  first  Hrcacli  from  the  Fr., 
and  wt  followed  in  taking  some  of  thf'ir  People  Prisoners,  and 
killing  others,  was  in  Consecjucnce  thereof  Thc[re]  is  a  Plan 
for  an  Union  of  the  whole  Colonies,  now  lying  before  the  King 
and  Council,  and  probably  [it]  will  be  enforced  by  an  Act  of 
Parliam't,  but  I  think  we  are  not  to  be  idle  and  tacitly  allow 
the  Knemy  to  continue  their  unjust  I--ncroachm'ts  till  y't  is 
finished.  My  sending  Expresses  far  and  near,  so  ludicrously 
notice!  by  V'r  Comittee,  is  in  Obedience  to  my  Instruct's 
from  Home.  Vou  may  [justlyj  think  I  have  no  great  Sat- 
islact'n  in  writing  so  many  Letters  and  being  at  so  great 
E.xpence,  [  and  would  not  do  so]  if  it  was  not  in  Obedience 
to  my  Mast'rs  Comds.  I  must  think  it  a  bad  Step  of  You 
to  write  the  Catawbas  to  stay  at  Home  after  their  Promise 
to  assist  me,  and  His  Majesty's  Serv'ce  so  much  wanted 
it.  Y'r  several  repeated  Compl'ts  of  my  entertain' g  and  giv- 
ing Pres'ts  to  the  Cherokees  and  Catawbas  is  entirely  wrong, 
as  these  Things  are  done  by  Orders  from  Home,  but  if  it 
interfered  with  the  private  Int't  of  any  Gov'r,  it  ought  to  be 
laid  aside  at  the  Time  of  so  imin't  [a]  Danger.  I  observe 
^'ou  and  \"r  Legislature  were  adverse  to  granting  any  Sup- 
plies, w'ch  I  think  they  might  have  done  in  a  more  genteel  Man- 
ner yn  in  complaining  of  my  Conduct.  I  must  and  cannot  shun 
observing  [thatj  \"r  Let'r  and  Argumis  w'd  have  been  more 
proper  from  a  Fr.  Officer  y'n  from  one  of  His  M'y's  Gov'rs. 
I  have  the  hon'r,  Satisfaci'n,  and  Pleasure  to  assure  You,  y't  my 
Conduct  on  the  whole  of  this  F.xjjedition  w;is  met  with  His 
M'y's  gracious  Approbat'n,  and  y't  of  his  Ministers;  I  am  sorry 
it  has  not  rec'd  y't  of  Y'rs.  Enclosed,  I  send  You  a  Let'r  y't 
came  by  His  M'y  Ship,  Garland,  now  station' d  here.  I  am 
again  order' d  to  give  further  Pres'ts   to  the  Catawbas  and  Cher- 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  379 

okees,  if  I  see  proper,  w'ch  I  shall  be  ready  to  do  on  a  suitable 
Occasion ;  I  am  further  directed  to  assist  You,  if  necessary,  in 
building  a  Fort  in  the  Upper  Cherokee  Co' try,  w'ch  I  think 
absolutely  necessary  at  this  Time,  to  protect  them  from  the  In- 
vasions of  the  Fr.,  and  I,  agreeble  to  my  Instruct's,  now  offer  all 
the  Service  in  my  Power,  and  the  sooner  it's  begun,  the  better, 
w'ch  I  presume  You  now  have  particular  Orders  to  put  in  eme- 
diate  Execut'n,  and  no  doubt  before  this,  You  are  inform'd 
properly  if  the  French  have  attempted  to  build  Forts  among 
them.  I  shall  be  glad,  [if]  all  private  Views  may  be  laid  Aside,  or 
any  particular  Provincial  Interest,  w'n  his  M'y's  Service  so  earn- 
estly calls  for  the  action  of  our  utmost  Endeavours  and  Strength 
to  oppose  the  comon  Enemy,  and  not  to  be  so  particular  in 
scrutinizing  the  Conduct  of  Y'r  neighbouring  Gov'rs,  without 
knowing  the  Purport  of  his  Instruct's,  w'ch  a  Person  of  Y'r 
Sense  and  Penetrat'n  well  knows,  it  is  not  proper  they  sh'd  be 
particularly  made  public. 

His  M'y  has  ordered  me  10,000^^  in  Specie  and  10,000^ 
Credit,  and  this  Colony,  has  this  last  Assembly  granted  20,000^ 
for  conducting  this  necessary  Expedit'n;  but  these  Sums  all 
come  far  short  of  the  Expence  to  pay  and  maintain  a  suitable 
Force  to  drive  the  Enemy  from  the  Ohio,  however,  I  shall  with 
great  Frugality  manage  it  for  the  Service  it  is  intended.  His 
M'y  has  been  pleased  to  appoint  H.  Sharpe,  Esq'r,  Gov'r  of 
M'yl'd,  to  be  Comd'r  in  Chief  of  the  combined  Forces  on  this 
Expedition,  with  Orders  to  consult  and  advise  with  me  in  every 
Thing ;  he  is  now  here,  and  we  are  consulting  a  Plan  of  Operat's, 
to  be  put  in  Execut'n  this  Winter,  or  early  in  the  Spring.  I  shall 
be  glad  of  Keep'g  up  a  Correspond'ce  with  You  in  any  Thing 
for  his  M'y's  Service,  but  shall  be  careful  not  to  trouble  You 
with  any  more  Expresses,  as  I  hnd  it  disagreeable  to  You  and 
Y'r  Comittee.  I  heartily  wish  Success  to  the  pres't  Expedit'n, 
and  that  the  different  Colonies  w'd  join  as  one  Man  in  defeating 
the  mischievous  Designs  of  the  Fr.,  and  their  unjust  En- 
croachm'ts.  I  hope  this  will  find  You  perfectly  recovered  from 
Y'r  late  Illness,  and  sincerely  wish  You  a  thorow  Confirmat'n  of 
Y'r  Health,  and  I  rem'n  sincerely, 

Y'r  Ex.  most  h'ble  Serv't. 

P.  S.  In  all  public  Affairs  of  Consequence,  I  always  conduct 
myself  with  the  Advice  of  the  Council. 


880  DINWIUDIK    PAI'KKS. 


M.i.i.i  s...  .,1    (HAKKNok  DINU  II»I>!I     !<>    IHi;  C.KNKRAL 
ASSKMIU.V 

Nov.  2d,   1754. 

Utni.  of    tin    Loumii,    Mr.  Sptahr,   an  J    (ifiit.  of  the  I/o.   of 
Jiurgessts  : 

I  Sincerely  thank  Vou  for  \  v  \  otu  of  Supply  for  con- 
ducting the  necessary  Kxpedii'n.  I  shall  lake  proper  Care 
of  reprc>enting  to  His  My,  V'r  Loyalty,  and  the  Aid  Vou 
have  granted.  Be  assured,  (^.eni'n.  the  Money  now  given  shall 
be  with  great  frugality  and  due  ()i»conomy  applied  for  the 
Uses  its  intended.  As  you  have  unanimously  granted  this 
Supply.  I  am  to  desire  \"y  Ini't  in  the  different  Counties  You 
represent,  to  encourage  the  Subjects,  by  \"r  Argumts  and 
reasons,  freely  to  enlist  for  the  Protect*  n  of  our  Lives  and 
Fortunes,  and  to  give  V'r  Countenance  to  such  Officers  y't 
may  be  Comiss'd  to  raise  the  Levies.  And  I  heartily  desire 
Love  and  F'dship  may  subsist  among  the  diliereni  Ranks  of 
our  People.  V'r  Example,  (ient.,  will  be  great  Encouragem't 
to  others,  and  I  hope  for  the  future,  gen'rous  Henevolence  will 
excite  every  Member  of  the  Comuniiy  to  a  diu-  .uul  inst  rc-gard 
for  the  Happiness  and  Peace  of  the  whole. 


UTPi.U'i    I  !.•(  .\i    <  ,(  (VKkNok   DINWIDDIK  ON    llil     iKTsKNT 

^T/vn-:  oi"  vik(;iNiA. 

Transmitted  the   Lords   Commissioners  for   Trade  and  Planta- 
tions. January,   /7x5'. 

The  Houndaries  of  the  Dom'n  of  \'irg"a,  as  they  were  first 
establish'd  by  the  Charter  of  King  James  the  ist,  Anno.  1606, 
were  from  Cape  Comfort  now  called  Cape  Henry,  200  Miles 
North  along  the  Sea  Coast,  and  the  same  Distance  South  from 
the  s,imc  Cape,  and  West  to  the  So.  Sea,  together  with  all 
Islands  in  both  Seas,  lying  within  100  Miles  of  the  Main  Land; 
in  w'ch  Tract  is  comprehended  [a]  great  Part  of  y't  w'ch  is  now 
called  No.  Carolina,  all  the  Province  of  M'yld,  and  part  of  Penn- 


DINVVIDDIE    PAPERS.  381 

sylvania.  But  the  Boundaries  of  Virg'a,  as  it  is  now  circum- 
scribed, are  to  the  East  and  So.  East,  the  main  Atlantick  Ocean, 
on  the  South,  a  due  West  Hne  from  the  Mouth  of  Curratuck 
Inlet,  w'ch  Hes  in  the  Lat.  of  36  D.,  and  30  M.,  divides  Virg'a 
from  No.  Car.,  and  on  the  No.,  a  Line  from  the  Sea,  thro'  y't 
Isthmus  called  the  E.  Shore  to  the  Bay  of  Chesapeak  opposite 
to  y't  Point  of  Potowmack  River  called  Watkins's  Point,  which 
lies  in  Lot  38  ;  and  thence,  the  s'd  River  Potowmack  divides  this 
Colony  from  Maryl'd  unto  the  true  Meridian  of  the  first  Fountain 
of  Potowmack,  w'ch  is  the  utmost  Boundary  of  M'yld  West- 
ward. And  then  Virg'a  resumes  its  ancient  Breadth,  and  has  no 
other  Limits  to  the  West  y'n  w't  its  first  Royal  Charter  assigned 
it,  and  y't  is  to  the  So.  Sea,  including  the  Isl'd  of  California, 
but,  according  to  its  Breadth  from  the  West  Line,  w'ch  divides  it 
from  No.  Car.  on  the  So.,  to  the  first  Fount' n  of  Potowmack 
on  the  No.,  it  will  extend  on  the  Western  side  of  M'yl'd  as 
far  as  the  Latitude  of  40  No.  and  So.,  northerly  on  the  Back 
of  Pennsylvania.  The  Situat'n  is  under  the  same  Paralel  with 
some  of  the  finest  Countrys  in  the  World,  and  undoubtedly 
the  Co'try  is  capable  of  the  same  Product's,  as  the  Fertility 
of  the  Soil  is  equal  to  any  of  them,  since,  with  little  Labour, 
every  Thing  is  propagated  w'ch  the  Planter  has  attempted. 
The  Air  is  temperate ;  the  extreme  Heat  in  Sumer,  or  Cold  in 
Winter,  is  but  of  short  D' ration,  as  they  are  frequently  relieved 
with  intervening  cold,  and  warm  Breezes.  The  Western  Boun- 
dary as  yet  is  not  well  known,  nor  can  it  be  expected  to 
be  fully  known  for  some  Ages.  The  British  Subjects  have  for 
some  years  settled  within  a  few  Miles  of  the  River  Ohio, 
on  the  other  side  of  the  Allagany  Mount's,  w'ch  setdem't 
was  approved  of  by  the  Ind's,  and  a  Grant  of  the  Land  was 
made  to  H.  M'y,  the  K.  of  G.  B.,  by  the  Six  Nat's  at  the  Treaty 
of  Lancaster.  These  settlem'ts  I  was  willing  to  fix  as  our  pres't 
Boundary  to  the  Westw'd,  as  it  is  part  of  the  Lands  belonging 
to  the  five  Nat's,  w'ch,  by  the  Treaty  of  Utritch,  is  expressly 
allowed  to  be  under  the  Dom'  n  of  the  Crown  of  G.  B.,  and  as 
further,  the  Lake  Champlain,  formerly  called  Lake  Iroq[u]ois,  and 
the  Co'try  So'w'd  of  it,  as  also  the  Lakes  Ontorio  and  Erie  have, 
by  all  ancient  authors,  both  Fr.  and  English,  been  allowed  to  be- 
long to  the  five  Nat's  of  Ind's,  and  in  Course,  by  the  above  Treaty, 
to  be  under  the  Protect' n  of  the  B.  Crown.     Notwithstand'g  the 


882  DINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

above  Treaty,  ihc  Fr.  have.  subse«juent  thereto,  buiU  several  Forts 
on  the  Lands  iK'lonji'n  to  the  Five  Nals.  and  a  remarkable  strong 
one  ai  Crown  Point  to  the  So'w'd  of  Lake  Champlain.  The 
Treaty  of  Aix  la  Cha|)elle,  conhrm\'  the  Treaty  of  Utritch.  has 
no  weijjht  with  the  l"r..  but  it  appears  yt  the  Conijuesi  of  ye 
whole  Cont't  seems  to  be  the  object  of  their  Altent'n.  The  Fr., 
since  the  above  Treaties,  have  erecietl  many  lortrcsscs  on  the 
Lands  belonji'jj  to  the  Five  Nat's,  who  are  actually  under  the 
Protect' n  of  G.  B..  and  contrary  to  Law  and  Justice,  erect  these 
Forts  as  the  Marks  ot  I'ossessn,  and  they  have  been  constantly 
increasin){  their  Forces  by  importinj^  Numbers  of  People  from 
F'rance  in  a  Private  Manner,  not  to  be  notic'd,  or  observed  by  the 
Powers  in  luirope.  They  have,  for  the  last  seven  years,  robb'd 
our  Subjects,  tradinj;  with  the  Inds  in  our  back  Co' try,  and  sent 
their  Persons  Prisoners  to  (^uebeck.  all  w'ch  is  a  most  notorious 
Infract'n  of  the  above  Treaties.  Not  satisfied  with  these  clandes- 
tine and  Private  Robberies,  they  have  now  taken  oH  the  Maski 
and  y's  last  Sumer  declared,  in  this  part  of  the  World,  y'r  In- 
tent's. I  was  ordered  by  H.  My  to  build  some  Forts  on  His 
Lands  on  the  River  Ohio.  In  Obedience  thereto,  I  ordered  out 
some  Soldiers  and  Tradesmen  to  bejjin  a  Fort  on  the  Forks  of 
Monongahela,  till  I  was  qualified  by  our  Assembly  to  .send 
stronger  lorces  to  yt  Fort,  and  to  build  some  others.  The 
Fr.,  with  an  armed  Force  from  Canada,  came  down  the  River 
Ohio,  surpriz'd  our  People,  took  Po.ssess'n  of  His  NFy's  Forts, 
and  robbetl  and  pluiuiercd  all  our  poor  settlers  y't  were  near  to 
y't  River,  some  of  whom  had  lived  peacibly  there  upwards  of 
to  Years.  I  raised  wt  Men  the  small  Pittance  our  Assembly 
(granted  in  Feb'y  last,  enabled  me  to  do.  who,  with  an  Independ't 
Coy  H.  My  was  pleased  to  order  from  So.  Car.,  on  their  march 
to  the  Ohio,  were  attacked  by  the  Fr.  and  Ind's,  with  a  much 
superior  Force,  many  of  our  Men  were  killed  and  the  rest 
oblijjetl  to  such  a  Capitulat'n  as  their  inferiority  of  numbers  and 
the  situat'n  of  their  Affairs  compelled  them  to  comply  with. 
These  Transact' s  in  the  Time  of  tranquil  Peace  between  the  two 
Crowns,  I  conceive  is  with't  Prcced't,  and  I  am  ronvinc'd  there  is 
no  conduct' g  an  K.xpeditn  with't  Aiil  from  Home,  and  an  Act 
of  the  B.  Parliam't  to  oblige  the  Colonies  to  raise  Money  for 
their  own  Protect' n.  But  to  ret'n  to  the  present  State  of  \'irg'a. 
The  establish' d  Constitut'n  of  the  Gov't  of  \  irg'a  is  as  follows: 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  383 

A  chief  Gov'r,  appointed  by  His  M'y,  who  always  resides  in  G. 
B.;  A  L't  Gov'r,  appointed  also  by  H.  M'y,  who  presides  over 
the  Affairs  of  Gov't;  A  Council,  consist'g  of  12  Gent'n,  ap- 
pointed by  Mandamus  from  H.  M'y.  The  Dom'n  has  now  50 
Counties,  who  elect  two  Members  for  each  co'ty;  one  for  the 
College  of  W.  and  M'y,  one  for  the  City  of  W'msb'g",  one  for 
Jas.  Town,  and  one  for  the  Borough  of  Norfolk,  in  all  104 
Memb'rs,  who  are  called  at  Meet'g,  the  Ho.  of  Burgesses.  The 
Lieut.  Gov'r,  Council,  and  Ho.  of  Burgesses,  are  the  Gen'l  As- 
sembly of  this  Colony,  and  are  impowered  to  enact  Acts  for  the 
good  Gov't  of  the  Co'try.  These  Acts  are  duly  transmitted 
to  G.  B.,  soon  after  each  Session,  for  His  M'y's  Assent  and 
Approbation ;  w'n  they  receive  H.  M'y's  Sanc'n  they  become 
Laws.  The  administrat'n  of  Justice.  First,  There  are  in  each 
Co'ty,  Courts  held  monthly  by  Persons  comissioned  by  the 
Gov'r,  who  have  not  only  the  Power  of  Justices  of  the 
Peace,  but  have  Cognizance  of  all  Suits,  of  w't  value  so  ever, 
arising  within  their  respective  Jurisdict's,  both  at  Comon  Law 
and  in  Chancery,  except  only  such  criminal  Offences  as  are 
punishable  with  the  Loss  of  Life  or  Member.  And  for  the  City 
of  W'msburg,  there  is  a  Court  of  Hustings  held  Monthly,  before 
the  Mayor,  Recorder  and  Aldermen,  for  all  Suits  at  comon  Law 
aris'g  within  the  Town,  hav'g  equal  Jurisdiction  in  all  Suits  at 
comon  Law  with  the  County  Courts.  There  is  the  like  Court  in 
the  Bor'o  of  Norfolk;  these  are  the  inferior  Courts  in  this  Gov't, 
and  from  their  Judgem't,  an  Appeal  lies  to  the  Gen'l  Court. 
The  Appeallant  giving  Security  to  prosecute  the  same  with 
effect.  The  Gen'l  Court  consists  of  the  Gov'r  and  Members  of 
the  Council,  any  five  whereof  make  a  Quorum  ;  this  Court  is 
held  in  Apr.  and  Oct'r,  and  has  Jurisdict'n  of  all  Causes,  real. 
Personal  and  mixt,  at  comon  Law,  bro't  hither,  originally  ex- 
ceeding the  Value  of  ^10  Sterling,  or  by  Appeal  or  Supercedeas 
(w'ch  is  in  the  Nature  of  a  Writ  of  Error)  from  the  Inferior 
Courts,  all  Criminal  Offences  are  here  tryable,  and  it  is  also  a 
Court  of  Chancery  for  matters  of  great  Value.  But,  by  a  late 
Act  of  Assembly,  no  Appeal  or  Supersedeas  lies  from  the 
Judgem't  or  Decree  of  any  inferior  Court,  unless  the  Debt  or 
Damage,  or  Thing  in  dem'd  (exclusive  of  the  Costs)  exceeds  the 
Value  of  5;/^ ;  Except' g  only  where  the  Title  or  Bounds  of  Lands 
are  in  Question,  and  from  the  Gen'l  Court  an  Appeal  lies  to  the 


Sd4  DlNWIUDli:    rAI'LK^. 

Kin^  and  Council  in  any  Cause*  ol'  300/^  S{\  antl  upwards; 
Secondly,  There  are  two  Courui  of  oyer  and  lerniincr  held 
Yearly,  the  one  the  second  Friday  in  June,  the  other  the  second 
Tucjwlay  in  I  )ec  r,  whrrein  all  Criminals  y't  hapjRMi  to  Ix-  rojnittcd 
alter  the  resfK-ctive  (ienl  Courts,  are  tried.  Ihe  Judges  here, 
are  only  such  as  are  Members  oi  the  Council,  and  sit  by  the 
(lovernor's  Comiss'n.  pursuant  to  M.  M'y's  Instruct's  in  y't 
behali  ;  Thirdly.  For  the  punishnit  ol  Slaves  commilt'^;  Cap- 
pital  Crimes,  a  Com'o.  of  Oyer  and  Terminer  is  issued  by  the 
Ciovr,  directed  to  the  Justices  of  the  Peace  in  the  Co'iy  where 
the  olVence  is  comiitnl.  to  try  the  Urtcnilers.  on  Proof  of  the 
Fact  by  Witnesses,  with't  any  Jury,  and  on  Convict' n,  the 
Comiss'rs  award  Kxecution.  and  set  a  \alue  on  the  Slave,  w'ch 
Valuatn  is  afterwards  ptl  the  Owner  by  the  (ienl  Assembly  as 
an  Kncouraj^ement  to  the  People  to  discover  the  \'illain[ie]s  of 
their  Slaves ;  Ff)urthly.  For  Breaches  of  the  Acts  of  Trade, 
and  for  iletermin'jij  Controversies  concern'jj  Mariners'  Wages, 
and  all  .Maratime  AtTairs,  there  is  a  Court  of  Ad'lty.  held  before 
a  Judge  Constituted  by  Comiss'n  under  the  Seal  of  the  High 
Court  of  Ad[miraJlty  of  CVt  H'n.  And  to  this  Court  belongs  an 
Advocate.  Register,  and  a  Marsh.ill.  .ippointetl  by  the  Govr, 
who  is  also  by  Com'o.  Nice  Admiral  of  all  the  Sea  Coasts,  Rivers 
and  Creeks  within  this  Gov't.  This  Court  is  not  held  at  any 
certain  Time,  but  is  called  and  held,  as  Business  or  Occasion  may 
require,  and  from  this  Court  an  Appeal  lies  to  the  King  in 
Council.  The  Govr  sh'd  have  a  Com'o  for  trying  Pyrates ; 
none  such  to  Ik*  hnmd  here,  tho"  I  am  informed  my  Predecessor 
had  such  a  Comiss'n.  There  is  a  Court  of  the  Comissary  of 
the  BLshop  of  London,  w  ch  f)nly  relates  to  the  Punishm't  ol 
the  Imoralities  of  the  Clergy,  and  proceeds  by  Monition.  Sus- 
pension, or  l)ef)rivati<»n.  ;is  the  Nature  of  the  OtTence  deserves, 
and  from  thence  there  lies  an  ApjKral  to  the  Delegates  appointed 
by  His  M'y's  Comiss'n  in  Kngland.  Having  treated  of  the 
Courts  of  Justice  of  this  Gov't,  it  may  not  l)e  improper  to  men- 
tion here  how  His  M'y's  Mercy  is  dis|>en.sed  to  Offenders  who 
are  proper  Objects  thereof;  and  herein,  such  is  the  grace  and 
Favo.  of  the  Crown,  y't  the  (iov'r  is  investe<l  with  a  Power  to 
pardon  all  Crimes  and  Oflcncc-s,  Tre.ison  and  willful  Murder  only 
excepted,  and  in  these  he  has  a  Power  of  reprieving,  untill.  on  a 
fair  Represent' n  of  the  Circumstances  of  the  Fact,  the   King  is 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  385 

pleased  to  signify  His  Com'ds  for  pardoning  or  executing  the 
Sentence. 

The  Gov'r  has  also  a  Power  to  remit  all  Fines  and  For- 
feitures occurring  to  the  Crown,  under  the  Value  of  io£  St'g, 
and  if  above,  he  may  suspend  the  levying  such  F"ines  and  For- 
feitures untill  H[is]  M'y's  Pleasure  is  known,  but  this  Indulgence 
does  not  reach  to  the  Inhabitants  of  the  No'ern  Neck,  the  Fines, 
&c.,  being  granted  to  L'd  Fairfax,  the  Proprietor  thereof  Thus 
much  for  the  Civil  Constitut'n  of  this  Dom'n,  so  far  as  relates 
to  the  making  and  Execut'g  the  Laws  and  the  Administrat'n  of 
Justice.  For  matters  of  State,  there  is  a  Council  appointed  by 
the  King,  to  be  assisting  to  the  Gov'r  in  all  Things  relating  to 
the  King's  Service,  such  as  the  disposing  of  his  Lands,  the 
managing  his  Revenue,  the  appoint'g  of  Justices  of  the  Peace, 
Sheriff  and  Coroners,  and  other  Officers  of  Trust,  who  receive 
their  Commiss's  from  the  Gov'r. 

[They  are  also]  for  the  better  ordering  the  Tributary  Ind's, 
and  mak'g  War  or  Peace  with  foreign  Ind's  and  Nat's,  and 
various  other  Matters  w'ch  Concern  the  Publick  Peace  of  the 
Gov't,  and  w'ch  do  not  fall  under  the  Direct'n  of  positive  Laws, 

The  Trade  of  this  Colony  is  principally  conducted  by  Ships 
from  G.  B.  I  suppose  not  less  y'n  120  Sail  are  here  annually, 
with  the  Pi-oduce  of  y'^  Dom'n.  The  Trade  exclusive  of  the 
above,  consists  of  about  sixty  Sail,  Ships,  Scows,  Brigantines, 
Schooners  and  Sloops,  w'ch  are  navigated  by  500  Sailors,  be- 
sides the  small  Shallops,  w'ch  are  constantly  employ'd  in  trans- 
port'g  the  Comodities  from  our  River,  and  in  loading  the  Ships 
bound  for  G.  B.  The  Trade  in  general  has  greatly  increas'd  for  the 
last  10  Years  and  [is]  chiefly  supported,  as  to  the  Shipping,  with 
Cordage,  Sail  Cloth,  &c.,  from  Home.  The  People  in  y's  Dom'n 
are  supplied  from  G.  B.  with  all  sorts  of  Woolen  Manufactories 
such  as  B'd  Cloth,  Kersey,  Duffills,  Cottons,  Crapes,  Ruggs. 
Blankets,  Norwich  and  other  Stuffs,  Hatts^  Stocks,  Shoes,  and 
all  sorts  of  Linens,  British,  Irish  and  Gurnsey,  all  sorts  of  House- 
hold Furniture,  and  wear'g  apparel,  with  Calicoes,  Persians  and 
other  East  India  Goods  ;  Sail  Duck,  Cordage,  with  all  man- 
ner of  Iron  Ware,  as  Locks,  Hinges,  Nails,  Carpenter's,  Joiner's 
and  Smith's  Tools,  Axes,  Hoes,  Anchors,  Fire-Arms.  With 
Wines,  Spices,  Fruits,  Loaf-Sugar,  and  Strong  Beer,  and  other 
Family  Necessaries  amo't'g  to,  by  Comput'n,  300,oc>o[^]   St'g. 


3.M.  DINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

The  Trade  Irom  y's  [Colony  i  is  chietly  lo  Ct  B.  and  ihc  B. 
Colonies;  M»me  limes.  Staves,  Wheat,  and  Indian  Corn  to  Lis- 
bon and  the  Islands  of  Maderia.  From  Lisbon,  the  Remittances 
are  made  to  li.  B.  From  Maderia.  they  have  Wine  for  their 
Goods.  The  I*r<"ii!<<-  nl  this  ('o'tiv  .»ii<I  its  .tino  in.iv  \>v  loin- 
puted,  as  follow 

50.000  Hhds.    of   Tobo*"  Oi   4/  per    Hhd.   N'l,  /200.000 

lo.orxj  hbls.  Pilch  and  Tar  ('i    8s.,  -                         4,000 

4.«ii»>  Tons  l*i>;   In)n  dt    ^5.        -  .:o,ooo 

Deer  Skins  and  Furs  20,000 

4o,«j>xj   Bush's  Wheat  ("    2S.  '>d..  -  5.000 

250,000      do.       Indian  Corn  Oj    1 2d.,  12,500 

10,000  lbs.   Bees- Wax  (o.   I2d.,  500 

30,000  lbs.  Beef  .ind  Pork  ("    40s.,  -                       '        o 

PijK"  Hcadj^.  bl.  Staves  with  ShinRlr-                      ■ -j 

Snake  Root,  Jenzanji.**  <S:c.,  2.000 

/;334,ooo 

This  Colony  has  no  Trade  with  any  foreign  IMant'n  except 
to  some  of  the  Dutcli  Islands  of  St.  Fustatia,  and  Curracoa ; 
from  thence,  they  some  Times  smuggle  in  some  Fr.  Sugars 
and  Rum.  To  prevent  this,  the  Collectors  and  Nav'l  Officers 
are  directed  to  be  very  careiul  in  inspecl'g  their  Clearances, 
and  search' g  their  \'esscls,  but  the  Co' try  is  so  Fxtensive, 
with  many  Creeks  and  Bays,  yi  they  run  their  Goods  liefore 
they  come  lo  Enter  at  the  Custom  Ho.,  but  I  cannot  learn 
y'l  much  collusive  Trade  is  carried  on  from  this  Dom'n. 
There  are  large  quantities  of  Iron  Oar  in  manv  Places,  and 
some    I'urnaces  ***  tor    manufacUirin^     it,    til   to   send    to    G.    B. ; 

"^Ihe  exports  ol  lultarto  l'>r  th«-  prrnxi   1750  6,  were :   1750.  4^.5'i7; 

i75«.  46.703;  1752. 4S.3S0;  175.V  59.847:  1754.  yj.«o3;  1755,  47AH7;  1756. 

2S452  hoKshf.nls. 

"•(iinsenK. 

*•' There  were  in  ojKTation  in  X'irKinia.  in  Septemlwr,  1732,  four  fur- 
naces for  the  manuf.icture  of  iron,  viz :  one  at  l-'redcricksville,  twenty- 
five  miles  south  of  Fredericksburg,  of  which  Colonel  Chiswell  was 
manager;  the  works  of  Ex-tiovernor  .S|>otswood,  at  Germanna,  iir 
Orange  county,  twenty  miles  southwest  of  Fredericksburg;  FInglish 
works  on  the  north  side  of  the  Rappahannock  river,  in  King 
^A-orge    county,    and    the    Accokcek    furnace,    in    which    I^iwrence 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  387 

some  Appearances  of  Copper,*"^  but  for  want  of  proper  Persons 
acquainted  with  Minerals,  the  People  don't  prosecute  their 
Searches  with  Spirit.  There  are  also  Tin,  Lead,  and  Antimony 
in  several  Places  near  the  Great  Mount's,  and,  I  doubt  not, 
other  rich  Minerals ;  but  [for]  the  want  of  Persons  of  Knowl- 
edge, and  [of]  Monied  Men,  these  Discoveries  must  be  Dormant 
for  some  Time. 

The  Number  of  Inhabitants,  from  the  most  e.xact  Acc'ts  I  can 
have,  of  White  and  Black,  are  230,000,  and  the[y]  Annually  in- 
crease in  Numbers.  There  are  50  Counties,  each  has  a  Co'ty  Lt., 
Colo.,  Lieut.  Colo,  and  Major,  and  according  to  the  largeness  of 
the  Co'ty,  their  Militia  is  divided  into  Compa's,  each  Company 
hav'g  a  Capt.,  Lieut,  and  Ensign,  and  our  Militia  may  now  amo. 
to  27,000  Men  from  21  to  60  Years  of  Age.  In  order  to  bring 
the  Militia  into  good  Discipline,  and  a  proper  Use  of  their  Arms, 
I  divided  this  Dom'n  into  four  Districts,  and  appointed  expe- 
rienc'd  Persons  to  be  Adjutants,  to  teach  the  officers,  and  y'n 
the  private  Men  their  Exercise,  w'ch  I  hope,  will  in  Time  bring 
the  Militia  into  good  Order  and  Discipline;  for  our  whole 
Dependence  (under  God)  must  be  on  them,  for  we  have  no  Forts 
in  y's  Dom'n.  There  was  one  erected  at  the  mouth  of  Jas. 
River,  but  as  it  was  built  on  a  Sandy  Foundat'n,  the  Sea  and 
Weather  destroy 'd  it,  [so]  y't  the  Guns  lie  dismounted,  and  [are]  of 
no  Use.  There  are  two  small  Batteries  on  York  River,  [which] 
are  only  of  Service  to  protect  the  Merch't  Ships  in  y't  River, 
and  [are]  of  no  Defence  ag'st  an  Enemy  y't  have  Force  sufficient 
to  attack  them  by  Land,  or  a  Ship  Force  to  run  up  the  River, 
may  demolish  them  both.     And  I  wish  the  Colony  was  in  good 

Washington  was  interested,  in  Stafford  county.  The  three  first  were 
visited  by  Colonel  William  Byrd,  at  the  period  stated,  and  he 
gives  interesting  particulars  regarding  the  manufacture,  value,  etc.,  of 
iron.  It  commanded  in  England  ^6  per  ton,  upon  which  the  ex- 
pense for  freights  and  other  charges  was  30s.,  leaving  a  net  yield 
of  £,\  IDS.  See  "  Progress  to  the  Mines."  Westover  Matiuscripts, 
ed.  1866 — ii,  pp.  50-76. 

'"^  Colonel  Byrd  also  mentions,  in  1733,  mines  of  Copper,  Lead 
and  Silver,  on  the  .south  side  of  James  river.  One  of  the  first,  was 
operated  by  Drury  Stith.  See  "Journey  to  the  Land  of  Eden."  Ibid, 
PP-  3-45- 


388  DINWIDDIK    PAPERS. 

Circumstances  to  build  Forts  ol'  some  better  Materials  than 
Wood;  but  the  small  Funds  w'ch  the  Assembly  here  is  able  to 
raise,  are  not  equal  ti>  so  consiilerable  an  L'ndertakin^ ;  and  in 
War,  wiih'l  some  of  H.  M'ys  Ships  ot'  War,  y's  Domin'n  w'd 
be  subject  to  the  Insults  of  small  Privateers.  This  is  highly 
worthy  of  [the  most]  serious  considerat'n,  [Of  the]  Indians: 
The  tributary  Ind's,  subject  to  the  Rules  of  this  Gov't,  are  much 
retluced  and  very  inconsiderable;  there  are  at  pres't  only  the 
Pamunkey'*  and  Nottaways,  their  Numbers  toj^ether,  are  not 
above  Ck)  h^ht'jj  Men,  they  are  seated  amony;  the  Inhabit'ts 
and  live  in  Peace  and  Amity  with  them.  The  other  Nat's 
of  Ind's  y't  are  near  us,  and  profess  Fr'dship  and  League 
with  the  Kn^lish,  are  the  Six  Nat's  to  the  No' wards,  the 
Catawbas,  Cherokees,  Chickasaws,  and  Creeks  to  the  So' w'd. 
The  ditTerent  Nat's  on  the  River  Ohio,  the  Picts,  Twight- 
wees.  and  Shawnesse  to  the  Westvv'd,  if  they  be  not  seduced 
by  the  Fr.,  who  are  between  L's  and  them.  This  Colony 
has  always  been  happy,  and  in  lirm  Peace  with  the  Ind's  till 
lately,  the  Fr.  have,  by  Threats  and  fair  Promises,  seduced  some 
of  the  Intl's  from  the  H.  Interest,  anil  with  great  injustice  invaded 
H.  .M'ys  Lands,  plundered  and  Robbed  many  of  his  Subjects, 
and  carried  many  of  them  to  Oucbeck.  The  Fr.  do  not  make 
rejjular  Settlements,  but  build  Fortresses  as  marks  of  Possession, 

"*.\  treaty  afipenrs  to  have  l)een  niaile  with  the  I'amiinkey,  and 
Cliickahominy  liulians,  some  little  time  prior  to  1753,  as  by  an  Hnact- 
menl  provided  in  the  Randolph,  and  in  the  Inland  M.S.  Laws,  and 
incorporated  by  Hening,  as  of  such  date,  "tiie  commissioners  of  York 
are  re«|uired  that  such  persons  as  are  seated  upon  llu-  la«id  of  I'amun- 
key  or  Chickalioniiny  Indians,  he  removed,  accordinj;  to  a  late  act  of 
Assembly  made  to  that  purpose."     Hcninf^,  i,  p.  ^So. 

A  small  settlement  of  the  descendants  of  the  I'.ununkey  Indians — 
combining  witli  the  ori^^inal  blood,  that  <)f  the  wliite  and  ne^rt*  races, 
still  exists  on  the  I'amunkey  river,  in  Kinjj  Williani  county,  with  ancient 
immunity  from  taxation.  Their  interests  arc  represented  by  trustees 
appointc<l  by  the  State  Assembly,  who  are  also  the  arbitrators  of  ail 
tlisputes  arising  amon^j  them,  which  their  chosen  chief,  or  local  magis- 
trate, may  he  unable  to  adjudicate.  They  have  the  benefit  of  Christian 
ministration,  and  a  school  is  now  in  successful  conduct  in  their  midst. 
They  scarcely  numl>er,  at  present,  of  all  aj;es,  anti  both  sexes,  more 
than  three-score. 


DINVVIDDIE    PAPERS.  389 

with't  Justice  or  any  Shadow  of  Right  to  the  Lands  where  they 
build  their  Forts,  and  make  Incursions  among  our  frontier  Set- 
tlem'ts  (who  He  scattered  for  the  Benefit  of  the  best  Lands)  and 
rob  them  of  their  Cattle,  Corn,  Sec,  and  often  murder  them. 
This  is  the  miserable  Situat'n  of  this  Colony  at  pres't,  and  with't 
Aid  from  G.  B.,  by  the  Infatuation  and  Neglect  of  the  Assem- 
blies on  this  Cont't,  must  rem'n  a  Prey  to  the  Enemy's  Depre- 
dations. The  Revenue  within  y's  Dom'n,  2S.  on  every  Hhd. 
of  Tob'o  exported,  abat'g  an  Allowance  of  lo  "f^  C't  to  Masters 
of  Vessells,  for  pay'g  it  in  Bills  of  Excha. ;  2dly,  Fifteen  Pence 
^  Ton  on  all  Ships  and  Vessells  trad'g  here,  comonly 
called  Port  Duties ;  3dly,  Six  Pence  'p  Head  on  every  Pas- 
senger imported  ;  4ly,  Fines  and  Forfeitures  for  Breaches  of  the 
Penal  Laws,  Contempts  of  Courts  of  Justice,  Breaches  of  the 
Peace,  or  Convict'n  of  Felons  or  Tresspasses  ;  5ly,  Rights  for 
tak'g  up  Lands,  which  is  5s.  for  every  50  Acres.  The  three 
first  Branches  of  the  Revenue  are  appropriated  by  the  Act  of 
Assembly  for  rais'g  the  same,  as  are  also  the  Forfeitures  for 
Breaches  of  the  penal  Laws,  for  and  towards  the  Support  of 
Gov't,  and  its  Contingent  Cha's,  and  for  maintaining  Forts  and 
Fortifications.  The  casual  Fines  and  Forfeitures  in  the  fourth 
Branch,  were  first  appropriated  to  the  Support  of  Gov't  by 
Warr't  from  King  Chas.  the  2nd,  and  have  continued  so  ever 
since.  The  last  Branch,  of  Rights  for  Land;  was  established  by 
Order  of  the  Gov'r  and  Council,  in  the  Year  1699,  to  supply  the 
defect  of  Importat'n  Rights,  on  which  only.  People  were  then  en- 
titled to  take  up  Lands,  and  since  y't  Time,  it  has  made  a  con- 
siderable Addit'n  to  the  Revenue.  All  these  Revenue's  together, 
amo't,  Comunibus  Annis,  to  ab't  6,500^.  The  establish'd  Exp's 
of  Gov't,  includ'g  Gov'r  and  Council,  and  other  Officer's  Salarys, 
amo'ts  to  Yearly,  as  by  particular  Acc't  below,  to  4,345^.  The 
extra  Exp's,  Incidents,  &c.,  are  not  easily  to  be  computed,  be- 
cause they  rise  and  fall  as  the  Exigences  of  Gov't  require,  and  at 
pres't  are  very  high,  by  [reason  of]  Messengers,  Expresses, 
Repairs  of  Gov'r's  Ho.,  and  other  Incidents,  as  also,  Alarms  of 
Invas's  from  Ind's,  or  other  great  Exp's  in  Pres'ts  to  Ind's,  re- 
pairing Fortificat's,  and  many  other  Affairs,  that  makes  me  in- 
capable to  fix  any  annual  Sum  on  these  different  Dutys  and 
Services,  w'ch  now  amo'ts  to  a  considerable  Sum.  The  Estab- 
now  p'd  out  of  lishm't  the  stand'g  Revenue,  are  as  follows : 


3yO  bINWIDDIK    I'ArKRS. 

The  Gov't's  Salary  V  Ann.,  -     j^a.ooo 

Gent,  of  the  Council.  V  Warr'i, 1,200 

Judges  and  Olticcrs  of  O,  and  Ter.  Courts,  -                   -  200 

Auditor  Gen'l  of  Flantats,  "f*  Warr't."""                              -  100 

Solicitor  ol  Virg'a  Atlairs.*'         .....  200 

Kind's  Atto'y  (it-n'l,                                         ...  70 

Clerk  of  the  Council,  ------  100 

Four  Adjut's,  each  /I'xv'"' -         .         .         .         .         .  ^00 

Armourer.  -         ------         -  12 

Gunners  of  Forts,         -------  4.7 

An  Allow'ce  for  Ministtis  to  Pr«Mch  !>«  i'nrc  tlu-  Gciri 

Court,      ...                   -  16 


/4.345 


A  further  Allowance  for  each  Sermon  preached  before  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly.  The  Rec'r  Gen'T'"  holds  his  Place  by  Pat't 
from  H.  My.  and  is  allowed  5  f*  Ct.  on  all  the  Money  he  re- 
ceives. The  Deputy  Auditor  acts  by  Com'o.  from  the  Auditor 
Gen'l  of  the  Plantat's,  and  has  in  lieu  of  Salary  5  ~p*  Ct.  on  all  the 
Money  he  audits.  The  Bishop  of  London's  Comissary  has  an 
annual  Salary  out  of  H.  M'y's  (Juit  Rents,  of  ;^ioo  "^  Ann. 
The  King's  Atto'y  (ienl,  has  also  an  additional  Salary  from  the 
same  Fund  of  70^  f^  Ann.  These  are  the  only  establish'd 
Cha's  on  the  stand'g  Revenue.  The  foregoing  is  a  true  state  of 
the  Dom'n  of  \'irg'a  in  the  different  Branches  of  its  Constitut'n. 

R.  I). 


""Tlien,  John  Blair. 

■'The  ajjcMit  at  London,  then,  James  Abercromhy. 
'•Two  of  these,  were  (ieorge  \Va.shinKton,  and  George    .Muse   of 
Caroline  county,  at  that  time,  fjeld  ofticers  of  the  same  regiment. 
"'Then.  Richard  Corbin. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  391 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  THE  SACHEMS  AND  WARRIORS 

OF  THE  GREAT  NATIONS  OF  THE  CHEROKEES 

AND  CATAWBAS. 

Nov'r  4th,  1754. 
Loving  Brothers  : 

As  our  Enemies,  the  Fr.,  are  now  in  Arms 
to  dispossess  You  of  Y'r  hunting  Grounds  on  the  River  Ohio, 
and  threaten  Vengence  ag'st  You  and  all  the  Fr'dly  Ind's  of  the 
English,  I  am  now  raising  Forces,  and  shall,  very  early  in  the 
Spring,  send  a  great  Number  of  our  Warriors  to  dispossess  them 
of  the  Lands  w'ch  they  have  unjustly  invaded  on  the  Ohio.  I, 
therefore,  am  now  to  entreat  Y'r  Assistance,  and  if  You  will  be 
so  kind  [as]  to  Send  a  good  Number  of  Y'r  Warriors  to  defeat 
the  designs  of  the  Fr.,  You  may  be  assured  of  a  Supply  of 
Powder  and  Lead  at  the  Ohio,  and  You  may  further  be  assured 
of  the  sincere  F'dship  of  Y'r  Brethren,  the  English;  and  [I]  am 
also  convinced,  that  Y'r  Assistance  will  be  very  agreeable  to  our 
friendly  Ind's  to  the  No'w'd ;  and  I  always  shall  rem'n  with  true 
Love  to  You  and  Y'r  Nations.     From  Your 

Affect,  and  Loving  Brother. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  CAPTAIN  LEWIS. 

Nov'r  5th,  1754. 
Sir: 

I  have  paid  all  the  Soldiers  in  the  Virg'a  Regim't  till  the 
29th  of  last  Month,  and  Colo.  Stephens  has  my  Direct's  to  send 
Money  for  paying  Y'r  Compa.  You  are  to  be  in  readiness  to 
march  to  Wills' s  Creek  on  the  first  Notice  from  Gov'r  Sharpe, 
who  now  Com'ds  the  Forces,  or  by  Order  from  Colo.  Stephens. 
I  am  now  recruiting  more  Men  ;  if  you  can  get  any  with  You,  I 
desire  You  may  enlist  them,  and  if  You  want  Money  for  that 
Service,  if  Colo.  Patton,  or  any  other  Person,  advances  it,  draw 
on  me,  and  I  will  pay  it.  I  desire  You  may  send  Y'r  Lieut., 
Mr.  Savage,  to  me,  that  I  may  send  him  to  the  Eastern  Shore  to 
recruit,  and  if  absolutely  necessary  to  have  a  Lieut,  in  his  room, 
You  may  engage  one  for  the  present,  and  he  shall  be  paid,  tho'  I 


392  UINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

think    Vou    may   do    wiiht    one    for   the   Time    Vou    rem'n   in 
Augusta.     I  have  spoke  to  Colo.   Patton  about  Y'r  Provisions, 
but  I  expect  Vou  will  be  very  frugal  in  y't  and  every  Thing  else. 
I  remain.  Sir.  \'r  triend. 


GOVERNOR  DINWlDDIi:  TO  jO.\ATH.\N  HKLCHER,  GOV- 
ERNOR OK  THE  JERSEYS. 

Nov.  8th,   1754. 
Sik: 

I  wrote  Vou  a  Lel'r  ab't  3  Mo's  ago,  w'ch  rem's  un- 
answer'd.  Our  Assembly  met  last  Mo.,  and  voted  20,cxx)[;{^] 
towards  conducting  the  necessary  Kxpedit'n  to  drive  the  Fr. 
from  the  Ohio.  His  My  also  has  been  graciously  pleased  to 
send  me  io,ooo[^]  for  the  same  Purpose,  and  [has]  appointed 
Mr.  Sharpe,  Gov'r  of  M'yl'd,  to  com'd  the  combined  Forces. 
In  Consequence  of  these  Supplies,  I  am  now  recruiting  Men  to 
join  those  at  Wills's  Creek.  Mr.  Sharpe  has  been  with  me, 
and  is  now  gone  to  the  Camp,  but,  on  serious  Consultat'n, 
we  are  of  Opinion  y't  2,500  Men  will  be  absolutely  neces- 
sary for  repelling  the  Force  of  the  Fr. ;  in  Course,  the  above 
Supplies  will  be  greatly  short  of  paying  the  Cha's  of  the 
Expedit'n,  without  the  Aid  of  our  neighbouring  Colonies.  I 
therefore  hope  Vou  will  be  able  to  prevail  with  V'r  Assembly 
to  give  Us  a  proper  Assistance;  if  so,  I  shall  be  glad  if  you 
can  raise  a  Number  of  Men  to  March  to  Wills's  Creek,  cither 
this  Winter  or  very  early  in  the  Spring.  I  shall  be  much 
oblig'd  for  the  P'avo.  of  a  Line  from  Vou,  and  be  assur'd 
I  am,  with  great  regard  and  Esteem, 
\"r  Kx's 

Most  Obed't,  humble  Serv't. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  393 

GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  GOVERNOR    DiiI.ANClLV. 

Nov.  Stli,   1754- 
Sir  : 

Y'r  Let'r  of  the  5th  ulto.,    f^  C't.  Legge,  with  the  Money 

Y'r  Assembly  rais'd  tow'ds  conduct'g  the  pres't  Expedit'n,  I  duly 
rec'd.  When  I  see  Maj'r  Clark,  I  shall  speak  to  him  on  the 
Dem'd.  I  have  supplied  the  two  Compa's  from  Y'r  Place  with 
several  Necessaries  y't  the  Cap'ts  sh'd  reimburse,  as  Contingent 
Charges.  Our  Assembly  met  last  Mo.,  and  voted  His  M'y 
20,000^  for  the  Expedit'n.  His  M'y  was  graciously  pleased  to 
send  me  io,ooo[^]  in  Specie,  and  [to  give  me  authority,]  on  Oc- 
casion, to  draw  for  the  like  Sum,  and  [has]  appointed  Mr.  Sharpe, 
Gov'r  of  M'yl'd,  Com'd'r  in  Chief  of  the  combined  P'orces, 
who  came  here  to  consult  on  a  Plan  of  Operat's,  tho'  the 
above  Supplies  will  come  greatly  short  of  defraying  the  Ex- 
penses, as  we  are  of  Opinion  [that]  not  less  than  2,500  Men  will 
be  necessary  to  drive  the  French  from  the  Ohio.  Mr.  Sharpe 
is  going  to  the  Camp,  and,  if  tho't  proper,  is  to  march 
over  the  Allegany  Mount's  this  Winter,  or  to  provide  every 
Thing  for  a  Strong  Push  early  in  the  Spring.  If  he  sh'd  suc- 
ceed in  taking  the  Fort  on  the  Ohio,  we  [have]  propos'd  his 
march" g  his  Forces  to  the  Fort  on  Buffalo  Creek,  and  so 
to  Lake  Erie;  in  y't  Case,  it  will  be  absolutely  necessary 
y't  You  reinforce  the  Fort  Oswego,  as  it's  probable  they 
may  make  an  Attempt  upon  it ;  but,  I  shall  hereafter  keep 
You  duly  apprised  of  Mr.  Sharpe' s  Motions.  The  Fort  You 
recommend  to  be  built  at  Venango  will  not  answer,  as  it 
lies  in  a  Bottom,  surrounded  by  Hills  y't  Com'd  it.  I  am 
now  recruiting  and  raising  all  the  Men  I  can,  to  join  those 
at  Wills's  Creek,  and  am  in  hopes  of  Compleating  the  Forces 
of  this  Dom'n  to  1,000.  Y'r  Advice,  Informat'n  and  Intel- 
ligence, with  Freedom,  will  always  be  very  agreeable  to  me. 
I  have  sent  a  Compa.  to  our  Frontiers,  being  apprehen- 
sive the  Fr.  and  their  Ind's  will  make  Incursions  on  our 
back  Settlem'ts.  I  am  sorry  the  Six  Nat's  were  dejected 
on  the  defeat  of  Colo.  Washington ;  and  I  hope  when  they 
are  informed  of  the  Preparat'ns  we  are  mak'g,  y't  they  will 
show  their  regard  to  Us  in  Opposing  the  Designs  of  the 
Fr.   in   invading   their   Lands,    who,    we    are    endeavouring    to 


394  DiNwinniE  papers. 

drive   otf.     I    heartily   wi>h    \'m    llcallh  and   much   I'rosiK-ritv 
and  am  in  iirvm    Truth, 

Sir,  Vr  Ulwd't.  hble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR    DINWIDDIK  TO  (iOVERNOR  MORRIS.  OF 
THNNSM  \-  WIA. 

Nov'r  8th,  [1754]. 
Sir  : 

I    have   the   Ple;isurc  of  ^"r   Letter  of  the    12th   Oct'r  last, 
and  take  this  t>pp'ty  of  conjjratulatinp  \'ou  on  \"r  safe  Arrival 
at  Y'r  (iovt,  and  Sincerely  wish  Vou  Health  and  all  the  Bless- 
ings due  to  a  good  (iov'r.     Our  Assembly  met  last  Mo.,  and  after 
strong  .Solicitat's  and  Argum'ts.  have  voted  20,000j{^  to  enable 
me  to  conduct  the  necessary  K.xpeilit'n.     His  M'y  was  also  gra- 
ciously pleased  to  send  me  lo.ooo^"  in  Specie,  and  [has]  appointed 
Mr.  .Sharpe  to  com'd  in  Chief  the  combined  Forces  ag'st  the  Fr. 
on  the  CJhio.     He  hits  been  here  anil  consulted  Measures  for  the 
Operat's,  either  this  Winter  or  early  in  the  Spring,  w'ch  he  will 
be  Judge  of  w'n  he  gets  to  the  Camp,  where   I  presume  he  will 
soon  l>e.     I  am.  in  Consecjuence  of  [the]  al)Ove  .Supplies,  raising 
of  Levies  to  send  to   Wills's  Creek  w'th    all   Kxpedit'n,  but  I 
must  observe,  the  above  Supplies  will  come  far  short  of  answer- 
ing the  Knd  in  driving  the  Fr.  from  the  Ohio,  as  I  think  [that] 
not   less  than   2,500  Men  can   be  employ'd   to  do   the  Business 
essentially.     It  gave  me  much  .Surprize  to  see  in  Vr  Papers  y't 
Y'r  A.ssembly  is  adjourn' d  to  the  2d  of  next  Mo.  with't  granting 
any  Assistance.     I   am  sorry  they  sh  d  have  denied   it,  w'n   the 
Knemy    is   .so   near   our    Frontiers,   and    if  Supplies    were  now 
granted,  the  Time  is  short  enough  to  make  proper  Preparations, 
even  if  the   Kxpedit'n  sh'd   be  retarded   to  the   Spring      Pray, 
.Sir,  endeavour  to  rouse  them  from  their  lethargick  Supineness, 
to  their  Duly  to  the  best  of  Kings,  and  to  their  own  Preservat'n. 
My  eyes  have  l)een   strongly  fix'd   on    Vr  Province  for  a   con- 
siderable Aid,  and  I  am  still  in  hopes  I  shall  not  be  di.sappoint'd. 
A   Colony   of  Y'r   great   riches  and   .Number   of  Inhabit'ts,   to 
rem'n  unactive  in  so  iminent  Danger,  surprizes  me,  and  must,  all 
well-wishers    to    these   Colonies.     Tho'    they    may    plead    some 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  395 

religious  Tenets  for  their  Excuse,  yet,  as  there  are  great  Numbers 
in  the  Province  not  so  unjust  and  unreasonable  in  their  Tenets 
as  to  run  the  Risque  of  loosing-  their  Lives,  Liberties  and  Proper- 
ties, it  may  be  reasonably  expected  y't  a  considerable  Force  and 
an  agreeable  Supply  sh'd  be  granted  by  Y'r  Assembly,  and  tho' 
they  are  late  in  doing  it,  yet  I  hope,  at  least,  they  will  show 
Themselves  good  Subjects,  and  attend  to  the  Law  of  Nature — 
Self-Preservat'n.  I  am  sorry  for  the  Death  of  the  Half- King, 
but  hope  Monecatoocha  will  supply  his  Place  well,  with  a  strong 
respect  to  the  English  Int't.  I  have  ordered  a  Considerable 
Pres't  (to  Wills's  Creek)  for  him  and  the  Ind's  y't  are  with  him. 
I  have  no  doubt  but  the  Fr.  will  infest  our  Frontiers  with  small 
Detachm'ts  from  the  Fort  on  the  Ohio.  I  have  ordered  a 
Compa.  of  50  Men  for  their  Protect' n,  and  have  directed  the 
Lieut's  of  our  frontier  Counties  to  raise  Numbers  of  the  Militia, 
as  Occasion  or  Intelligence  may  reach  them,  to  oppose  the  mali- 
cious Designs  of  our  Enemies.  It  will  be  much  Pleasure  to  me 
to  keep  up  a  strict  Correspondence  with  You,  as  it  may  tend  to 
the  Service  of  the  Crown  and  these  Colonies.  I  wish  You  a 
happy,  easy,  and  long  Gov't,  and  am,  with  great  Respect, 
Sir,  Y'r  most  ob'd't,  humble  serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  GOVERNOR  SHARPE. 

Nov'r  I2th,   1754. 
Sir  : 

I  send  by  this  Sloope,  to  the  Care  of  Maj'r  Carlyle,  all 
the  Things  I  c'd  purchase  here  y't  You  tho't  necessary  for  the 
Expedition,  and  enclos'd,  You  have  a  particular  Acc't  of  Them. 
I  have  a  pretty  many  recruiting  Officers  in  many  of  our  Coun- 
ties ;  their  Success  I  cannot  as  yet  acquaint  you  of,  but  I  shall 
be  glad  to  know  your  determinat'n  as  to  Y'r  March.  I  much 
dread  we  shall  not  be  able  imediately  to  raise  the  Number  of 
Forces  I  think  necessary  for  You  to  march  with,  but  hope 
during  the  Winter  Months  to  enlist  many;  every  Thing  in  my 
Power  shall  be  done.  Pray  write  me  the  Number  at  Wills's 
Creek.     I   refer  Colo.   Innes  to  You,  if  he  inclines  to  continue 


396  DINWIDDIK    PAPERS. 

on  the  Kxpcililion  :  lie  is   an   iiulclati^^ablc.   honest  Man.     I  am 
with  j»reat  Ri-spect. 

Sir,  \'  r  most  hblc  servt. 


GOVKRNOk  DINWIDDII".  To  COLONKL  INNES. 

Nov'r  12th,  1754. 

Vr  Lcl'r  of  the  3<l  Curr't  I   rrcW,  and  am  surprized  at  the 

Style  and  .Substance  of  it.     \'ou  wrote  me  before  I  sent  ^'ou  the 

Money  by  Mr.  Lyon,  [that]  ^■ou  had  a  few  l^istoles  left,  and  I  thot 

y't  Money  wd  have  served  Vou  some  Time;  if  you  wanted  more, 

there  was  a   more  mannerly  way  to  Ask  for  it.     If  I   had  not 

conceived  \'«)U  e<iual  to  the  Disposal  of  the  Money,  I   sh'd  not 

have  taken  so  much  Notice  of  N'ou,  and  I  never  doubted  your 

giving  a  just  Ac't  of  Vr  Disbursements.     As  to  answerinjj  Vr 

Let'r  more  minutely,  [it  ]  was  not  in  my  Power,  from  the  Hurry  of 

Business;  but   y't.  still    shews  the  j.jreater  Confidence   I    placed 

in  Vou,  for  if  any  Thinj^  irregular  had  been  done.  I  sh'd  then 

have  wrote  \'ou.     I   know  not  \"r  Inclinat's,  but  w't  I  prop<Jsed 

to  Mr.  Sharpe  was  for  Vr  Service,  if  Vou  do  not  like  it  in  y't 

light,  I  must  refer  Vou  to  him,  and  with  him  Vou  may  consult 

w't  you  most  incline  to ;  I  suppose  he  will  be  with  \'ou  as  .soon 

as  This.     What  Vou  mean  by  flying,  and  such  idle  Expressions, 

I  cannot  say,  or  answer.     Our   Forces,  I    hope   will   be  greatly 

increased,  as  I  have  seven  officers  recruiting.     The  allowance  of 

the  Comittee  Vou  may  receive,  and  Vou  know  my  Promise  at 

parting,  if  N'ou  can  confide  in  me.     As  to  the  Ind'n  Prcs't,  ^'ou 

surprize  mc.  w'n  I  consider  ^'ou  had  my  Orders  to  Mr  Cocks  to 

deliver  ^'ou  it  all.  if  wanted,  and  now  [it]  is  actually  on  th»-  road  to 

Vou:   Vr  .Surmises  and  Suggestions  arc  therefore  Groundless 

and  unjust,  the  badness  of  the  Roads,  is  the  just  reason  they  are 

not  with  N'ou  before  this,  and  so,  \'r  Kxcuse  to  the  Ind's  is  no 

otherways  than  just.     Tho'  in  Vr   Let'r  Vou    neither   tell    the 

Number  of  Ind's  or  of  w't  Nat'n,  or  do  Vou  let  me  know    w't 

Forwardness   Vou  are  in   with   the    Magazine  or   Barracks.      I 

think  th«-se  arc  two  essential  Points  Vou  sh'd  not  have  Omitted, 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  397 

and  indeed,  I  think  the  whole  Letter  is  both  unmannerly  and 
inconsistent,  or  c'd  I  have  expected  such  Jealously  or  Mistrust 
of  my  Promise  from  You.  However,  I  cannot  help  continuing 
my  regard  for  You,  and  accordingly  shall  be  glad  to  Serve  ^'ou. 
I  have  by  Jenkins,  sent  lo^  more;  this,  with  the  former,  You 
must  give  me  Acc't  of  Disbursements  and  receipt  thereon,  y't  I 
may  carry  it  to  acc't.  Colo.  Fairfax,  now  here,  tells  me  what  he 
wrote  to  Mr.  Cocks,  was  to  have  the  Particulars  of  the  Delivery 
of  the  Goods.  I  wish  You  Health  and  Happiness,  And  am, 
Sir,  Y'r  Friend,  &c. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  CAPTAIN  RUTHERFORD. 

Nov'r  1 2th,  1754. 
Sir  : 

I  rec'd  Y'r  Let'r  with't  date  in  answer.  As  I  presume 
Gov'r  Sharpe  is  with  You  before  this  Time,  I  recomend  Y'r 
Speaking  to  him  ab't  the  10  '^  c't,  or  any  other  Thing  relating 
to  Y'r  Compa.  I  shall  at  all  Times  be  very  glad  of  seeing  You, 
or  doing  You  any  Service  in  my  Power,  and  I  am. 

Sir,  Y'r  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  MR.  COCKE. 

Nov'r  i2th,  1754. 
Sir: 

I  much  approve  of  Y'r  Conduct  in  forwarding  the  Goods 
agreeable  to  Colo.  Innes's  Order.  I  am  sorry  they  are  so  long 
detai'd  by  the  Waters,  but  hope  they  are  at  the  Camp  by  this 
[time],  if  not,  pray  do  w't  You  can  to  forw'd  them  ;  and  I  desire 
You  will  send  me  a  particular  Acc't  of  w't  is  sent,  y't  I  may 
compare  it  with  the  Original  Invoice. 

I  am,  Sir,  Y'r  Fr'd,  &c. 


398  DIN\VII)l>IK    I'AI'KRS. 

GOVERNOR  niNWIhDIK  TO  GOVKRNOK  SHARPE. 

Nov.  i^lh,  1754. 
Sir: 

The  Bearer  hereof.  Thos.  Hurney.*"  Hved  some  Years  among 
the  Twi){htw  ees.  as  a  blacksmith  ;  he  may  Ix.*  of  some  service,  and 
[IJ  l>eUeve  he  w'd  j^o  to  the  Twi>(htwces  with  an  Escort  of  some 
Ind's.  He  wanted  a  Co'n,  but  I  did  not  think  it  proper  to  give 
him  one,  but  I  oflTered  him  2s.  6d.  'p*  Oay,  if  he  w'd,  on  Occa- 
sion, work  at  his  Trade,  and  he  ready  to  go  Messages.  I  send 
him  to  You  to  e.xamine  him.  and  if  You  find  he  can  be  of  service, 
You  may  increase  his  Pay  to  3s.  "p^  day.  or  more,  if  You  see 
pro|>er.  I  cannot  say  much  to  his  Character,  as  he  once  disap- 
pointed me  in  a  Message,  to  the  Twightwees;  he  s'd  it  was  by 
Sickness,  but  now  promises  all  in  his  Power  for  the  Service  of 
the  Expedit'n ;  I  therefore  refer  him  to  You,  and  am. 
Sir,  ^  "r  very  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIK  TO  tiOVERNOR  SHARF'E. 

Nov'r  I  sth,  [17S4]. 
Sir: 

This  will  be  delivered  to  \'ou  by  Mr.  Lewis,  who  is  strongly 
recomended  to  me  by  Capt.  Legge,  as  he  has  served  his  Time  in 
the  Navy.  I  have  ajjpointed  him  Lieut,  of  the  Train  of  Artil- 
lery, w'ch  I  did  to  prevent  his  being  superceeded  in  Case  any 
half-pay  Officers  shou'd  be  sent  out.  Hut  as  he  appears  to  me 
an  active  N'oung  Gent..  I  w'd  not  have  this  pres't  Appointm't 
prevent  his  rising  on  Occasion,  and  agreeable  to  his  Behaviour. 
I  therefore  recomcnd  him  to  ^"r  Countenance,  and  am, 
•Sir.  \"r  most  h'ble  serv't. 

P.  S. — I  have  tins  L>.iy  engag'd  {wo  Smiths,  with  their  whole 
Apparatus  and  Tools,  wch  [Ij  shall  send  uj)  about  a  Fortnight  or 
three  weeks  hence. 

"'  Thomas  Bumey  was  present  at  the  Lojfstown  Treaty. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  399 

GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  MAJOR  CARLYLE. 

Nov'r  14th,  [1754.] 
Sir  : 

I  send  two  Sloops ;  they  bring  the  Clothing  for  the  3  Ind't 

Go's ;  As  also  the  Goods  as  "^  inclos'd  Invoice,  w'ch  You  are 
to  take  Care  of  till  You  receive  Gov'r  Sharpe's  Direct's  about 
them  :  he  talk'd  of  sending  them  to  Wiils's  Creek,  but  as  I 
know  no  Person  there,  You  are  to  land  them  with  You  till  You 
receive  his  Orders.  I  have  great  Compl'ts  from  the  Camp  for 
want  of  a  Commissary  to  take  Care  of  the  Provis's.,  &c.,  and 
to  see  them  properly  issued.  You  are  allowed  a  Deputy ;  either 
he  or  You  must  give  constant  Attend'ce  with  the  P'orces ;  if 
Y'r  other  Affairs  will  not  permit  Y'r  so  doing,  write  me,  y't  I 
may  appoint  another  Person  who  will  discharge  the  duty  more 
exactly,  for  they  write  me  there  is  great  Waste  and  great  Un- 
easiness for  want  of  such  a  Person.  There  is  no  Salt  at  the 
Camp,  [I]  therefore  desire  y't  You  will  send  10  bis.  up  ime- 
diately.  Give  the  Sloop  from  Hampton  good  Dispatch,  as  I 
believe  she  is  on  daily  hire.  There  comes  in  her.  Recruits 
with  a  Lieut,  and  Serg't;  they  must  be  provided  with  Neces- 
saries, and  if  the  Other  Men  are  not  march' d,  they  may  join 
them.  Otherways,  if  possible,  to  follow  them,  or,  endeavour  to 
get  Gov'r  Sharp's  Orders  about  them.  I  am,  with  respects, 
Sir,  Y'r  h'ble  Serv't. 

P.  S. — I  think  the  Capt's  of  the  Ind't  Compa's  must  be  at  the 
Charge  of  Waggonage  for  the  Clothing. 


Sir  : 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  GOVERNOR  GLEN. 

Nov'r  i6th,   1754. 


I  have  the  Satisfact'n  by  Mr.  Cleland  to  send  You  a  Copy 
of  my  Let'r  '^  C't  Legge,  to  w'ch  be  referred.  I  have  a  Mes- 
sage from  the  Cherokees  offering  their  Assistance  by  furnishing 
us  with  some  of   their  Warriors    w'n    wanted.     As    I    propose 


400  IHNWIDIUE    PAI'KRS. 

raising  w'l  Men  I  possibly  can  to  march  towards  the  Ohio  in 
Feb'ry  or  early  in  March,  and  as  a  Numl>cr  of  Ind's  will  then 
be  of  jjrcat  Service.  I  propose  sendin^j  a  Messajje  to  the  Ca- 
tawbas  and  Chcrokees  to  supply  me  with  wt  Warriors  they 
can  spare,  to  meet  our  Forces  near  the  ( )hio,  where  I  shall 
provide  them  with  Powder  and  Lead.  And  as  I  know  You 
have  jjreat  Int't  with  these  Nats.  I  iksire  You  will  back  my 
Desire  to  them  as  it  is  lor  His  M'y's  Service.  You  have  been 
misinformed  in  regard  to  the  Ind's  that  were  lately  here,  be- 
longing to  the  Catawbas  and  Cht-rokees.  of  their  losing  their 
Way.  coming  to  Y'r  Gov't  and  committing  some  outrages ;  it 
must  be  some  other  Ind's,  for  those  that  went  from  this,  [place] 
got  all  safe  Home  wiih't  any  Misforlime.  I  have  been  happy 
with  Mr.  Wragg'"  and  Cleland's  Compa.;  tliey  are  both  very 
agreeable  Gentn. 

I  wish  them  a  happy  return  to  \'ou,  and  I  rem'n. 
Sir,  Y'r  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVKRNOR  DINUIDDIK  To  THK  l.OKDS  OF'  TRADE. 

Nov'r  1 6th,  1754. 
K  I  Hon.: 

Inclosed.  You  have  Copy  of  my  last,  and  I  now  send 
\ou  ih     \      •    •  "     ''I  y's  yuit  Rents,  and  [of  the]  2S.  "fi  Hhd. 


"'William.  si)n  of  S.-mnicl  WrajjK.  from  HnKl-intl.  and  great  grandson 
of  DuKtic.  of  .M<int|H-litT,  Krancc,  (whost-  grantldaiijjiitfr,  Mary  Dubose, 
was  William  W^.l^cK^  mother  1.  was  htirn  in  .South  Carolina,  alHUit  1714; 
educated  in  Kngland ;  many  years  a  member  of  tlie  South  Carolina 
As-Sfmbly,  and  in  1753.  of  the  Council;  o|)posfd,  in  1759.  the  policy  of 
Governor  Lyltleton.  which  led  to  an  unfortunate  war  with  the  Chero- 
kee Indians;  a  talented  and  elcKjuent  lawyer,  he  was  offered  the  post  of 
Chief  Justice,  but  declined  it.  His  convictions  prevented  his  espous- 
ing the  cau.sc  of  Indepentlence  upon  the  nipturc  with  the  mother 
country.  Embarking  for  England,  he  was  shipwrecked  and  lost  on 
the  rc»ast  of  Holland,  in  .Septeml)er.  1777.  A  monument  in  Westmin- 
ster .'\l)l>cy  depicts  the  event.  He  published  in  1769,  "  Reasons  for  not 
concurring  in  the  Non-lniportation  Resolution."  — A'aw/.fffy'j  History  0/ 
South  Carolina,  ii    pp.  «;;j-K 


i 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  401 

revenue,  ending  25th  Oct'r  last,  as  also  the  List  of  Shipping  from 
Lady  Day  till  Michaelmas,"^  to  w'ch  I  beg  [you]  to  be  referr'd. 
His  M'y  has  been  graciously  pleas' d  to  order  io,ooo[;{^]  in  Specie, 
and  a  C't  to  draw  for  io,ooo[^]  more.  The  Sec'ry  of  State  writes 
me  y't  His  M'y  desires  the  above  Sums  to  be  replac'd  from  the 
2S.  "if?  Hhd.  [revenue]  by  Warr'ts  for  y't  Purpose.  That  revenue  is 
the  only  Fund  I  have  to  call  upon  on  any  emergent  Occasion,  for 
His  M'y's  service,  therefore,  I  most  h'bly  represent  to  V'r  Lord- 
ships, the  great  Hurt  and  Loss  to  the  Expedit'n  if  y't  Fund 
sh'd  be  applied  as  above,  and  therefore,  earnestly  entreat  Y'r 
L'dship's  Int't  to  prevent  any  Warr't  to  be  issued  on  y't  head. 
Our  Assembly  have  voted  20,000^,  w'ch,  with  the  above  Supply, 
will  be  greatly  deficient  in  conducting  the  Expedit'n,  and  indeed 
I  am  still  of  Opinion,  with't  two  Regiments  of  Men  from  B.,  we 
shall  not  be  able  effectually  to  defeat  the  unjust  Invas's  of  the 
Fr.  In  Consequence  of  the  above  Supplies,  I  am  raising  Men 
and  providing  Provis's  for  them,  w'ch  takes  up  most  of  my 
Time,  and  y't  with  very  great  Fatigue;  however,  if  I  can  gain 
the  point  I  have  in  View,  in  driving  the  Fr.  from  His  M'y's 
Lands  on  the  Ohio,  I  shall  think  my  Time  and  Trouble  very 
well  recompenced,  and  I  beg  to  assure  You,  y't  every  Thing  in 
my  Power  shall  be  done  with  Spirit  and  close  Assiduity.  A 
great  Misunderstanding  subsist[s]  between  the  regular  Officers  of 
the  Ind't  Compa's,  and  the  Officers  appointed  by  me,  the  former 
will  not  rank  with  them,  or  do  Duty  with  them;  this  may  be  of 
fatal  Consequence  in  the  Time  of  Action.  I  have  wrote  two 
Let'rs  to  the  Sec'ry  of  War  on  the  head,  but  have  not  rec'd  his 
Answer.  The  Appointm't  of  Mr.  Sharpe  to  comand  in  Chief, 
does  not  obviate  the  difference.  I  have,  therefore,  pray'd  for 
blank  Commissions,  as  was  done  in  the  E.xpedit'n  to  Carthagena, 
w'ch  will  put  the  officers  of  the  whole  Forces  on  a  greater 
equality,  and  therefore,  I  hope  His  M'y  will  be  graciously  pleased 
to  grant  them.  The  Fort  and  Magazine  near  the  Allegany 
Mount" s  is  finished,  w'ch  I  now  intend  to  be  the  Place  of  ren- 
dezvous for  all  the  Forces.  Gov'r  Sharpe  is  gone  up  there,  and 
I  soon  expect  to  have  his  report  thereon,  and  the  Time  he  pro- 
poses to  march  over  the   Mount's,  w'ch  I   am   of  Opinion   will 


^^■*In  the  Almanacs  of  the  period,  March  25,  is  designated  as  "Lady 
Day,"  and  September  29,  as  "  Michaelmas." 

26 


40-J  DINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

not  be  till  the  Spriiij^.     I  rcin'n,  with  j^rcat   Deference  and  due 

resjH'ct, 

R't  lit))!..  V'r  L'dship's  most  ob'd't  humble  Serv'l. 


GOVERNOR  I)IN\VIl)[)IK  TO  THE  LORIXS  OF  THE  TREASURY. 

Nov'r  i6th,  [1754]. 
Rr    llc.N.; 

Inclos'd,  I  scrul  \"r  Lordships  the  Acct  of  His  M'y's 
(Juit  rents,  and  tlie  revenue  of  2s.  'f'  Hhd.,  ending  the  25th  of 
Oct' r  last,  tw  w'ch  please  be  referred.  His  M'v  was  j^raciously 
pleased  to  order  me  10,000 ^^  in  Specie  and  C't,  to  draw  for 
10,000/'  more  for  conducting  the  Kxpedit'n  ag'st  the  Fr.  unjust 
Invasion  of  His  M'y's  Lands  on  the  river  Ohio.  The  Sec'ry  of 
State  writes  me  y't  it  is  His  M'y's  Pleasure  y't  the  s'd  Money 
sh'd.  by  Warrant,  be  repiacetl  from  the  2S.  '^  Hhd.  That  rev- 
enue is  the  only  Fund  I  have  to  call  upon,  on  any  Kmergency, 
for  His  M'y's  Service.  I  wcl,  therefore,  hope  y't  no  Warr't  sh'd 
issue  at  this  Time  for  re-imbur.sem't  of  above  Sums  from  y't 
Fund,  as  I  am  fully  convinced  it  will  be  an  essential  Prejudice  to 
His  M'y's  .Service  here.  The  Backwardness  of  our  Assembly  in 
not  granting  proper  .Supplies,  has  been  of  very  great  Hurt  to  the 
Expedit'n,  but  y't,  and  w't  His  NPy  has  graciously  been  plcas'd 
to  grant,  will  be  greatly  deficient  in  paying  the  Forces  necessary, 
providing  Provisions,  &c.  I  therefore  h'bly  pray  ^"r  L'dship's 
Int't  in  preventing  any  VVarr'ts  for  Money  from  the  2s.  "f*  Hhd. 
till  the  Fxpedit'n  is  ended.  I  am  now  fully  engag'd  in  raising  of 
Men,  and  am  in  hopes,  before  the  Spring,  to  increase  the  Forces 
of  this  Dom'n  to  1,000  Men,  but  I  am  convinc'd,  y't  all  we  can  do 
here,  will  not  be  sufficient  to  drive  the  Fr.  from  the  Ohio.  I  have 
earnestly  desired  twrj  regim'ts  of  .Men  from  (i.  B.,  w'ch,  with  the 
new  undisciplin'd  Forces  rais'd  here,  I  hope  will  be  able  to  defeat 
their  Designs,  but  with't  y't  .Aid  and  [a]  proper  .Supply  of  ( )rdnance 
Stores,  I  dread  the  Consequence.  I  am  in  hopes  Applicat'n  will 
be  made  to  Parliam't  for  a  Supply  ;  For  I  assure  Y'r  Lordships 
that,  in  my  Opinion,  there  never  was,  since  Britain  had  a  Set- 
tlem't  on  this  Cont't,  an   Affair  of  greater  Consequence  to  the 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  403 

Nat'n,  and  therefore  worthy  of  the  Considerat'n  of  the  B.  Par- 
liam't.  I  have  [done]  and  shall  continue  to  do  every  Thing  in  my 
Power,  with  Assiduity  and  Spirit,  in  discharge  of  the  Com'ds  from 
His  M'y,  and  it  will  give  me  the  greatest  Pleasure  if  we  are 
properly  re-inforc'd  and  supported  from  B.  to  give  a  strong  Push 
in  the  Spring,  w'ch  I  w'd  fain  hope  may  be  the  finishing  stroke 
in  driving  these  unjust  invaders  from  His  M'y's  Lands  on  the 
Ohio,  and  nothing  in  Life  I  do  so  much  desire  to  see.  I  am, 
with  great  deference  and  dutiful  respects, 

R't  Hon.,  Y'r  L'd's  most  ob'd't  h'ble  servant. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  SIR  THOMAS  ROBINSON. 

Nov'r  i6th,  [1754.] 
R'T  Hon.: 

Inclos'd,  You  have  Copy  of  my  last  Let'r,  to  w'ch  I 
pray  [you]  to  be  refer'd.  In  Consequence  of  His  M'y's  generous 
Supply,  and  the  Vote  of  our  Assembly  for  20,000/',  I  [am]  rais- 
ing of  Men,  and  am  in  hopes  to  compleat  the  Number  of  our 
Forces  to  1,000  Men,  but  I  am  fully  of  Opinion,  all  we  possibly 
can  do  here  will  not  be  sufficient  to  drive  the  Fr.  from  His  M'y's 
Lands  on  the  Ohio.  I  therefore  am  in  great  Hopes  of  a  re-in- 
forcem't  of  two  regim'ts  from  G.  B.,  w'ch,  joined  with  our  raw 
undisciplined  Men,  may  be  sufficient  to  drive  off  the  unjust  In- 
vaders. An  unhappy  Difference  subsists  between  the  Officers  of 
the  Ind't  Compa's,  and  those  appoint' d  by  me;  the  former  refuse 
to  rank  or  do  duty  with  the  others.  In  Case  of  Act'n  I  fear  this 
may  be  of  bad  Consequence.  Colo.  'W^ashington  on  y't  Acc't 
has  resign' d  his  Comiss'n"''";  the  other  Officers,  I  have  prevail' d 

^'*  Washington  resigned  his  commission  in  October,  because  under  the 
newly  devised  military  establishment  of  Governor  Dinwiddie  of  ten 
independent  companies,  of  100  men  each,  there  was  no  rank  above  that 
of  Captain,  and  these  were  severally  subordinate  to  those  holding  com- 
missions from  the  King,  the  effect  was  to  reduce  Colonel  Washington 
to  the  rank  of  Captain,  and  to  place  him  under  officers  whom  he  had 
commanded.  He  remained  in  private  life,  at  Mount  Vernon,  until  the 
arrival  of  General  Hraddock,  who  called  him  to  his  staff,  by  letter 
dated  March  2,  1755. 


4<»4  DINWIDIilK    PAPKKS. 

to  continue  in  Cornel  till  I  hear  from  Home.  I  therefore  entreat 
V'r  Apphcatn  to  His  My,  if  he  will  jjraciously  order  out  to  me 
blank  Coniis's  in  tlu-  same  Manner  as  was  praciic'd  on  the  Car- 
tha^ena  KxjKrditn.  wch  will  bring  the  Otiicers  on  an  eciuality  ; 
whether  it  nuiy  be  tho't  proper  to  grant  Comis's  for  Field 
Ut^cers.  as  was  done,  or  only  for  Capi's  and  Lieut's,  I  submit.  I 
must  say,  I  think  it  will  be  greatly  for  the  Service  to  have  two 
Majrs  ap[>ointed  for  the  \  irg'a  Forces,  and  I  h'bly  recomend 
|.  Inncs.  llsij'r,  to  be  one  of  them;  he  Com'd  in  Chief  before 
Govr  Sharpes  Appointm'i.  and  in  Case  of  Death,  or  any 
other  Accid'l.  he  is  a  proper  Person  to  Succeed.  He  had  a 
Comissn  in  S'r  W'm.  (iooch's  regim't  at  Carthagena;  and 
as  I  think  him  a  very  good  Officer,  I  beg  h'bly  to  recom'd 
him  to  His  M'y's  Favo.  for  a  Maj  r  s  Comissn.  Our  Ho.  of 
Burgesses  .sent  me  an  Address  to  recom'd  to  His  M'y's  Favo. 
the  ot^cers  I  had  appointeil.  I  send  ^'ou  a  Copy  of  their  Ad- 
dress and  h'bly  desire  ilicy  may  be  recomended  accorilingly. 
The  Fort  and  Magazine  for  Proviss's  and  Stores,  near  to  the 
Allegany  Mount's,  are  finished.  Gov'r  Sharpe  is  gone  there, 
and  I  soon  e.xpect  his  report  thereon,  w'ch  [IJ  shall  transmit  to 
You.  As  this  Ohio  E.xpedit'n  is  the  most  essential,  and  of  the 
greatest  Consequence  to  the  Nal'n  and  His  M'y's  Flmpire  on  this 
Cont't.  in  Course,  [it  is]  of  greater  Considerat'n  than  any  Expe 
dii'n  undertaken  by  the  B.  Subjects  since  they  had  any  Colonies 
in  America.  I  h'bly  think  it  merits  the  Considerat'n  of  a  B. 
Parliam't,  and  I  gladly  hope  they  w'd  chearfully  grant  proper 
Supplies  for  the  Conducting  it  with  Spirit,  this,  is  my  h'ble 
Opinion  at  this  Distance.  Whatever  may  be  done  at  Home, 
I  know  not,  but  I  beg  Leave  to  assure  Vou,  y't  every  Thing 
in  my  Power,  with  Assiduity  antl  Spirit,  shall  be  executed  with 
great  Chearfulness,  and  if  we  can  but  succeed  in  defeat' g  the 
unjust  and  malicious  Designs  of  the  Fr..  I  shall  think  my 
Trouble  well  recfimpensed.  I  troubled  V'r  Hon'r  in  my  for- 
mer Letter  for  some  Ordnance  Stores,  <S:c.,  wch  I  hope  will 
be  sent  out  by  very  first  Opp'ty,  y't  nothing  may  retard  our 
Operat's  early  in  the  .Spring.  As  I  have  the  Fxpedit'n  very 
much  at  Heart,  I  dread  any  Disappoinim'ts,  w'ch  makes  me 
so  earnest  in  writing,  w'ch  I  hope  N'ou  will  excuse.  Inclos'd, 
I  trouble  ^'f)U  with  an  Address  from  the  Council  of  this  Dom'n 
to  His  My,  w'ch  I  desire  ^'ou  will    please  to    present  to  His 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  4U5 

royal  Hands.  I  endeavour' d  with  our  Assembly  to  decimate 
the  Militia,  and  those  the  lot  fell  on,  if  they  c'd  not  go,  to  get  an 
able  bodied  Man  for  the  Expedit'n,  but  c'd  not  prevail ;  they 
pass'd  an  Act  for  Vagrants, '^'^  &:c.,  w'ch  I  now  enclose  You,  it 
may  be  of  some  Service,  but  not  so  effectual  as  I  c'd  wish  ;  how- 
ever, I  shall  do  every  Thing  in  my  Power  to  raise  as  many 
Men  as  .possible,  but  am  sorry  that  the  Province  of  Pensyl- 
vania  remains  obstinate  in  not  granting  a  mutual  Supply;  y't 
Colony  is  more  numerous  of  Inhabitants  y'n  any  on  the  Cont't, 
and  very  much  exposed  to  danger  from  the  Fr.  Incursions,  but 
they  seem  to  me  to  be  siez'd  with  a  Lethagick  Supineness,  not 
to  take  proper  steps  to  evade  the  iminent  Danger,  by  joining 
in  a  suitable  Supply.  I  am  in  hopes  Mr.  Morris,  their  New 
Gov'r,  will  be  able  to  raise  their  Spirits  to  a  proper  Observat'n 
of  their  danger.  I  am,  with  great  deference  and  respects, 
R't  Hon.,  Y'r  most  ob'd't  humble  Serv't 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  LORD  HALIFAX. 

Nov.  1 6th,  [1754]. 
R'T  Hon.: 

My  last  to  You,  was  the  25th  Ult'o,  to  w'ch  I  beg  [you] 
to  be  referred.  In  Conseq'ce  of  His  M'y's  gracious  Supply,  and 
the  Vote  of  our  last  Assembly,  I  am  raising  of  Men,  and  hope, 
during  the  Winter  mo's  to  be  able  to  send  a  good  No.  The  Fort 
and  Magazine  near  the  Allegany  Mount's  are  finish'd,  and  I  pro- 
pose that  to  be  the  Rendezvous  of  our  Forces,  as  we  can  collect 
them.  Gov'r  Sharpe  is  gone  there,  and  I  soon  expect  his  report  in 
regard  to  its  situat'n,  &c.  It's  a  monstrious  Thing  to  think  of  the 
Supineness  and  Backwardness  of  our  neighbouring  Colonies  in 

^'^The  act  passed  in  October,  1754,  vi.  Hening,  pp.  438-440,  is  en- 
titled "An  Act  for  raising  levies  and  recruits  to  serve  in  the  jiiesent 
expedition  against  the  French  on  the  Ohio."  Section  ii.  empowers 
justices  of  the  peace  of  the  several  counties  "  to  raise  and  levy  sucli 
able-bodied  men,  as  do  not  follow  or  exercise  any  lawful  cainn.2:  or 
employment,  or  have  not  some  otlu-r  lawful  antl  sufficient  support  and 
niaintainance." 


406  DINWIDUIK    i'APKKS. 

granting  Supplies.  So.  Car..  I'cnsylv'a,  or  the  Jerseys,  have 
Ktanitrti  none.  IVnsvlv'a.  th«»'  a  rich  Colony,  and  very  numerous 
in  Inhabits,  and  ai  the  s;imr  Time  so  much  ixposd  lo  the  In- 
cursions ol  ihe  Kr.,  lo  Ixr  so  back'd  and  l-^isy  in  ihe  Time  of 
Danger  to  withi>ld  their  Aitl.  jjivcs  me  real  Concern.  They  have 
^riMi  Numbers  ol'  ( ierinans.  atnon^  whom  there  are  many  roman 
Cathojicks.  as  also  in  M  yl'd.  that  I  tiread  il  the  Fr.  sh'd  Ix*  per- 
mittcil  to  make  a  Settlem'l  on  the  rich  I^uids  of  the  Ohio,  that 
by  sending  Invitations  to  them,  from  their  reljgious  Principles, 
thev  may  Ixr  prevailetl  on  to  jjo  to  the  Ohio  and  join  the  Kr.  in 
Kxfxrctat'n  of  large  (iranls  of  Land.  The  (icrmans  in  I'cnsylv'a 
live  all  in  a  Body  together,  as  if  in  a  l*rinci|>ality  of  Germany, 
may  they  not  in  Time  throw  off  their  ( )bedience  and  Submission 
to  the  H.  Crown.*  It  was.  I  think,  a  very  imprudent  Step  in  the 
first  Sctllem't  of  y't  Province  not  to  mix  them  in  their  Set- 
tlemls  with  the  ICngl.,  and  have  F.nglish  School  Masters,  \'c. 
Where.i-s,  there  are  now  many  Thoiisimcls  cannot  speak  one  word 
of  English.  How  to  address  this,  y't  I  should  think  of  great 
Consetjuence,  I  must  submit  to  those  of  greater  Pcnetrat'n  and 
Abilities.  There  is  a  Scheme  sent  home  from  N.  York  for 
uniting  the  B.  Colonies  on  this  Cont't.  It  does  not  become  me 
to  give  my  Opinion  thereon.  But  as  I  wrote  \"r  L'ds.  some  Time 
ago.  my  Tho'ls  for  regulating  the  Colonies,  and  the  Trade,  with 
the  Ind's,  I  am  still  of  the  same  Opinion  on  that  divid'g  the 
Colonies  into  two  Districts  of  No.  and  So.,  y't  the  Meetings  of 
Commiss'rs  will  Ijc  more  regular,  and  the  Affairs  of  each  District 
more  conci.sely  enquired  into,  and  easier  regulatet',  y'n  under  one 
Council  of  the  whole  H.  Kmpire  here;  but  this  I  h'bly  submit  to 
^"r  LM's  more  su|>erior  Judgem  t,  and  hope  \"r  L'ds.  will  excuse 
my  Freedom  in  writing  my  ( )pinion  thereon,  w'ch  I  w'd  not  to 
any  other  Person.  I  still  am  affraid.  y't  all  we  can  do  here  will 
not  be  sufficient  to  drive  the  Fr.  from  Mis  .M'y's  Lands  on  the 
Ohio.  I  therefore  have  repeatedly  pray'd  for  two  regim'ts  to  be 
sent  from  ('».  H..  and  proper  .Supply  of  Ordnance  Stores,  ike.  I 
am  convinced  no  KxfKrdit'n  in  America  was  of  so  much  Conse- 
quence to  the  Nai'n.  and  His  M'y's  Empire  on  this  Cont't,  as  the 
pres't.  and  am  further  affraid.  witht  speedy  Supply  from  Home, 
y't  il  may  prove  too  late  if  the  French  are  allowed  a  quiet 
Settlem'l  on  the  Ohio;  and  I  am  of  Opinion,  y't  the  pres't  Kx- 
jH-ditn  is  much  worthy  the  Notice  of  a    B,    Parliam  t   to  grant 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  4U7 

proper  Supplies.  Whatever  may  be  done  with  You,  I  assure  Y'r 
L'ds.  y't  every  Thing  in  my  Power,  with  great  Assiduity  and 
Spirit,  shall  be  done  in  Conducting  this  very  essential  Service. 
The  Fatigue  I  have  in  raising  Men,  and  provid'g  Provisions, 
&€.,  is  very  great,  but  it  I  can  accomplish  w't  I  have  in  View,  of 
driving  the  Fr.  from  the  Ohio,  I  shall  think  my  Time  and 
Trouble  well  rewarded.  I  h'bly  beg  Leave  to  assure  You,  I 
am,  with  great  Deference  and  dutiful  respects, 
R't  Hon., 
Y'r  L'd's  much  obliged  and  most  obed't  h'ble  serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO   EARL  GRANVILLE. 

Nov'r    i6th,  [1754,] 
R't  Hon.: 

My  last  to  Y'r  L'ds.  was  the  25th  ulto.,  to  w'ch  I  beg 
[you]  to  be  referr'd.  Y'r  Agent,  Mr.  Corbin,  sent  me  ^162,  ids. 
this  Mo.,  w'ch  is  the  ^^125  St'g  Excha.,  30  ~^  Ct.,  for  w'ch  Sum  I 
send  my  Bill  on  Messrs.  J.  &  C.  H[anbury].  In  Consequence  of 
the  Mo[ney]  ordered  me  by  His  M'y,  and  the  Mo[ney]  voted  [by 
the]  last  Assembly  here,  I  am  earnestly  engag'd  in  raising  Men 
and  provid'g  Provis's,  &c.,  for  the  Campaign  in  the  Spring.  As 
this  Dom'n  has  constantly  been  in  tranquil  Peace,  and  military 
Affairs  not  well  understood,  makes  my  Transact's  for  the  Service 
very  tedious ;  however,  [I]  am  in  hopes,  during  the  Winter  Mos. 
to  be  able  to  raise  a  good  number  of  men,  but  I  much  dread,  all 
we  can  do  will  not  be  sufficient  to  drive  the  Fr.  from  His  M'y's 
Lands  on  the  river  Ohio,  I  therefore  have  great  hopes  of  a 
reinforcem't  of  two  regim'ts  from  G.  B.,  and  a  Supply  of  Ord- 
nance Stores,  w'ch  I  have  earnestly  desired  in  my  Letter  to  S'r 
T.  Robinson  ;  And  as  this  Expedit'n  is  certainly  of  Greater  Con- 
sequence to  the  Nat'n  and  His  M'y's  Dom's,  y'n  any  yet 
undertaken  in  America,  I  h'bly  think  it  requires  the  Notice  of 
a  B.  Parliam't  for  a  considerable  Aid  and  Supply,  y't  it  may  be 
conducted  with  Spirit,  and  y't  imediately,  with't  Delay,  other- 
wise the  Fr.  will  fortifie  themselves  on  y't  river  and  increase  in 
Numbers,  y't  hereafter  it  may  be  difficult  to  dislodge  them,  w'ch 


408  UINWIDDIE   PAPERS. 

I  h'bly  rclcr  lo  V'r  Considt-njt' n  and  .Su|>criour  |ud){m'l.  If  Y'r 
Lds.  agrees  with  mc  in  tipinion.  I  h'bly  ho|>c  lor  Y'r  Int't  in 
strcnuou>ly  rccomcnd  jj  such  A!ksi>iancc  as  may  be  judged  proper, 
and  y't  imethalely,  without  delay.  The  Fort  and  Ma^razine  near 
the  Allejjany  Mount's  are  finishctl,  and  1  propose  y't  to  be  the 
general  rendezvous  of  our  Forces  as  they  may  be  collected.  Gov'r 
Sharpe.  who  Comd's  in  Chief  the  Army,  b  now  there,  and  I 
hojH.*  soon  to  havf  his  re|>ort  in  regard  to  the  Situat'n,  &c.  CJur 
neighbouring  Colonies  have  been  very  l>ackw'd  in  their  Supplies 
for  the  Kxj)edit'n.  So.  Car.  has  n(»t  yet  granted  any.  Pensylv'a 
the  best  Peopled  Colony  on  this  Cont.  has  not  granted  L's  their 
Aid.  The  Jerseys,  I  hear,  incline  to  assist  if  Pensylvania  will ; 
howfver,  their  Dilatorim-ss  and  want  of  just  Spirit  in  doing  it 
early,  gives  Opp'ty  to  the  Fnemy  to  strengthen  Themselves  and 
take  Advantages  of  our  Supinencss.  1  shall,  notwithstanding 
th»  do  ever>'  Thing   in   my   Power,  with  Assiduity, 

dii  i'irit,  for  the  Ser\'ice  of  the  Fxi)editn.  in  hopes  of 

proper  Aid  from  G.  B.     I  have  the  Hon'r  to  assure  Y'r  Lds., 
yt  I  rem'n  with  great  deference  and  due  res|>ecls, 
R  t  Hon.. 

^'  r  L'd's  much  obliged,  and 

most  obcd't   liumhli-   S.rv't. 


GoVKk.NOk  Di.wviDDit  Tu  j.XMKs  .\iu:rcku.mijv. 

Nov'r   1 6th,  [1754.] 
Sir: 

My  Ixst  to  ^'ou  was  the  25th  Ulto.,  w'ch  [I]  hope  came  safe 

to  Hand,  and  I  refer  N'ou  accordingly  to  it.  I  wrote  You  y't  I 
had  Int't  enough  with  our  Council  to  settle  Y'r  .Salary  at  £200 
'^  Annum,  and  I  further  prevail'd.  [with  thcm.j  to  pay  You  one 
half-^'car■s  .Salary  to  end  the  25th  Oct'r,  for  w'ch  ^'ou  have  my 
Bill  on  Messrs.  J.  &  C.  H.  for  /^ic».  Messrs.  Wragg  &  Geland, 
of  .So.  Car.,  are  now  with  me.  I  recomended  ^'ou  to  be  Agent 
for  that  Province,  they  only  objccted.it  w'd  be  disagreeable  to 
the  People,  while  You  was  Agent  for  No.  Carolina.  I  told  them 
I  ■  ■  '  You  w'd  resign  y't  if  You  was  sure  of  being  Ap- 
p  .So.  Car.     I  s'd  w't  I  tho't  proper.     You  may  write 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  409 

on  the  Head  to  Mr.  Glen.  Cleland,  or  any  other  of  V'r  Friends. 
I  parted  with  our  Assembly  on  very  good  Terms,  and  seemingly 
much  pleas" d  with  my  Administrat'n.  I  shall  endeavour  to  keep 
them  in  Humour.  If  they  do  not  fall  into  Parties.  I  doubt  not  of 
succeeding.  At  pres't,  every  Thing  is  on  a  good  Footing.  I 
have  wrote  to  Sir  T.  R.  the  absolute  Necessity  of  having  two 
regim'ts  of  Men,  with  the  Ordnance  Stores  formerly  applied  for. 
The  Mo.  sent  me,  the  C't  I  have  to  draw  Bills,  and  the  2o,ooo[;^j 
voted  by  our  Assembly,  will  be  greatly  short  of  paying  the 
Soldiers.  Proviss,  &c.,  I  therefore  have  h'bly  recomended  Ap- 
plicat'n  to  Parliament  for  a  Supply  for  conducting  an  Expedit'n 
of  the  greatest  National  Service  y't  ever  was  undertaken  in 
America.  As  the  Misunderstand' g  still  subsists  between  the 
Officers  of  the  Ind't  Compa's,  and  those  of  my  Appointm't,  I 
have  wrote  him  to  procure  blank  Comiss's  from  His  M'y,  to 
make  all  the  Officers  on  an  Equality;  and  I  have  further  desired 
the  Appointm't  of  two  Majrs,  and  in  particular  Jas.  Innes,  in 
Case  y't  any  Accid't  sh'd  happen  to  Mr.  Sharpe,  y't  he  may 
succeed  him.  I  therefore  desire  V'r  close  Applicat'n  at  his  Office, 
for  Success  on  my  ditierent  Applicat's.  I  have  wrote  the  B'd  for 
Trade,  L'd  Hahfax,  pretty  much  to  the  same  Purpose.  I  am  at 
pres't  very  anxious  and  diligent  in  raising  Men,  and  providing 
Provis's,  to  make  a  vigorous  Push  early  in  the  Spring,  but  I  fear, 
with't  Supply  of  Men,  &c.,  from  B..  we  shall  not  have  Forces 
sufficient.  So.  Car.,  Pensylv'a,  or  Jersies  have  not  granted  any 
Aid;  the  lethargick  Indolence  and  unactive  Spirit  y't  possesses 
these  People,  is  not  to  be  accounted  for,  and  makes  our  Expe- 
dit'n still  go  heavy  on,  tho'  I  shall  do  every  Thing  in  my  Power 
for  the  Service;  but  I  sincerely  hope  all  the  Well  Wishers  to 
the  B.  Nat'n,  and  the  Colonies  on  this  Cont't.  will  exert  their 
utmost  Int't  at  this  critical  Juncture,  and  w't  is  to  be  done  must 
be  immediately,  for  Delays  afi'ord  room  for  the  Enemy  to 
strengthen  Themselves,  w'ch  if  tacitly  submitted  to,  it  will  be 
difficult  if  not  impracticable  to  dislodge  them  Irom  His  M'y's 
Lands,  on  the  Ohio.  The  Council  have  sent  an  address  of 
Thanks  to  His  M'y,  for  His  paternal  Care  and  seasonable 
Supplies ;  I  have  inclos'd  it  to  S'r  T.  Robinson,  to  be  presented 
to  his  royal  Hands,  enquire  w'n  presented,  and  I  presume  it  will 
be  put  in  the  Gazette.  Vou  will  by  this  Opp'ty  have  a  Packet 
to  the  Bishop  of  London,  w'ch  I   desire  Vou  to  deliver  with 


410  l>IN\VIUIiIK    PArKKS. 

Your  own  Kantla;  it  ccintain.H  an  Address  from  the  C\vT\^y  to 
His  My — Copy  V «»»  have  here  enclus'd,  Also  their  Addrcjui  to 
me.  and  niy  Answer,  w'ch  they  dehired  N'ou  w'd  have  inc<ried 
in  the  News  PajxTs.  the  last  You  will  fmd  in  our  News*  i'aprr 
here  inclosed.  I  formerly  did  write  l<»r  a  Comiss'n  to  com'd 
the  Forces  now  rais'd  in  this  iJom'n,  if  not  tho't  pro|M'r,  do 
not  presji  it.  I  have  the  Kxpe<lit'n  so  much  at  Heart,  I  will 
conduct  it  in  any  Shape,  and  I  am  certain  no  Person  c'd 
have  underj^one  greater  latij^ue  and  Trc)ublc,  but  if  Success 
attends,  I  think  \uy  Troubles  fully  recompenc'd.  I  wait  for 
a  thon)W  Direct'n  in  regard  to  the  Arrears  of  Ouit  rents,  as 
I  wrote  You  in  my  last  ;  if  not  yet  come  out,  pray  j{et 
the  Opinion  of  the  H'd  of  Trade  tlu-reon.  that  I  may  bring 
them  unpatented  Lands  properly  to  the  Rent  Roll.  I  have 
wrote  tf>  (the]  Sec'ry  of  Stale  and  [the]  Trcas'y,  in  rejjard  to  the 
Warr'ts.  for  repayin^j  the  Money  sent  me  from  the  2s.  "p* 
Hhd  and  I  hope  the  reasons  I  have  offered  will  prove  more 
effectual  to  Stop  the  Warr'ts  being  sent  me.  I  think  I  have 
nothing  further  material  Xa  write  N'ou.  but  wn  ^'ou  incert  the 
Addresses  in  \"r  publick  Papers,  send  me  some  of  them,  to  shew 
the  Clergy  y't  their  Desire  is  comjjly'd  with.  I  wrote  to  my 
friends.  Messrs.  J.  iK:  C.  n|aiibiiryl,  ff)r  Cloathing.  iScc,  for  our 
Men.  as  they  arc-  full  of  lUisinrss.  pray  call  on  them,  that  they 
may  be  sent  quickly  out.  The  Journals  of  last  Assembly  are 
not  fairly  transcribed  or  printed,  so  [  I  ]  cannot  transmit  them  at 
this  Time,  but  (willj  probably  by  (the)  next  .Ship.  1  wish  you 
Health  and  Happiness,  and  am  most  sincerely. 

-Sir,  \'r  affjct.  I'"'d,  and  h'ble  scrv  t. 

I'    -^      <  >n  delivering  the  I'.i<  kit  to  the    Pishop  of  Lo[n(lon]."* 
ask  his  Consent,  a(t<'r  printing  the  CN-rgy's  Address  to  his   .NPy, 

'••Tliomas  Sherl»»rk.  I).  I».,  (son  of  William  Sherlock.)  a  polemical  di- 
vine and  author,  born  in  London  in  167H.  recfiveil  fellowsliip  at  Cam- 
hridicc;  in  1714.  master  of  C'atharine-hiill,  Cambridge,  and  was  promoted 
to  •"  'V  "f  (hiihestrr  in  1716.  after  wliicli  he  entert-d  into  a  ron- 

tf"  '  KiHliMp  Mo.ully.  in  «lrfen<e  of  the  ('orporati<»n  and  test  acts. 

In  'i'«l  "  i  >is(  oiirses  on  I'ropheiy,"  intended  to  obviate  the 

inii  «.f  Anthony  Collins :  in  173H.  succeeded  lloadly  iii  the 

Hi^hoprir  ol  ItauKor.  and  in  I7.vi,  in  th.it  of  .Salisbury.  Me  was  offered 
till' i.tiin.K  V  •III  till- decease  uf  Archbi'-i'""  I'.-n-i  in  17.J7,  |»ut  he  refused 


DINVVIDDIK    PAPKKS.  411 

to  print  tlieirs  to  his  L'ds.*"  Please  desire  his  L'd's  Favo.  to 
ordain  Mr.  Jas.  Garden,  recomended  tp  him  by  our  Comissary, 
w'ch  will  be  very  agreeable  to  me,  as  he  is  greatly  recomended 
as  a  worthy,  deserving  Man. 


GOVERNOR   DINWIDDII'.    lO  COLONI-:!.  ADAM   S  ri:i"l  11<:N. 

Nov'r   I  Sill,   1734. 
Sir: 

I  rec'd  V'r  Let'r  of  the  nth.  C't  I'olson'.s  refusing  my 
Orders  delivered  him  by  You,  gives  me  Concern.  If  the  Otitkers 
begin  to  contemn  Com'ds,  w't  may  not  the  private  Man  do?  I 
have  wrote  him,  and  till  he  gives  me  a  very  satisfactory  Answ'r, 
I  shall  suspend  doing  as  the  Offence  deserves.  You  sh'd  have 
sent  me  Acc't  of  w't  Arms  You  have,  and  w't  are  wanted;  how- 
ever, I  have  sent  up  in  a  Sloop,  tliat  I  think  must  be  at  Belhaven 
before  this,  500  Arms.  You  must  be  careful  in  issucing  them, 
and  [to]  keep  an  exact  Acc't.  You  do  not  mention  whether  You 
can  have  Shoes  and  other  Necessaries  with  You;  if  there  is  any 
to  be  purchas'd,  buy  them,  and  I  will  j)ay  for  them.  The  Officers 
are  much  to  blame  for  offering  to  go  to  Annapolis  with't  Leave, 
and  let  them  know  they  are  not  to  be  absent  from  their  Duty, 
with't  Gov'r  .Sharpe's,  or  my  Permission.  I  doubt  not,  (iov'r 
Sharpe  has  given  You  Orders  in  regard  to  \  "r  March,  and  in 
case  You  cannot  purchase  .Siioes,  I  shall  endeavour  to  buy  some 
here  and  send  [them  loj  You.  What  You  are  ordered  to  send  to 
Wills's  Creek,  I  suppose  are  sent  up  by  two  Vessells  from  this 
[place] — the  Acc't  of  them  is  sent  to  the  (iov'r  and  Maj'r  Carlyle. 
I  am  still  much  hurried,  and  liurelorc  must  refer  You  to  Gov'r 
Sharpe  for  Orders.  I  wish  You  Health  and  Success,  and  am, 
Sir,  Y'r  I'rieiul,  (S:c. 


it ;  and,  the  following:  year,  he  was  translated  to  the  .see  of  London, 
where  he  rc-niained  till  his  death,  1761.  He  was  the  authorof  the  "'I'rial 
of  Witnesses  of  the  Resurrection  of  Jesus";  and  his  .Sermons  arc 
anion};  the  best  specimens  extant  of  ICnj^lisli  pulpit  elociuence. 

'•"'  These,  together  with  a  letter  to  (iovernor  Diuwiddie,  and  his  reply, 
are  given  in  Perry's  Church  Papers  of  Virginia,  pp.  .115  .p6. 


412  DINWIDUIK    PAPERS. 

H>Vi:KNt  »lv    l>I\UII>IU|-  Tit  (.  AITAIN   1'Ol.SON. 

Novr   iSth,  [1754]. 
Sir: 

I  comm'd  Li>io.  >i.iMuii->  i  ■  -.uicr  ("apt.  Wagjjonc  ^"^ 
You  to  )^o  out  to  recruit.  Mr.  Wa^j^oner  obcy'd  Orders,  and  I 
observe,  you  refus'd.  No  Man  deserves  a  Comiss'n  y't  docs  not 
know  how  to  ol)ey  Coni'ds  Wnir  refusal  is  a  very  ill  Precedent, 
and  till  I  hear  wt  You  have  to  oJVer  for  so  act  in  j{.  I  shall  sus- 
pend doinjj  w't  1  know  the  Fault  deserves.  \"r  Answer  is  ime- 
diately  expected  by  R.   D. 


c.()vr:RN()R  DiNWinniK  to  thom.-ks  w.m.kkr."- 

Nov'r  22d.  1754. 
Sik: 

A.s  I  have  this  Day  appointed  You  Adjut't  of  the  Frontier 

Counties,   I   am   to  desire  You   by   Virtue  of  the  s'd  Co.,  to 

"•The  ancestors  of  Dr.  Thomas  Walker,  by  tradition,  were  from 
Staflfordshirc.  KnKJaiul.  Captain  Thomas  Walker,  was  a  Hurgess  from 
Gloucester  count) .  VirKinia,  in  1662.  and  a^ain.  in  1666,  is  so  listed  with 
the  rank  of  Major.  His  grandson.  Thomas  Walker,  lived  in  Kinjj  and 
Oueen  county,  and  married  there  in  1707.  He  was  the  father  of  Thomas 
Walker  of  the  text,  of  "Castle  Hill."  Albemarle  couiUy  ;  born  January 
25,  1714;  died  Novemlwr  9,  1794.  He  is  believed  to  have  been  the  tirsl 
white  man  who  explored  Kentucky.  In  1753,  Colonel  Joshua  Fry  recom- 
mended to  the  Virginia  Assembly,  an  expIt)ration  with  the  view  of  the 
discovery  of  a  route  to  the  Pacific  coast,  and  according  to  the  Rev. 
James  Maury,  (see  Memoirs  of  a  Huffuciioi  Family,  1853.  pp.  389-92) 
his  "  worthy  friend  and  neighbor,  Dr.  Thonias  Walker,  was  to  be  the 
chief  conductor  of  the  whole  afl^iir."  He  was  a  member  of  the  House  of 
lUirgesses.  of  the  Virginia  Convention  of  177.S,  and  of  the  Council  in 
•  777;  one  «if  the  commissioners  to  treat  with  the  Indians  after  the 
defeat  of  Andrew  I^wis,  and  again,  t«)  run  the  boundary  line  between 
Virginia  and  North  Carolina.  He  married  twice,  first  in  i74r.  Mildred 
(Tliornton),  the  wi<l«iw  «»f  Nicholas  Meriwether;  second,  Klizabeth 
Tliomton,  a  rousin  of  Cieneral  W.ishington.  A  deduction  of  his  de- 
scend.T  •  n  in  the  "  Memoir  of  Colonel  Joshua  Kry,"  by   Rev. 

Philip  .   I>.  I).,  and    they  comprise  the    honored    names    of 

I^wis,  Kry.   I  Hike.  Ciilmer.   Wirt.  M.iury.   Lindsay,    Rives,    Thornton, 
Page  and  otlu-rs. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  413 

endeavour  to  list  w't  Men  You  can,  for  the  Expedit'n  to  the 
Ohio.  At  [the]  same  time,  You  are  to  apply  to  the  Magistrates 
of  each  Co'ty  for  such  Men  [as]  they  may  take  up  and  order 
on  the  Expedit'n,  agreeable  to  a  late  Act  of  Assembly,''"'  and 
You  may  give  Y'r  receipt  accordingly  for  them,  to  be  transmitted 
to  me,  and  w't  Cha's  You  may  be  at  in  Cloath'g  and  maintain'g 
them,  it  shall  be  p'd  by, 

'  Sir,  Y'r  F'd. 


Sir: 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  CAPTAIN  STEWART. 

Nov'r  26th,  1754. 


Last  Night  I  rec'd  Y'r  Let'r  of  the  24th  ;  I  was  obliged  to 
send  a  Lieut,  with  44  Recruits  for  Alex'a,  about  14  Days  ago, 
but  w'n  Mr.  Eraser  comes  from  Hampton,  I  shall  send  him  up  to 
You.  I  observe  You  have  45  Men  at  Petersburg,  but  you  com- 
plain of  the  great  Exp'ce,  w'ch  surprizes  me,  as  y't  is  as  cheap  a 
Place  as  any  in  the  Co' try,  if  on  a  proper  Manage,  by  having 
them  together  in  one  House,  supply  them  with  fresh  Beef,  Pork 
and  Bread,  either  Ind'n  Meal  or  Wheat  Flour,  and  they  may 
dress  their  own  Victuals.  This,  I  think,  very  practicable.  As  to 
their  Desert' n,  they  sh'd  be  closely  watch' d,  if  there  was  no 
Risque  of  y't,  I  think  they  w'd  be  full  as  well  there,  as  at  Alex'a 
for  some  time.  I  have  sent  to  your  Place,  500  small  Arms,  &c., 
but  if  I  had  an  Opp'ty,  I  sh'd  send  some  to  You.  If  the 
Weather  sh'd  prove  good,  and  You  can  make  the  Number  70,  I 
shall  be  glad  y't  You  may  hire  Mr.  Gordon's  Schooner,  agreeing 
with  him  for  the  run  up,  and  puting  in  Proviss's  for  them  Your- 
self. In  y't  Case,  I  think  Eraser  sh'd  go  up  with  them,  to  take 
proper  Care  of  them.  I  am  glad  Mr.  McNeill  has  been  of 
Service  to  You.  I  shall  watch  an  Opp'ty  to  send  a  few  Muskets, 
&c.  If  You  can  purchase  some  cheap  blue  Clothing  for  them, 
do  [so],  and  Shoes  and  Stock's,  I  will  pay  the  amo.  [of  cost].  I 
have  wrote  Home  for  1,000  Suits  of  Clothes,  and  other  Neces- 


^'■'Cittd  in  Note  215,  p.  405. 


414  DINWIDDIE    PAI'ERS. 

saries,  w'ch  I  expect  in  Feb'ry,  w'ch,  pray  inform  the  Men  of 
for  their  Kncoura>;:em't.  I  am  suqjriz'd  tht-  Com'n  Teoplc  sh'd 
be  so  incoM-sideratc  as  to  prcv't  y'r  eiihstinjj :  the  Magistrates 
sh'd  interfere  and  support  you.  I  am  sorry  for  Mr.  Hood's  In- 
disposition, w'ch  must  Ik-  a  Loss  to  \'ou.  A[s]  Cash  is  scarce;  I 
send  Vou  by  the  Hearer.  Jas.  Ho^'r,""  ioo/,'.  and  I  doubt  [not  ?] 
of  \'our  Krujjahty  in  the  Manaj^inj^  of  it,  and  as  the  Weather  is 
pretty  severe,  Vou  may  continue  recruitin)^  some  Time  longer 
y'n  w't  I  formerly  mention' d.  I  shall  order  the  Atto'y  Gen' I  to 
file  an  Informatn  ajj'st  Wm.  ^'arborough  and  Edw'd  Holmes, 
to  appear  in  the  Apr.  (ien'l  Court.  .Send  me  the  Names  of  the 
three  Constables  who  must  be  summon' d  as  Witnesses,  for  ex- 
amples must  be  made  of  such  unjust  and  injurious  Actions.  I 
wish  \'ou  c'd  fix  on  some  of  the  Mobb  y'l  insulted  Mr.  McNeill, 
y't  I  might  be  able  to  make  examples  of  the  Ringleaders  in  such 
Cases.  Vou  should  apply  to  the  justices  for  redress,  however, 
if  Vou  can  find  out  some  of  them  with  proper  Witnesses,  I  shall 
take  Care  y'l  that  they  shall  be  punish' d,  and  bro't  down  here  to 
answer  for  their  Insults,  and  let  the  People  know,  y't  whoever 
prevents  \'<>u  or  \oui  I'eojjle  in  raising  recruits,  shall  be  prose- 
cuted according  to  Law.  I  hope  F^'raser  may  give  You  a  good 
Acc't  of  the  50  Pistoles  Vou  gave  him.  I  wish  ^'ou  Success  in 
Your  further  Proceedings,  and  desire  \'ou  will  keep  me  duly 
advis'd  ol  Your  future  Transactions.  I  renin, 
Sir,  ^"r  Friend,  (N:c. 

If  You  can  procure  me  2  Doz.  of  good,  new  Hams,  well  cured, 
logo  in  [the  vessel  of?]  C't  Randol()h,"'  I  shall  be  oblig'd  to 
You.  Speak  to  Mr.  Hood ;  they  are  for  a  Pres't,  and  I  will  pay 
the  Cost  of  them. 


""I'robably  the  brother  of  Captain  Peter  H«»jj. 
"'Captain  Kilward  Randolph,  of  the  IJallimore. 


DINVVIDDIE    PAPERS.  415 

GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  CAPTAIN  STEWART. 

Nov'r,  [1754]. 
Sir: 

This  comes  by  Mr.  Fraiser,  who  I  have  appointed  Adjut't 
of  the  Virg'a  Forces  ;  and  as  I  have  sent  a  No.  of  Small  Arms  to 
Alex' a,  I  think  it  most  suitable  that  the  whole  Recruits  may  be 
together  under  his  Care,  to  teach  them  the  use  of  their  Arms. 
You  are,  therefore,  to  hire  Mr.  Gordon's  Schooner,  and  send  in 
her  w't  Recruits  You  have  at  Petersburg,  to  touch  here  and  take 
in  all  we  can  get  between  ye  Place  and  Hampton,  and  so  to  pro- 
ceed to  Alex'a.  Take  their  Names,  Size,  Complexion,  &c.,  and 
purchase  as  much  Provision  as  may  be  necessary  to  carry  70  or 
80  to  that  Place.  If  You  come  here  Y'r  Self,  I  shall  consult 
with  You  whether  proper  to  go  to  Alex'a,  or  remain,  recruiting. 
I  am.  Sir,  Y'r  Friend,  &c. 

As  the  Weather  is  very  cold,  they  will  want  some  Blankets, 
w'ch  [I]  desire  You  to  purchase. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  MR.  CHARLES  DICK."'^ 

Dec'r  2d,  1754. 
Sir: 

I  have  a  Letter  from  Mr.  Warner  Lewis, "''  who  informs  me 

he  has  sent  to  Y'r  Care  168  bis.  Flour,  w'ch  I  desire  You  will 
take  Care  to  forw'd  to  Winchester,  and  from  thence  to  the 
Magazine  near  Wills' s  Creek,  and   I    hope  You    will   get   the 


^"  A  merchant  in  Alexandria,  and  one  of  the  trustees  named  in  the 
act  incorporating  the  town.  The  family  of  Dick  was  long  on  terms  of 
intimacy  with  that  of  Washington,  and  Dr.  Elisha  C  Dick  was  one  of 
the  attending  physicians  of  the  President  in  his  last  illness. 

''^^This  is  presumed  to  be  Warner*  Lewis,  grand-son  of  Robert'  Lewis 
from  Brecon,  Wales,  who  settled  in  Gloucester  county,  \'a. ;  and  the 
sixth  son  of  John^  and  Elizabeth  (Warner)  Lewis.  He  married  Eleanor, 
widow  of  William  (son  of  Sir  William,  Governor  of  \'irginia)  Gooch, 
and  daughter  of  James  Bowles,  of  Maryland.  He  was  a  Burgess  from 
Gloucester  county  in  1777. 


410  DINWIUDIK    PAPERS. 

Waji^jonaKf  as  cheap  aa  |>ossiblc.  If  Wtu  do  n<»t  ^'o  lu  Win- 
chester, pray  write  to  Y'r  Friend  there  to  procure  Wajj^ons  at 
the  least  rale,  to  lorwd  the  Flour  from  thence  to  the  Place  afore- 
mention'd.  As  many  Recruits  will  probably  Ik:  sent  to  Frede- 
ricksburg. 1  desire  You  will  take  the  Trouble  of  providing;  them 
with  Provisions.  \'ou  may  retain  some  of  the  Flour  for  that 
Service,  and  purchase  Beef  and  Pork  to  jjive  them,  for  w'ch  I 
will  pav  You.  The  allowance  ^iven  them,  is  one  Pound  of  Flour, 
each  Man.  f*  Day,  and  a  lb.  of  Beef  or  Pork  :  but  as  I  suppose 
Beef  will  be  pretty  Cheap,  if  ^■ou  allow  them  something  more 
than  a  lb.  of  Beef,  it  will  be  proper.  If  they  want  Shoes  or  some 
Clothing,  consult  with  the  Officer  that  has  the  Care  of  them,  and 
fijrant  them  a  necessary  Sup|)ly,  w'ch  shall  also  be  paid.  \"r  for- 
mer Acc't  was  pass  d  [byj  the  Council,  and  shall  be  p'd  to  Y'r 
Order.  And  for  the  Trouble  You  may  now  have  in  forwarding 
the  Flour  and  supplyinj^  the  Recruits.  You  shall  be  duly  paid. 
[I]  Intreat  You  to  send  the  Flour  forw'd  at  the  cheapest  Rate 
for  Waggonage.     .As  I  do  not  doul)t  \"r  Care  in  every  Thing,  I 

rcm'n. 

Sir.  \  r  most  h'blc  serv't. 


C.OYKRNOK  DINWIDDIK    To  .MK.  KOHKK  1     ILLKKK 
NOklOLK."' 

Dec'r  2nd,  1754. 
Sir  : 

I  agreed  with  You  for  40.000  lbs.  [of]  Flour.     I  have,  since 
Y'r  Agreem'i,  rt-     '    ■   !  «t'r  [stating]  y'l  its  impossible  to  trans - 


'•*"RiilKTt  Turk'T.  merchant,"  was  appointed  an  alderman   in  the 
charter  of  tl'  '■•  of  .N'orlolk.  (I.itecl  S<-ptc-nil)«.T  25,  1736.     "  He  at 

one  time  hie:  nv  liviiin  rhildrt-n ;  but  now  no  male  descendant 

>H*an»  his  res|)ecled  name."  {/-'orfst's  Skehhrs  pp.  56,  6.S-70. 1  In  the 
lUt  of  subscribers  to  the  edition  of  1752,  of  VirRinia  l^ws,  he  ap- 
pears as  "Colonel  Robert  Tucker.  Norfolk."  The  names  of  Robert 
Tucker,  and  of  Rolwrt  Tucker,  Jr.,,  appear  anionfj  the  "Sons  of 
Liberty."  as  signers  to  the  resolutions  adopted  in  opposition  to  the 
Stamp  Act,  .March  31,  1766.  Robert  Tucker  was  a  Burgess  from 
Norfolk  in   1756,  and    his  .son,  Robert  Tucker,  Jr.,  in  1767-9. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  417 

port  the  Flour  from  Fredericksburg  to  the  Camp,  at  this  Season 
of  the  Year,  therefore,  it  will  be  of  no  Service  to  the  Expedit'n. 
I  am,  therefore,  to  desire  to  be  off  that  Contract,  w'ch  I  hope 
will  be  no  Loss  to  You ;  but  if  it  sh'd  be  any  Loss  I  will  pay 
w't  You  think  You  may  suffer  thereby,  for  to  send  it  to  Fred- 
ericksb'g  to  lie  useless  there,  will  be  of  great  Prejudice  and  Loss 
to  the  Public,  w'ch  I  hope  You  will,  in  Y'r  generous  way  of 
Think'g,  consider,  and  therefore,  desire  You  will  not  send  it  up. 
Y'r  Answer  will  oblige. 

Sir,  Y'r  Very  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  CAPTAIN  STEWART. 

Dec'r  4th,  [1754.] 
Sir  : 

I  rec'd  Y'r  Let'r,  and  am  in  hopes  You  have  by  this  Time 
made  Y'r  Number  of  Recruits  60.  I,  therefore,  desire  You  will, 
with  all  expedition,  ship  them  on  board  the  Schooner  You  men- 
tion, and  w't  Agreem't  You  make,  shall  be  comply'd  with. 
Order  her  to  touch  at  Mr.  Burwell's''^^  Ferry  to  take  in  the 
Recruits  now  in  this  Town.  The  Deserter  You  put  in  Irons, 
order  him  on  board  with  the  others — his  Punishm't  to  be  sus- 
pended till  they  get  to  the  Camp.  The  Rioters,  y't  so  much 
abused  Mr.  McNeill  and  the  others,  I  have  directed  the  Att'y 
Gen'l  to  prosecute  in  the  April  Court.  You  are,  therefore,  to 
give  Acc't  of  w't  Evidence  You  have  to  be  sumoned  to  the 
Tryal,  for  I  am  determin'd  they  shall  be  prosecuted  to  the  Ex- 
tremity of  the  Law.  Y'r  Let'r,  and  Mr.  McNeill's  Declarat'n, 
I  have  given  to  the  Att'y  Gen'l,  so  y't  I  cannot  so  minutely 
answer  Y'r  Letter,  but  as  I  expect  to  see  You  soon,  I  shall  advise 
with  You  whether  proper  to  [proceed  to]  the  Camp  or  remain 
Recruit'g.     I  rem'n,  with  kind  Respect, 

Sir,  Y'r  Friend,  &c. 

My  Service  to  Mr.  Hood;  I  am  oblig'd  to  him  for  his  Intent'n 
in  providing  2  Doz.  Hams  to  go  by  Capt.  Randolph. 

'"^Lewis  Burwell,  a  member  of  tlie  Council,  and  as  its  President,  in 
1751,  the  acting  Governor  of  the  Colony. 

27 


418  DINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

GOVKkN(Jk   DI.WVIDDIK  TO  CHAKI.MS  UICK. 

I)cc'r4lh.  [1754]. 
Sir: 

\'r  tavo.  of  the  2bU\  Lliu.,  I   rcc  d  Imm  Mr.  Finnic.     I  am 

much  oblijjed  for  V'r  kind  Infurmat's  and  Calculats,  w'ch  appear 
to  me  to  be  very  just,  and  I  wi.sh  I  had  known  so  much  before;  it 
w'd  havf  prevcnicil  my  purchas'jj  Flour  down  here,  w'ch,  before 
it  rcachts  the  C.inip.  it  will  make  it  e.xccssive  dear.  I  am  de- 
termin'd  to  have  a  Person  at  the  Camp  to  make  Purchases  of  all 
kinds  of  Provis's,  and  to  lodjj;e  the  Money  with  him  to  make  due 
Pay't,  but  as  yet,  have  not  fi.x'd  on  any.  and  ;is  I  know  y'r  own 
private  Business  enhances  most  of  \"  r  Tinu",  I  cannot  think  of 
Troublinjj  Vou  further  than  the  Transact'vj  and  dispatch'g 
Affairs  at  IVctlericksburjj.  I  shall  be  ^lad  if  Vou  c'd  imediately 
send  a  (Ju'ty  of  Salt  up,  and  enclos'd,  You  have  a  Letter  from 
Mr.  Donald"*  to  Mr.  Cunningham,'"  at  Falmo..**  who  has  a  large 
Qu'ty  of  Salt.  If  Vou  possibly  can  send  up  fifty  Sacks,  I  shall 
be  much  oblig'd.  The  Flour  now  with  ^'ou,  must  be  sent  to 
Windiest' r,  at  least  40  bis.,  for  the  Use  of  the  Recruits,  as  they 
come  to  y't  Place,  and  if  the  Forces  are  not  supplied  with  Flour, 
I  tlesire  a  Ou'ty  may  be  sent  them  for  their  imediate  Supply, 
till  I  can  find  a  proper  Person  to  rem'n  at  the  Camp  to  make 
Purchases  agreeable  to  V'r  Scheme,  but  [I]  cannot  think  of  pur- 
chasing Hogs,  till  Salt  is  ready  to  Cure  them;  and  how  we  are  to 
be  supf)licd  with  Cask  to  pack  it  in,  I  desire  V'r  Advice  therein. 
The  Waggonage  hitherto  has  l)een  a  great   Imposition   on   the 

"•There  were  several  merchants  of  this  name,  Scotchmen,  doing 
business  in  the  Colony  at  this  period,  or  a  little  later.  Amonp  the  sub- 
scribers to  the  Virjjinia  I-aws  of  1752,  appear  "James  Donald,  Ches- 
terfield," and  "Robert  Donald,  Hanover,"  and  il  is  believed  tliat  Wil- 
liam  Donald  was  also  engaged  in  trade  at  Williamsburg  at  this  peri<Kl 

*"  William  Cunningham,  and  William  Cunningham  &  Co.,  extensive 
merchants,  were  the  proprietors  of  branch  stores  in  several  counties  of 
the  Colony. 

***  Falmouth,  on  the  Rappahannock  river,  opposite  Fredericksburg 
was  ererle<l  into  a  town  by  Act  of  Assembly  in  1727.  The  trustees 
named  were  "  Robert  Carter  and  Mann  Tage,  Esquires.  Nicholas  .Smith, 
William  Tbornton.  John  Fitzhugli.  Charles  Carter,  antl  Henry  Filzhugh, 
the  younger,  gentlemen."     It  has  never  been  more  than  a  small  village, 

but    .lIw.Hs  .\    JiMsV     .lUll    \l<  .lllliv   <illi' 


DIXWIDDIE    PAPERS.  419 

Public,  and  the  Owners  trifled  and  made  a  Property  of  Mr.  Car- 
lyle's  Ignorance,  or  ill  Conduct,  in  the  first  setting  out.  Gov'r 
Sharpe  is  to  purchase  eight  or  ten  Waggons  in  Pennsylvania  for 
the  Service  of  the  Expedit'n;  when  purchas'd,  four  or  five  of 
them,  [to  be]  employ' d  from  Win'r  to  the  Camp,  may  bring  the 
Co' try  People  to  a  proper  Reflect' n  on  their  Folly  in  not  em- 
ploying the[ir]  Waggons  in  the  Service  at  a  moderate  hire.  I 
will  pay  for  the  building  of  flat  bottom' d  Boats  at  the  different 
Runs  of  Water,  if  they  can  be  done  imediately,  for  this  Service, 
w'ch  [I]  shall  be  glad  if  You  can  get  proper  Persons  to  do  it  with 
Dispatch,  and  the  Use  to  the  Person  y't  has  the  Care  of  them, 
with  the  Benefit  of  Ferriage  from  private  People,  for  their  own 
Use.  I  shall  also  be  willing  to  pay  the  Charge  for  making  a  new 
Road,  as  it  will  so  much  shorten  the  Distance  from  Win't'r  to  the 
Camp;  but  as  I  am  a  perfect  Stranger  in  those  Counties,  I  wish 
You  w'd  take  the  Trouble  of  employing  proper  Persons  to  put 
in  Execut'n  this,  and  the  Building  of  Boats.  Mr.  Carlyle  was 
allowed  for  some  Horses  and  Waggons  y't  were  lost  in  the 
Service;  whether  they  be  those  You  ment'n,  I  know  not,  but  the 
poor  People  are  not  to  suffer  this  Loss.  I  wish  You  w'd  direct 
a  Survey  on  the  Provis's  lying  at  So.  Branch,  &c.;  if  spoiled, 
better  be  Condemned  as  useless,  than  load  the  Co' try  with  the 
Charge  of  Waggonage  further.  Pray  advise  me  the  Sum  of 
Money  necessary  to  be  lodged  at  the  Camp  for  the  Present. 
You  know  they  may  have  more  as  wanted,  by  sending  me  an 
Express,  and  let  me  know  any  Thing  further  y't  may  occur  to 
You  for  the  Service  of  the  Expedit'n,  and  write  me  fully  on  re- 
turn of  the  Express.  Next  Week  I  shall  send  loo  Recruits  to 
Y'r  Town.  I  think  if  You  hire  a  proper  House  while  they 
rem'n  with  You,  they  may  be  able  to  dress  their  own  Victuals. 
I  shall  send  an  Officer  with  them. 

I  rem'n  with  kind  respects. 

Sir,  Y'r  most  h'ble  serv't. 

P.  S. — Pray  write  me  if  the  Forces  have  any  Flour  sent,  for 
I  have  had  great  Concern  on  y't  Acc't,  and  how  many  Recruits 
You  have  with  You.  Pray  give  the  Express  all  possible  Dis- 
patch. 


42^^  oiNwiDDiE  papers. 

N\\II)I)n     !"  ««M'»Ni:i.  STKI'llEN. 

! '      •    1 2th,  1754. 

Sik 

1  ICC  il    \  T  Lcl  r  ol    :lic  4lh.  aiul    mac  lU  Contcnis.  bul 

have  not  Time  to  jktusc  \"r  Acct.  1  sn|>|>ojM:  the  £1^  ad- 
vanc'd  by  Colo.  Washington  for  Capt.  Mercer's  Compa.  is  to  be 
slo|>i)c<|  rrf>ni  the  I'.iy  of  yi  Co'y?  There  is  ortlers  j{onc  for 
buiUiin){  Boats  <ivcr  the  ihMcrent  Runs.  .Mr.  Carlyle  is  blame- 
able  in  not  havin^ir  Salt  at  the  Camp,  w'ch  1  expected  he  had 
sent  lonj:  since.  I  have  ordered  200  Hush's  from  Fredcricks- 
bur);.  1  have  sent  up  some  recruits  to  \"r  Town,  and  shall  this 
Week  send  130  more,  with  Orders  to  march  imediately  for  Win- 
chester. I  therefore  desire  \'ou  will  send  two  or  three  Officers 
to  y't  Place  to  receive  them  and  to  keep  them  under  due  Discip- 
line, and  have  ordered  a  lar^e  (|uantity  of  Flour  to  Winchester 
for  the  Lse  of  the  I-orces.  \'ou  are  to  Comand  the  Virjj'a  F'orces 
till  further  Orders,"*  and  tell  the  Officers  I  expect  they  will  olx*y 
Y'r  Comands.  and  if  any  are  refractory  or  disobedient  let  me 
know,  or  if  they  are  not  diligent  in  the  Discharge  of  their  Duties. 
If  You  can  purchase  .Shoes  for  the  .Men  that  want.  I  shall  allow 
of  it.  I  expect  a  larj^e  (juantity  from  London,  with  other  suitable 
Clothinjf.  bul  I  fear  will  not  be  here  till  M.irch  ;  therefore  an 
absolutely  neces.sary  Supply  to  them  for  the  present,  will  be 
refjuisite.  I  st-nd  \'ou.  accordinj^  to  Y'r  Dc*sire,  50;^  by  the 
Bearer.  Capt.  Wa^cner  had  i'»)!^  /'I  for  cnli-^tiiiL'  money  of  me. 
I  wish  You  health,  and  am, 

Sir,  \' r  [■  I  iciul.  (N:c. 


Sir: 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIK  To  CH.XRLES  DICK. 

Dcc'r  I2lh,  1754. 

Y'r  Let'r  of  the  7th.  I   duly  reed,  and  note  its  Contents. 
trer  brinv,'s  ^'ou  the  Balla.  of  Y'r  Acct.  in  w'ch  is  in- 


"liai  I  Inith  Colonel  Washington  and  Lieutenant-Colonel 

Muse  h.i'  I  their  commissions. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  421 

eluded  20;^  for  Y'r  Trouble.  I  also  send  You  loc^  for  the 
Service  of  the  Expedition.  I  propose  joining  Mr.  Walker  with 
You,  to  be  joint  Comissaries,  and  shall  send  for  him ;  if  he  accepts, 
shall  send  him  up  with  Money,  and  I  hope  You  will  agree  to  it. 
You  shall  have  a  handsom[e]  Appointm't.  One  of  You,  I  pro- 
pose, should  always  remain  at  the  Camp.  You  may  do  it  in 
Turns  as  may  be  agreed  between  You,  and  the  other  to  make 
Purchases  below  to  be  sent  to  the  Camp ;  and  it  will  be  proper 
to  have  a  Person  at  Winchester,  to  provide  Necessaries,  to  agree 
for  Waggons  and  forw'd  the  Goods  to  the  Camp.  I  think,  if 
You  have  no  Objection,  that  Mr.  Cocks""  will  be  a  proper  Person; 
in  that  Case,  he  must  have  a  yearly  Salary,  w'ch  I  must  leave  to 
You,  and  some  Money  lodged  with  him  to  pay  the  incumbent 
Cha's.  I  think  You  have  no  Occasion  of  a  seperate  Comission  for 
building  the  Boats,  &c.,  as  You  may  engage  for  the  Paym't,  and 
the  sooner  You  direct  them  to  be  built  the  better,  and  this  Let'r 
is  sufficient  Authority  for  You  to  Act.  If  You  have  sent  Flour 
to  Winchester,  and  if  any  Officers  are  with  You.  send  the  re- 
cruits to  that  Place,  where  they  probably  will  meet  the  Forces 
from  Alexandria.  I  shall  send  up  this  Week,  or  beginning  of 
next,  130  recruits  with  one  or  two  Officers,  to  march  to  Win- 
chester. If  Salt  is  sent  to  the  Camp,  I  shall  be  glad  You  make  a 
Purchase  of  Pork  in  proportion  to  the  Salt  for  curing  it.  In- 
closed You  have  Let'r  to  the  Justices  of  Prince  Wm.  Co'ty, 
which  I  hope  will  answer.  I  am  extremely  hurried  with  a  multi- 
plicity of  different  Affairs,  y"t  I  cannot  now  enlarge,  but  by  Doct'r 
Walker  I  shall  write  more  fully.  I  shall  look  out  for  Negro 
Coopers,  tho'  I  fear  Success,  as  the  Owners  of  such  do  not  care  to 
part  with  them,  but  [I]  shall  do  my  Endeavour.  If  you  can  pur- 
chase or  hire,  I  shall  be  very  well  pleased.  I  beg  You'll  get  w't 
Flour  You  can  to  Winchester,  and  the  Baggs  to  the  Camp.  I 
rem'n,  with  great  respect. 

Sir,  Y'r  very  h'ble  Serv't. 

^*'' Captain  William  Cocke,  before  mentioned. 


422  lilNWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  COLONEL  INNES. 

Deer   I2ih,   1754. 
Sir  : 

\"r  Lei'r  ol  25th  of  Oct'r  I  recti  ilircc  Days  ago,  but  I  kept 
the  Messcnj^cr  till  the  Council  met.  My  Letter  Vou  complain  so 
much  of,  I  think  was  a  proper  Answer  tf)  Voure,  where  Vou 
mention  Dirtidence  on  the  delivery  of  the  Present  to  the  Ind's, 
w'n  at  same  Time  Vou  had  my  Orders  to  receive  the  whole 
Goo<is.  \"r  mentioning  Feathers  in  Yr  Cap,  when  1  was  in  the 
Stronijcsi  Manner  recuniendin^  \'ou  to  Gov'r  Sharix." ;  and  Mime 
other  Things,  I  think  wrong,  w'n  F'dship  has  be[en]  so  sincere 
between  Us.  and  of  so  long  iluration,  it  concerned  me  much  to 
tind  Wm  diltided  [?  sit.]  in  me,  however,  I  am  willing  to  forget 
the  Substance  of  that  Letter,  and  to  assure  Vou  my  regard  and 
Esteem  continues  the  same  as  formerly.  I  now  send  Vou  a 
ioo[/]  by  Jenkins.  Vou  must  send  me  a  receipt  for  three 
hund'd.  y't  I  may  carry  it  to  Acct  of  that  Expedit'n.  V'r 
Treaty  with  the  Ind's  was  read  in  Council,  but  I  think  it's  not 
proper  at  this  Time  to  publish  it:  the  more  silent  we  are  in  our 
Transact's,  the  belter.  I  am  now  delermin'd  to  send  a  Comissary 
to  be  with  the  Army,  and  w'n  I  can  fi.x  on  a  proper  Person,  shall 
send  him  up  with  Money  to  buy  Provisions,  «Jtc.  There  are  two 
regim'ts,  or  1,000  Men,  coming  from  Britain,  and  I  propose 
making  the  Virg'a  Forces  800  Men;  the  Officers  are  recruiting, 
and  I  think  have  tolerable  good  Success,  I  send  them  up  to 
join  the  f)thers  as  fast  as  I  can.  The  .Supply  of  Provisions  is  w't 
I  have  most  in  my  Thoughts,  and  1  hope  to  have  sufficient  at  the 
Camp  for  six  or  eight  Mos,  The  Council  do  not  agree  to  send  4 
black  Belts  of  Wampimi  to  the  .Six  Nations,  but  I  shall  write  the 
Gov'r  of  New  Vork  to  engage  them  to  take  up  the  Hatchet, 
w  ch  1  hope  they  will  chcarfully  do  wn  they  see  the  Number  of 
our  Forces,  w'n  collected  into  a  Body.  I  am  glad  Vou  .••ent  to 
the  Catawb.ts,  and  shall  l>c  glad  if  a  confjrmeil  Peace  can  be  es- 
tablish'd  between  them  and  the  Northern  Ind's.  Vou  must  ex- 
cuse my  enlarging  at  this  Time,  as  I  am  very  much  engaged 
with  a  Multiplicity  of  Affairs.     I  sincerely  wish  Vou  Health  and 

Prosperity,  and  am. 

Sir,  V'r  affect,  hblc  Scrvt. 

P.  S,  Trent's  Acc't,  You   must  Pay  as  You  engag'd   it,  the' 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  423 

very  high  Charg'd,  but  I  supose  it's  Philad'a  Money."'  We 
never  have  agreed  to  give  Horses  to  the  Ind's,  but  as  You  have 
done  it,  it  shall  be  allowed.  Croghan  does  not  deserve  to  be 
p'd  for  Stobo's  Let'r,  because  he  kept  it  so  long,  and  a  Copy 
was  sent  to  the  French.  You  know  it  come  open  to  You. 
Inclosed  [are]  two  Letters  [which]  came  to  my  Hands  yesterday. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  LIEUTENANT  JOHN  HAMILTON. 

Dec'r  i2th,  1754. 
Sir  : 

I  rec'd  Y'rs  ot"  the  7th,  with  Acc't  of  Y'r  disbursements, 
but  have  not  Time  to  examine  it.  I  have  sent  You  60^,  and  I 
desire  You  may  get  w't  recruits  You  can,  and  carry  them  by 
Water,  or  march  them  up  to  Alex' a.  I  have  appointed  Mr.  J  no. 
Blagg,^'^^  Ensign,  so  that  he  may  be  assisting  to  You,  and  help 
You  to  conduct  the  recruits  as  above. 

I  am,  Sir,  Y'r  Friend,  &c. 


"'  Pennsylvania  had  a  paper  currency  as  early  as  1723,  when  was 
emitted  ^1,500  in  bills  of  credit  bearing  five  per  cent  interest,  loaned  on 
land  security,  or  plate  of  treble  the  value,  deposited  at  the  loan  office ; 
they  were  made  a  legal  tender  with  the  interest  and  one-eighth  of  the 
principal  payable  annually.  They  were  early  counterfeited.  The  vol- 
ume in  1745,  was  ^80,000;  increased  in  1746  by  ^^5,000,  and  in  October 
the  same  year  ^5,000  more  were  issued  for  change  and  to  redeem  old 
and  worn  notes.  After  the  defeat  of  Braddock,  the  Assembly  voted 
^60,000  for  the  King's  use,  to  bear  date  January  i,  1756,  and  to  be  re- 
deemed in  taxation ;  of  tiiis,  /■3o,ooo  were  issued  in  August.  The 
public  exigencies  and  the  alarming  situation  of  the  Colony,  caused,  in 
1757,  1758  and  1759,  ^300,000  to  be  scattered,  making  a  total  circulation 
of  ;^385,ooo.  A  further  issue  of  ^36,650,  to  reimburse  the  military 
agent  of  the  colonies  at  Philadelphia  was  voted  by  the  Assembly,  but 
it  was  opposed  by  the  Governor  and  Council,  and  the  King,  in  June, 
1760,  pronounced  the  act  null.  Tiie  value  of  the  dollar  had  been  fixed 
by  tlie  merchants  of  Philadelphia,  in  1742,  at  7  shillings  and  6  pence. 
Phillip's  Paper  Currency  of  the  American  Colonies,  i,  pp.  1-26. 

■^^■'  Lieutenant  John  Blagg  was  present  as  a  member  of  a  court-mar- 
tial held  at  Winchester,  May  2,  1756. 


424  UlNWIPDIE    PAPERS. 

(.OVKRNOR   lUNWIDDIi:  To  MAI«  )K   lOHN  C ARI.YLE 

1  >< .   I   lith,  1754. 
Sir: 

I  rccd  V'r  Let' r  of  the  i»i.  1  .mi  ><Mry  Mr.  Pcrkias  has 
been  so  dillator>'  with  his  Flour,  but  hope  e'er  this  he  has  sent 
up  2o,t>oo  Ilw.  I  ajjree  with  the  Gen'l,  y't  a  Comissary  sh'd 
always  attend  the  Forces,  and  as  I  know  it  must  be  inconvenient 
tor  N'ou,  1  shall  appoint  a  pro|K*r  lVrs<»n  for  y't  Duty.  If  You 
will  take  Care  of  w't  comes  to  Y'r  Place,  to  Ik-  forwarded  to  the 
Camp,  Vou  shall  \)c  p'd  for  Y'r  Trouble.  The  want  of  Salt  at 
the  Camp,  I  must  charj^e  to  \"r  Neglect.  You  told  me  You  had 
(aj  <Ju'ty  on  the  road,  but  I  am  told  none  is  arrived  there.  The 
Pork,  «Jtc..  left  at  the  So.  Branch,  I  cannot  acc't  lor  it's  being  left 
there;  if  sent  to  the  Camp,  [it]  might  have  been  used,  and  now  I 
fear  it's  spoiled.  How  it  came  to  be  left  half  way  fnjm  Win- 
chester, \'i)U  only  can  answer.     I   wish  You  Health,  an<l  remain. 

.Sir,  \"r  h'ble  Serv'l. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  GOVERNOR  SHARPE. 

Dec'r  17th,  1754. 
Sir: 

Y'r  Let'r  of  the  loth  I  rec'd  last  Night.  I  am  glad  of  Y'r 
>aie  return  to  Annapolis.  I  am  much  surpriz'd  y't  the  Fort 
built  at  Wills's  Creek  is  in  such  .Situat'n  as  to  be  comanded  by 
an  Emenence  near  to  it,  it  was  ill  juilged  w'n  begun,  not  to  con- 
sider y't,  and  I  much  approve  of  Y'r  ordering  another  to  be 
built  on  that  Fminence.  The  want  of  Provis's  in  the  Camp  gave 
me  very  great  Uneasiness  on  receipt  of  Y'r  former  Let'r,  w'ch  is 
much  owing  to  the  Indolence  and  Neglect  of  the  Comissan»'.  To 
prevent  this  for  the  Future,  I  appoint  two  Comis-saries ;  one,  Mr- 
Chas.  Dick,  a  Person  of  Fortune  and  well-known  in  the  back 
Counties,  and  one,  Mr.  Thos.  Walker,  a  Person  of  Fortune  and 
great  Activity ;  the  first  is  to  make  Purchases  and  order  the 
Provis's  to  be  delivered  at  the  Camp,  and  the  other  is  to  receive 
and   pay  for  them,  and  see  them   properly  issued   to  the   Men. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  425 

This  step,  I  hope,  will,  for  the  Future,  keep  the  Forces  properly- 
Supplied,  and  I  shall  send  Money  from  Time  to  Time  to  make 
punctual  Paym'ts.  I  propose  paying-  each  Comissary  ;^200  "^ 
Ann.,  and  they  are  to  have  an  Agent  at  Winchester  to  forward 
every  Thing  to  the  Camp,  and  I  shall  send  up  blank  Bonds  to 
tie  down  the  Venders  to  a  punctual  Compliance  with  their  Con- 
tracts, a  List  thereof  to  be  sent  to  the  Comissary  at  the  Camp, 
and  my  Proposal  is  y't  one  of  them,  or  a  Person  properly  Quali- 
fied, always  attend  the  Forces.  These  Gent,  were  appointed  by 
the  Council,  whose  Advice  I  took,  as  being  a  Stranger  to  them, 
otherwise,  I  sh'd  [have]  gladly  comply' d  with  [the  request 
for]  the  Gent.  You  had  in  View.  I  shall  write  them,  if  pos- 
sible, to  encourage  the  People  to  Stall-feed  some  of  their 
Cattle  and  [to]  engage  a  large  Q'ty  of  Bacon.  Y'r  calcu- 
lat'n  for  supplying  3,000  Men  for  8  mos.,  I  think  very  accu- 
rate, it's  a  large  Qu'ty  to  provide  so  late  in  the  Year,  and 
the  greatest  Difficulty  will  be  providing  Cask  and  Salt.  Mr. 
Carlyle  told  me  w'n  here  y't  he  had  sent  a  Ou'ty  of  Salt  to  the 
Camp,  w'ch  now  surprizes  me  y't  there  was  none  there.  I  have 
order' d  Mr.  Dick  to  send  a  Qu'ty  immediately,  w'ch  I  doubt  not 
is  done,  and  desired  him  to  hire  negro  Coopers  or  hire  Car- 
penters to  go  to  W's  Creek,  to  make  Cask  for  packing  the  Pro- 
visions in.  The  Charge  of  Waggonage  I  conceive  will  be  mon- 
strous large,  and  I  think  the  most  frugal  Method  will  be  to  pur- 
chase 20  for  the  pres't,  w'ch  I  presume  You  may  get  in  Pen- 
sylv'a.  The  Qu'ty  of  Barrels  wanted  are  not  to  be  procured 
here  in  two  Years'  Time.  If  Salt  is  to  be  purchased  reasonable 
with  You,  if  a  Qu'ty  was  put  in  Barrels,  it  w'd  answer  in  some 
Degree,  and  indeed.  Pork  salted  in  Bulk  may  be  kept  till  April^ 
but  then  it  sh'd  be  barrel' d  up.  As  for  Hogs,  Mr,  Dick  writes 
me  he  can  procure  i,ooo  or  more,  delivered  at  W's  Creek,  a[t]  2d. 
1^  tb.,  w'ch  is  belter  than  buying  at  Mr.  Carter's.  It  is  surpriz- 
ing y't  Carlyle  was  so  very  neglectful  as  not  to  have  Salt  to  cure 
the  Beef.  You  acted  very  properly  in  hiring  Herdsmen  to  take 
Care  of  the  Cattle.  I  am  under  Surprize,  and  uneasy  y't  Carlyle 
has  not  p'd  the  People;  he  rec'd  from  me  ^905  7s.  lod.  for  306 
Head  of  Cattle,  in  w'ch  was  included  those  bo't  by  Mr.  Gist,  and 
he  was  pres't  w'n  I  jVd  him,  and  Mr.  Carlyle  was  p'd  in  Oct'r 
for  all  the  Waggonage  and  one  or  two  bo't  in  the  Service,  and 
every  other  dem'd  he  bro't  in  ag'st  the   Public.     I  must,  there- 


1::''  I>lNWIODIK    I'AI'hKS. 

fore,  estcfm  him  uniiist  in  not  paying  tin-  poor  People  and  1 
shall  imediately  wriie  him  proijerly  on  ihal  Head.  He  received 
from  me  /'1,29V  12s.  gd.  (besides  the  above  sum),  to  pay  for  Pro- 
visions and  other  Ni'cess;iries  supplietl  the  Independ't  Compa's, 
and  he  reed  Irom  the  rreasunr  the  Bailee  due  on  Acc't  of  the 
V'irg'a  Regim't.  Mr.  Gist  rec'd  jQ^s  l"  P^V  to  Mr.  Montour, 
but  by  the  Acc't  sent,  appears  he  p'll  him  only  £20;  w't  other 
Monies  he  had,  was  from  Carlyle  to  pay  for  the  Cattle,  the  particu- 
lar Sum  I  know  not.  .Mr.  .Montour's  Acc't  is  very  unfair;  he  had 
no  Orders  to  raise  the  .Men  Chared;  he  had  the  Comiss'n  to 
protect  him  in  Case  he  sh'd  lall  into  the  I  lands  of  [thej  French,  as 
he  is  proscribed  by  them  ;  he  was  to  attend  on  the  Camp,  [and]  go 
out  upon  Scouts  w'n  order'd  by  the  Comand'g  Officer.  He  shall 
be  allow' d  his  own  Pay,  but  y't  of  his  .Men,  sh'd  be  vouch' d  by 
the  Comand'g  Officer.  I  esteem  the  man,  and  procur'd  him  a 
standing  Salary  as  Interpreter,  of  /'25  p*  Ann.  After  the  Skir- 
mish at  the  .Meadows  he  went  home  from  the  Camp,  and  yet 
Charges  his  Men's  Pay  till  the  26th  of  last  Mo.  The  Acc't  is 
made  uj)  for  him  by  some  of  the  Woodsmen,  who  are  a  very  bad 
sett  of  People.  He  may  be  a  very  useful  .Man  if  kept  from  these 
Wretches.  If  he  is  allowed  his  own  Pay  and  .Salary,  he  cannot 
e.xpect  to  be  p'd  as  Interpreter  at  the  last  Treaty  I  dare  say 
Johnston's  Beeves  are  included  in  the  306  1  p'd,  and  am  con- 
vinc'd  all  the  .Supply  of  Mour  was  p'd;  they,  therefore,  do 
wrong  in  not  paying  him.  (jist  was  never  employ' d  by  me  to 
make  any  Contracts;  if  he  was  by  Mr.  Carlyle,  he  is  to  answer 
for  him.  If  Vou  desire  it,  I  will  pay  for  the  Beeves  at  Mr. 
Cresap's,  when  I  know  the  .-Xmo.  I  am  not  a  Judge  of  the 
Value  of  Waggons.  &c.,  but  as  they  are  much  wanted,  I  think 
You  sh'd  purchase  20,  and  when  ^'ou  write  me.  I  shall  cither 
send  Money  or  Bill  of  Kxcha.  to  pay  for  them  :  four  of  them  to 
be  sent  from  W's  Creek  to  Winchester,  will  be  constantly  em- 
ploy'd  in  carrying  Provis's,  &.C.,  to  the  Camp,  and  probably  may 
have  the  good  liffect  of  engaging  the  Country  People  to  hire 
their  Waggons  at  moderate  Prices.  I  shall  be  glad  if  the 
Method  You  propose  of  convey'g  Provis's,  &c.,  from  Bellhaven 
by  rock  Creek,  Conneg(jcheck.  &c.,  may  prove  successful,  but  I 
fear  in  Freshes  the  Battoes  can't  go  up  ;  in  Sumer  they  will  want 
Water,  but  a  Trial  will  not  be  amiss.  In  the  mean  Time,  I  have 
ordered  flat  Bottom' d   Boats  to  be  built  on  all  the  runs  from 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  427 

Winchester  to  W.  Creek,  such  that  will  receive  a  Waggon. 
And  I  am  told  by  cutting  a  new  road  from  W.  to  W.  Creek,  they 
can  shorten  the  Way  30  Miles,  w'ch  I  have  ordered  to  be  done. 
I  shall  endeavour  to  procure  some  Carpenters.  I  think  there  is 
at  Alexa.,  Cartridge  Paper,  Flints  and  Match ;  the  other  Things 
I  shall  endeavour  to  procure.  I  shall  send  some  Wampum ; 
rangers  are  a  very  necessary  People  as  Scouts,  but  pray  be  on 
Your  Guard  in  respect  to  the  Traders,  who  appear  to  me  to  be 
an  abandoned  set  of  Fellows,  however,  if  You  can  pick  out  such 
[as]  You  can  confide  in,  they  will  be  of  great  Use  on  many  Oc- 
casions. Mr.  Cox,  I  know  no  more  of  him  y'n  a  small  knowl- 
edge of  him  formerly  in  Bermuda,  but  his  Character  with  You 
is  the  only  rule  to  guide  in  Affairs  of  y't  nature,  and  therefore 
will,  by  no  means,  interfere.  Mr.  Burney'^'''  was  very  solicitous 
with  me  for  a  Comiss'n,  w'ch  I,  by  no  means,  tho't  him  equal  to, 
but  proposed  his  acting  as  Armourer  at  2s.  6d.  ~f)  Day ;  he  refus'd, 
and  pray'd  my  Let'r  to  You.  Colo.  Stephen  wrote  me  You  had 
advanced  him  some  Money  for  recruiting.  The  So.  Car.  Co'y 
sh'd  be  supplied  with  Blankets,  but  this  Colony  will  not  pay  for 
them ;  as  they  are  a  very  good  Compa ,  I  think  the  Capt.  may 
draw  for  such  necessary  Supplies  ;  the  New  York  Compa' s  must 
pay  for  theirs.  It  was  entirely  right  and  kind  of  you  to  send  to 
the  Catawbas,  informing  them  of  the  Warriors  y't  were  gone  out 
ag'st  them,  to  put  them  on  their  Guard,  and  I  shall  be  very  glad 
the  Meeting  at  Winchester  may  succeed  for  a  Peace  between  the 
No'ern  and  So'ern  Ind'ns,  [which]  I  have  had  greatly  at  Heart. 
At  y't  Treaty  it  was  agreed  y't  Monecatoocha  sh'd  carry  a  black 
Belt  of  Wampum  and  a  Hatchet  to  the  Six  Nat's  at  Onandago, 
acquainting  them  y't  some  of  the  Six  Nat's,  Shawannesses  and 
Delawares,  had  taken  up  the  Hatchet  ag'st  the  French,  and  de- 
siring them  to  do  the  same.  If  this  c'd  be  effected,  it  w'd  be  of 
great  Service  in  engaging  many  Tribes  of  Ind's  to  join  Us. 
Colo.  Innes  desires  me  to  send  four  Belts  of  black  Wampum  for 
this  Dom'n,  M'yl'd,  Pensylva.  and  N.  York,  w'ch  is  wrong,  but 
have  now  wrote  the  Gov'r  of  N.  York  on  y't  Subject  for  his  Int't 
with  these  People  to  declare  themselves  in  our  Favo.,  and  if 
he  see  proper  to  send  a  black  Belt  in  behalf  of  this  Colony, 
a  Let'r  from  You  to  him  on  the  same  Subject,  I  think  w'd  be 


'Thomas  Biirney,  before  mentioned. 


4»>  DIN\VII>[)1F.    PAI'KKS. 

pro|>cr.  I  am  sorry  lor  thr  Acc'l  Coin.  Innes  sent  Vou  of  ihe 
Arrival  of  i.ioo  French  and  70  Aronclacks  at  ihc  Fort.  I  am 
in  Ho)H*!i  the  Iniclh^^cncc  is  false:  first,  because  Ind's  cannot 
count  Nunilx-rs,  ami  us  they  must  pass  ()H\vrj»o  Fort,  the  Gov'r 
of  N.  N'ork  promised  to  j^ive  me  due  Iniellij^encc  ol  any  Num- 
bers y't  passe*!  y't  way.  but  we  must  conclude  they  will  bring 
as  many  F»>rces  as  they  possibly  can  by  the  Spring  of  the 
Year,  .Ami  I  have  rexson  to  expect  1. 000  regulars  from  G.  H.  in 
six  Weeks.  The  Transports  were  taken  up  in  Oct'r  last,  and 
Commlore  Keple.  in  a  50  (iun-Ship  comes  their  Convoy.  I  also 
doubt  the  400  French  and  Ind's  at  the  Head  of  the  Ohio,  or  the 
300  F"amilies  settled  at  .Mud  Creek.***  I  shall  be  very  glad  to 
have  those  .Acc'ts  contradicted.  I  am  glad  \o\i  have  ordered 
Colo.  Stephen  to  march,  antl  y't  ^'ou  will  review  them.  There 
is  a  Compa.  of  50  on  the  Frontiers  of  .Augusta  y't  shall  join 
the  others  when  You  write  me  to  y't  Purpose.  Your  Presence 
at  the  Camp  will  undoubtedly  be  of  very  great  Service.  I 
therefore  hope  \"r  Assembly  will  not  sit  long,  and  y't  they  will 
consider  properly  our  present  .Situatn,  and  (irant  \'ou  a  further 
Supply.  The  Cherokees  and  Catawbas,  I  think,  are  strongly  in 
our  Int't.  I  have  wrote  Mr.  filen  to  influence  them,  and  to 
|)crswade  a  Number  of  their  Warriors  to  join  our  P'orces 
near  the  Ohio  early  in  the  Spring.  And  1  am  fully  con- 
vinced a  Message  to  the  Twightwees  by  a  safe  Hand  will 
be  of  great  .Service,  as  they  have  hitherto  appearetl  strong 
Knemics  to  the  French.  If  they  knew  our  Intent's  they 
may  be  of  j-reat  Use  in  galling  the  Knemy  in  ^"r  rear,  or  at 
[least]  prevent  a  thorow  Junct'n  of  their  ind's.  The  soonei  this  is 
done,  I  think,  the  better,  but  it  must  be  by  such  a  Messenger  [as] 
You  can  confide  in.  What  \'ou  order  Colo.  Innes  to  pay  the 
Independ'ts  for  building  the  Fort,  shall  be  allow'd  him.  What 
Capt.  Poison  demds  a  Court  Martial  for,  I  know  not,  unless  it 
is  on  this  .Subject.  I  ordered  Colo.  Stephens  to  send  him  and 
Capt.  Waggoner  to  go  a  recruiting.  He  refused  going,  on 
w  ch  I  wrote  him  a  Let'r  on  the  Subject,  w'ch  he  has  not 
answered.  I  was  angry  [that]  he  refused  my  Orders  delivered 
him   hv  Coin.   Stephens,  for  w'ch   1  think    he  deserves   a  severe 

'".Nliid.    <>r    .Nlu<l<ij    (_r«rk.   was    a    tril»mary   cii    |-"rencli    Creek,   on 
which  Venango,  now  Franklin,  was  IcKated. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  429 

reprimand,  at  least,  if  not  something  worse.     I   must,  therefore, 
refer  this  to  Vou. 

I  am  sorry  the  Guns  are  only  four  Pounders.  Those  at  the 
Camp  are  of  the  same  Size.  Capt.  Arbuthnott  says  they  are  six 
Pounders,  and  Charges  15;^  'p'  p's  for  them.  He  says  You 
spoke  for  four  Compleat  Seamen,  w'ch  he  will  send  at  i8d.  '^ 
Day.     I  admire  \_s/c^  Capt.  Clark  is  not  ret'd  to  his  Duty. 

Now,  having  answer'd  Y'r  Let'r,  I  am  to  acquaint  You  y't  I 
have  recruited  44  Men,  sent  to  Alex'a,  and  this  Week  sent 
in  two  Sloops  to  Fredericksburg,  ab't  150,  and  in  a  short  Time 
I  hope  to  send  the  like  No.  I  have  Officers  in  Different  Places 
recruiting,  and  w'd  gladly  hope  to  make  the  No.  from  this 
Dom'n  from  800  to  1,000.  I  much  want  to  know  w't  Pensylva'a 
Assembly  have  done  If  they  raise  Money,  we,  may  depend 
on  a  Supply  of  Provisions  from  y't  Colony.  Your  Calculation 
of  Provis's  for  3,000  Men  I  think  just,  but  how  to  Supply  the 
Salt  and  Cask  I  know  not,  for  the  carrying  these  two  Articles 
to  W.  Creek  will  be  near  three  Times  the  Amo.  of  the  first 
Cost.  I  can  purchase  Barrel' d  Pork  and  Beef,  but  the  same 
extraordinary  Charge  will  attend  them.  Pray  write  me  y'r 
Answer  and  Thot's  thereon.  And  please  forward  the  enclos'd 
by  the  most  speedy  Conveyance.  It's  in  regard  to  the  Treaty, 
y't  if  Mr.  DeLancey  shall  think  it  proper  to  send  a  black 
Belt  to  the  Six  Nat's,  y't  he  w'd  send  one  for  this  Dom'n.  Pray 
order  two  or  three  Officers  to  Winch'r  to  receive  the  Recruits, 
as  there  will  not  be  sufficient  with  them  to  keep  them  in  proper 
Order.  I  have  been  very  much  fatigued  since  parting,  and  [am] 
likely  to  continue  [so],  but  if  it  sh'd  answer  the  Affair  in  View, 
I  sh'd  be  very  well  pleas'd.  I  shall  order  the  Prisoners  to  Bel- 
haven,  and  give  the  Officer  the  Liberty  of  walking  the  Town. 
My  wife  and  Girls  join  me  in  kind  respects,  and  I  am,  in  great 
Truth. 

Y'r  Ex's  most  humble  Serv't. 


430  DINWIDDIE    PAPKRS. 

c.«)\*i"K\(  tR  i>i\"\\  II  •i>n    i"()  (.(»\i:k\()K  DkLANCEY. 

Dec'r  17th,  1754. 
SiK  ; 

1  am  to  ac(ju  t  \  <ni   y  t    tin-    isth  of  Oct'r  last  there  was  a 

small  Treaty  at  our  Camp  at  VV's  Creek,  between  Colo.  Inncs 
and  some  Ind's.  Vizi:  Scaruniata  [antlj  Moses,  Warriors  of  the 
Six  Nat's,  Laputhia,  the  Shawnah  Kin^j.  Jescoma,  a  Delaware, 
and  Monecatoocha,  Chief  on  the  Ohio,  wn,  after  lonjj  Con- 
sultat'n.  they  unanimously  took  up  the  Hatchet  ag'st  the  Fr.,  and 
sent  Monecatoocha  with  a  black  Bell  of  Wampum  and  a  Hatchet 
lo  Ononda>»o,  desirinj;  the  Six  Nat's  to  declare  themselves  aj»'sl 
the  French,  and  desirrd  that  this  Colony.  M'yl'd,  iVnsvlvaa, 
and  N.  York,  slid  each  of  them  send  a  black  Belt  and  Hatchet 
to  en^a^e  them  to  declare  ag'si  the  Fr.  As  I  am  a  great 
Stranj^er  to  the  Customs  u{  the  Six  Nat's,  I  therefore  take  the 
Liberty  of  tak'jj  Y'r  Advice  in  this  Affair,  and  if  You  think  such 
a  Step  as  proposed,  is  regular,  I  shall  be  oblig'd  if  You  incline  to 
send  one  for  Y'r  Colony,  y't  you  w'd  accompany  it  one  for  this. 
I  am  fully  convinc'd  if  they  were  to  declare,  y't  many  Tribes  of 
Ind's  w'd  join  Is,  but  I  must  leave  this  to  ^"r  Superior  Judgm't. 
I  have  Acc't  Yesterday  y't  there  is  arrived  at  the  Fr.  Fort  1,200 
Fr.  and  400  Ind's  from  Canada;  as  I  conceive  they  must  pass 
Oswego  Fort,  I  am  will'g  to  think  it  false,  or  You  w'd  have  ac- 
quainted me  therewith.  I  expect  in  a  Mo's  time  1,000  regulars 
from  G.  B.,  as  I  am  informed  the  Transports  were  taken  up  in 
Oct'r.  I  have  been  engag'd  in  recruiting  for  our  regim't,  and 
hope  to  make  their  No.  800  or  1,000.  With  w't  Force  can  be 
collected  together,  Gov'r  Sharpe  will  make  a  Push  early  in  the 
Spring.  The  Fr.  are  in  high  Hopes  of  strong  reinforcem'ts  from 
France  ;  if  so,  it  [will]  probably  be  known  at  Home,  and  an  equal 
Number  sent  to  our  Aid.  I  shall  be  oblig'd  to  You  for  an  An- 
swer and  am,  with  great  Sincerity, 

\"r  Hon'r's  most  obed'i  humble  serv't. 

P.  S. — The  enclos'd  came  to  my  Hands  a  few  Days  Since;  I 
give  You  the  trouble  of  Sending  it  as  directed. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  431 

GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  CHARLES  DICK. 

Dec'r  19th,   1754. 
Sir: 

I  every  Minute  expect  Mr.  Walker  in  Town,  and   am   in 

Hopes  of  Y'r  agre'g  to  his  being  join'd  with  You  as  Comissaries 
to  provide  Provisions.  I  shall  by  him  send  up  a  Sum  of  Money 
to  pay  for  the  Provisions.  I  wish  You  c'd  send  up  five  or  600 
Bush's  of  Salt  to  the  Camp.  I  am  sensible  of  the  great  Charge 
attending  it,  but  it  must  be  bore  with,  for  purchasing  Beaves  and 
Pork  with't  Salt  will  be  useless.  I  therefore  recomend  to  You 
to  send  w't  Qu'ty  of  Salt  You  possibly  can  get  Waggons  to 
carry  it ;  and  if  You  can  prevail  on  some  of  the  Planters  to  Stall- 
feed  a  Number  of  Cattle  for  the  Spring  You  are  to  agree  with 
them  for  an  advanc'd  Price,  as  may  be  settled  between  You  and 
them.  This  comes  by  Mr.  Finnic,  to  whom  I  have  given  some 
Money  to  pay  the  Recruits  in  part  of  their  Pay ;  and  the  sooner 
they  march  for  Winchester  the  better,  where  I  have  ordered 
some  Officers  from  Alex'a  to  be  there  to  receive  them  ;  and  I 
think  each  Man  may  carry  as  much  Bread  as  may  serve  them 
on  their  March,  and  a  Waggon  with  Meat-Kind  will  be  proper, 
as  they  cannot  be  supplied  on  the  Road.  Pray  speak  to  the 
Officers  with  You,  y't  they  march  them  with  all  convenient 
Speed.  I  sh'd  have  wrote  Capt.  Waggoner,  but  it's  uncertain 
his  being  With  You.  If  he  is,  You  may  shew  him  or  any 
other  Officer  this  Paragraph  of  my  Letter  to  You.  I  remain 
With  great  respect, 

Sir,  Y'r  most  h'ble  serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  MAJOR  CARLYLE. 

Dec'r  20th,  1754. 
Sir  : 

Y'rs  of  the  nth  |3  Mr.  Wood  I  duly  rec'd,  and  observe  it's 
Contents.  Colo.  Stephen  writes  me  he  gave  the  Mo.  to  each 
Capt.  to  pay  their  respective  Compa's,  w'ch  I  think  was  right. 
I  am  sorry  if  y'r  private   Dem'ds  were   not  p'd.     I  have  sent 


432  lilNWIUUlK    PAPKKS. 

Colo.  Innes  300/',  wch  I  conceiv'd  w'cl  have  |)'d  the  Workmen 
at  the  Kort  ami  other  Contin>;'t  Cha's.  I  have  looked  over  the 
Acct  \'o\i  have  now  sent  me.  and  cannot  help  finding  fault  with 
Vou  in  not  sendinij  S.ilt  to  the  Camj»  and  to  endeavour  to  pro- 
cure Cask  for  packinj^  the  Meat.  At  [the]  same  Time  I  am 
Surprizd  \o\x  sh"d  buy  more  Beavcs  with't  having  sufficient 
Salt  at  the  Camp  t«)  cure  it.  It's  true  [that]  Gov'r  .Sharpc 
writes  me  [olj  the  great  Clamour  in  the  Camp  from  many  Peo- 
ple y'l  rem'n  unp'd  for  their  Heaves,  ike.  \'ou  know  1  p'd 
You  ^905  7s.  lod.  for  the  Cattle  bo't  to  the  Time  Vou  was 
in  Town,  anil  the  i)urchas'g  more  with't  .Salt  to  cure  them, 
I  think  is  irregular.  Vou  also  must  remember  y't  I  p'd  Vou 
j^i,29y.  i:;s.  vd.  for  the  Independ't  [Com[)any],  so  when  \'o\i  left 
this  [place]  there  was  Nuiliing  due.  If  \'ou  had  come  or  sent  at 
the  Court,  the  Comittee  w'd  have  met  and  pass'd  V'r  Acc'ts;  y's 
is  w't  ^'ou  wrote  me  in  a  former  Letter  \'ou  w'd  do.  There  is 
since  y't  a  large  Charge  fur  Waggonage  and  other  Things  y'l 
must  be  adjusted  by  the  Comittee,  and  I  shall  not  undertake  to 
settle  y't  Acc't,  as  V'anmetter's***  Acct  of  Waggonage  sh'd  have 
been  in  \"r  former  Acct.  As  to  Cromwel's  and  Gist's  Charges 
for  Services  done,  I  conceive  they  were  doing  V'r  Duty,  and 
therefore  ought  to  be  p'd  by  Vou.  As  I  observe  Vou  are  in 
Ailvance.  I  send  Vou  by  the  Bearer  ^150,  w'ch  Vou  must  repay 
me  w'n  V'r  Acc'ts  are  pass'd,  for  I  will  nor  interfere  with  any 
Acc'ts  y't  are  to  be  given  in  to  the  Comittee.  Colo.  Innes  writes 
me  y't  the  Comissary's  not  residing  at  the  Camp  has  been  of 
great  disadvantage.  I  have,  therefore,  appointed  .Mr.  Chas.  Dick 
and  Tlios.  Walker  to  be  joint  Comi.ssarics  ;  one  of  them  to  be 
always  with  the  Forces,  w'ch  will  be  more  regular  y'n  sending  a 
young  Man  there.  Vou  cannot  justify  \"rself  in  not  having  a 
large  (Ju'ty  of  Salt  at  the  Camp  in  the  Mo.  of  Oct'r,  and  wH  Vou 
was  here  You  t«^lcl  ine  there  was  a  (Ju'ty  sent  up;  w  11  .Mr. 
-Sharpe  was  there,  there  was  nu  .Salt,  and  it  was  ^"^  Duly  to  pro- 
vide Casks. 

I  know  no  Business  Mr.  Gist  had  to  do  in  Town,  therefore  his 
being  detain'd  so  long  can  be  no  K.xcuse.  I  did  Contract 
for  a  (July  of  Flour;  but  N'ou  forgot    if    Vou   say  You   knew 


'^ Jacob   \'anmvt<.r   \v,»s   one   <tf  the  Commissioners   from    Augusta 
county,  who  met  at  rill.sl>urgh,  .May  16,  1775. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  433 

Nothing  of  it.  You  know  the  Acc'ts  of  the  Independ'ts.  I 
engag'd  to  pay  the  Virginia  Regim't  with  the  Comittee ; 
but  you  blend  them  together.  You  have  an  Order  from  Colo. 
Innes  on  Mr.  Hunter,  w'ch,  no  doubt,  will  be  paid  ;  but  I  am 
too  much  engag'd  with  Atfairs  to  settle  other  People's  Acc'ts. 
Colo.  Stephen  has  done  well  in  ordering  20  Head  of  Cattle 
to  be  Stall-fed.  I  wish  you  have  done  the  same  with  all  You 
purchas'd  Since  You  left  this.  I  cannot  direct  the  Clothing  of 
the  Fr.  Prisoners  ;  but  if  they  are  provided  with  some  coarse 
Cloth  to  keep  them  from  the  inclemency  of  the  Weather,  as  it's 
a  piece  of  Charity,  I  will  see  you  p'd.  And  if  the  Officer  will 
give  his  Parole  of  Hon'r  he  may  walk  the  Town,  but  not  to 
go  out  of  the  Limits.  Let  y't  be  done  to  Colo.  Fairfax.  I  shall 
still  desire  You  will  take  the  Trouble  of  forwarding  any  Thing 
y't  may  come  to  Y'r  Town  for  the  Use  of  the  Army,  w'ch  I  ex- 
pect will  soon  be  greatly  reinforc'd  by  two  regim'ts  from  G.  B. 
The  News  from  the  Campof  the  reinforcem't  of  the  Fr,  I  cannot 
think  they  are  so  many,  but  no  doubt  in  the  Spring  they  will 
bring  all  the  Forces  they  can.  I  am,  Sir, 
Y'r  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  COLONEL  ADAM  STEPHEN. 

Dec'r  20th,  [1754]. 
Sir: 

I  rec'd  Y'rs  of  the  loth  with  the  List  of  Men.  I  have 
sent  from  this  [place]  to  Fredericksb'g  this  Week,  150  recruits, 
and  hope  soon  to  send  up  the  Same  Number.  Let  the  recruits 
have  necessary  Clothing,  and  no  doubt  it  will  be  allowed.  I 
wish  you  were  once  in  a  Body  together,  and  so  y't  every 
Capt.  have  his  particular  Co'y.  Then  you  w'd  the  better 
ascertain  their  Pay,  disbursing  w't  has  been  advanc'd  to  the 
new  rais'd  Men,  but  this  I  cannot  conceive  can  properly  be 
done  till  You  get  to  W.  Creek,  where,  I  find,  Gov'r  Sharpe  has 
ordered  You  to  march.  W'n  this  is  done,  You  must  write  to 
the  Gov'r's  Treasurer  for  Money  to  pay  them,  and  send  me  the 
roll  with  the  Acc't  of  Pay  due,  and  probably  if  he  is  not  in  Cash 


434  UINUIDDIK    PAPERS. 

he  may  tlc^irc  lo  l»orrow  ol  me.  Mr.  Carlylf  writes  me  You 
have  2i)  ol  the  Cattle  I  p'd  for.  at  V'r  I'lantai'n  to  be  stall-fed. 
1  wish  N'ou  had  many  more,  as  we  have  not  Salt  to  cure  them, 
and  1  hope  they  will  l>c  ht  to  kill  in  March.  If  You  can  engage 
the  i'lanters  to  Stall-leed  a  <Ju'ty,  they  shall  be  p'd  in  Proporl'n. 
Lieut.  Towers  writes  me  he  inclines  to  resi^^n  his  Com'o.  I  am 
sorry  any  y't  were  at  tiie  Meailows  sh'd  decline  ser\'ing.  How- 
ever, if  he  is  detcrnuned,  you  may  allow  him,  for  I  can  have 
lOO  at  the  Pay  he  complains  of.  I  have  made  two  Capt's  — one 
Stewart.**  anti  another  Cocke "^ — on  their  en^^'a^^inj^  each  to  raise 
their  Coy.  .Stewart's  is  rais'd,  and  j{f)ne  from  this  to 
Frcdericksb'g,  and  he  will  be  up  luxt  Week  himself  This 
I  write  You  y't  the  former  Lieut's  may  not  think  they  are 
slijjhted.  The  Necessity  of  having  Men  rais'd  is  the  only 
reason.  Capt.  Poison  writes  mc  he  did  not  refuse  going  to 
recruit.  He  says  the  Mont-y  was  too  small  to  divide  among  the 
Officers  U)  recruit.  You  know  1  only  ordered  Capt.  Poison  and 
Capt.  Waggner,  and  I  tho't  50  Pistoles  each  was  sufficient  for 
the  pres't.  Let  all  difilerences  subside,  and  live  in  Harmony 
together.  I  presume  by  this  Time  \nu  have  Gov'r  Sharpe's 
Orders  to  send  some  Officers  to  Winchester  to  meet  the  recruits 
sent  up,  and  the  sooner  they  are  there  the  better,  tho'  I  expect 
by  the  Time  this  Messenger  returns,  Your  whole  Force  will 
march  from  Alex'a  to  y't  Place.  I  am  sorry  the  Arms  are  not 
so  good  as  the  former.  N'ou  must  have  them  all  sent  to  Win- 
chester to  give  to  the  new-raised  Men.  Write  to  any  of  Your 
Ac(juaint's  in  the  back  Counties  to  make  w't  Bacon  they  can. 
and  it  shall  be  bo'i  and  p'd  for  in  ready  Cash.  I  uish  N'..n 
Health,  and  am, 

S'r,  Y'r  Friend 


"•  Prob.Tbly  Walter  .Stewart,  mentioned  an/t",  p.  320.  Captain  Robert 
Stewart,  aftcrwanls  promoted  Major,  was  enjja^ed  in  the  action  on  the 
.Ntoni*n).:ahela,  and  m  .Au^just.  1755.  was  voted  hy  tlie  Virginia  Assembly 
thanks  and  a  gratuity  of  /"loo  for  his  gallant  behavior. 

*"  Thomas  Corke,  mentioned  in  note  an/t,  p.  271. 


DIXWIDDIE    PAPERS.  435 

GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  LIEUTENANT  JAMES  TOWERS. 

Dcc'r  20lh,  [1754]. 
Sir  : 

I  am  sorry  Vou  incline  to  resign  \'r  Com'o. ;  I  was  in  hopes 

none  of  the  first  Officers  w'd  have  tho't  of  that.  The  Mo[ney]  I 
have  will  not  admit  of  augmenting  the  Pay  at  pres't,  w'tever  may 
be  done  herealter.  Many  young  Gent,  are  daily  apply'g  for 
Lieut'cy's,  so  if  You  continue  determin'd  to  resign,  I  have  wrote 
Colo.  Stephens  to  receive  it.     I  wish  You  well,  and  am, 

Sir,  Y'r  Friend,  &c. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  CAPTAIN  POLSON. 

Dec'r  20th,  [1754]. 
Sir: 

Colo.  Stephens  wrote  me  You  did  not  care  to  go  a  recruit'g 
with't  my  Orders  or  Mr.  Sharpe's  My  Orders  were  to  give  You 
and  C't  Waggener  50  Pistoles  each,  w'ch  I  tho't  might  do  for  the 
pres't.  He  wrote  more  modestly  of  You  than  You  have  done  of 
him,  to  say  he  ought  to  learn  his  own  Duty  before  he  accuse  You 
of  Neglect  of  Yours;  this  is  a  very  great  reflect'n  on  Y'r  Senior 
and  Superior  Officer.  As  I  desire  every  Thing  may  subside,  I 
have  wrote  Colo.  Stephens  y't  You  all  sh'd  live  in  Harmony  to- 
gether with't  invidious  reflect's.  I  shall  be  glad  to  hear  y't  Love 
and  Friendship   may  subsist  among  the   Officers  of  the  Virg'a 

Regim't. 

I  am,  Sir,  Y'r  Fr.,  &c. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  COLONEL  WASHINGTON. 

Dec'r  20th,  [  1754]. 
Sir  : 

I   rec'd   Y'r  Letter,   but   at   pres't  cannot   order   You    the 
Money  You  say  [is]  due  you  as  Adjut't.     W'n  the  Council  meets, 


486  DINWIDDIE   PAPERS. 

I  shall  Ici  them  know  V'r   Ptmil.  and  if  they  a^^ree  with  me,  it 

will  be  pd. 

I  am.  Sir,  \"r  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVKRNCJR  DINWIDDII.S  COMMISSION    K)  CIIAKLKS  DICK 

AM)  THOMAS  \vai,ki:k. 

A*,  /h,  lisif  t ..  (ioir,  c~'c..  To  Chas.  Dick  and  Thomas  H'a/ktr, 
Esq  rs  : 

By  Virtue  ol  the  Power  and  Authority  given  me  by  His 
My's  imediale  Com'ds  to  conduct  the  present  Kxpedit'n  to  the 
Ohio  ag'st  the  French  and  encroachments  on  the  King's  Lands, 
I,  reposing  especial  Trust  and  Confidence  in  the  Fidelity,  knowl- 
edge and  good  Conduct  of  \'ou,  C.  L).  and  T.  W.,  Do  hereby 
appoint  Vou  to  be  joint  Comissaries  for  Provis's  and  Stores,  to 
be  purchase!  and  provided  for  the  Forces  intended  for  the  Ohio. 
And  I  hereby  give  \'ou  full  Power  and  Authority  to  contract, 
agree  for  and  purchase  such  Provis's  as  may  be  tho't  necessary 
for  a  due  and  proper  Supply  for  the  afores'd  Forces.  And  You 
hereby  have  Power  and  Authority  to  press  Morses,  Waggons, 
Boats,  &c.,  y't  may  be  necessary  for  convey'g  the  Provis's  to  the 
Camp  or  to  attend  the  Forces  on  their  March,  Conduct'g  Your- 
selves agreeable  to  the  Act  of  Assembly  in  like  Cases  provided. 
And  I  further  hereby  order  and  Comand  all  Officers,  Civil  and 
Military,  to  be  aiding  and  assist'g  to  \'ou  in  the  discharge  of  Y'r 
Appointm't.     Given,  Wic,  2.Slh  Dec'r,  1754. 


GOVKRNOR  DINWIDDIK  TO  JAMES  AHERCROMFn'. 

Dec'r  20th,  [1754]. 
Sir  : 

My  last  to  You  was    i6th   Nov'r,  w'ch   I   hope  You  duly 

reed,  and  refer  ^'ou  thereto.     I  wrote  ^'ou   Mr.  Glen  had  wrote 
me  several    Let'rs  in  a  very  odd  Style.     Mr.  Dobbs  was  then 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  437 

here.  He  was  very  much  disoblig'd  at  the  Style  and  Substance 
of  them,  and  I  beheve  wrote  his  Opinion  thereon  freely  to  L'd 
Halifax.  In  Case  of  any  Enquiry  or  Dispute  thereon,  I  think 
it  proper  to  send  You  Copy  of  his  two  last  Let'rs,  and  the 
report  of  the  Comittee  in  y't  Gov't.  His  public  Let'r  I  do 
not  animadvert  on,  or  the  report  of  the  Comittee,  but  w't  he 
intends  as  a  Let'r  from  himself,  I  have  made  Marginal  Notes 
thereon.  You  may  keep  them  entirely  secret  to  Y'rself,  unless 
You  sh'd  find  it  proper  for  my  Service  to  shew  them.  You 
also  have  my  Answer  to  his  above  Let's.  He  is  a  very  copious 
writer.  His  Let's  are  generally  several  Sheets,  and  indeed  may 
be  curtail' d  much,  and  to  the  same  Substance  and  Purpose.  I 
have  been  strongly  engag'd  in  raising  Recruits,  and  am  in 
Hopes  by  the  Middle  of  Feb'y  to  compleat  the  No.  of  this 
Dom'n  to  near  i,ooo  Men.  I  hear  his  M'y  is  graciously  pleas'd 
to  order  two  regim'ts  from  Ireland  to  our  Assistance.  This  is 
only  by  report.  The  maint'g  of  so  great  Numbers  will  be 
difficult  at  once  to  get  Provis's  for  them.  I  wish  I  had  got 
previous  Notice,  or  probably  they  may  bring  some  Provis's 
from  Ireland.  I  hope  they  will  be  here  soon,  and  I  expect 
Applicat'n  will  be  made  to  Parliam't  for  an  Aid  to  the  Expedit'n. 
I  am  now  to  Comiss'n  two  Comissaries  to  purchase  Provis's, 
and  to  lay  them  in  at  the  Magazine  at  W.  C.  near  the  Allegany 
Mount's.  I  shall  do  every  Thing  in  my  Power,  and  y't  with 
the  greatest  Diligence.  This  Ship  going  so  soon  prevents  my 
writing  to  the  Public  Officers,  and  indeed  our  last  Acts  are  not 
fairly  engross'd,  but  [I]  hope  [they]  will  be  ready  soon  for  trans- 
mitting. I  send  You  my  2d  Bill  on  Messrs.  H.  for  ;^ioo  for 
Y'r  ^  Year's  Salary,  ending  in  Oct'r,  in  Case  the  former  mis- 
carried, and  I  rem'n,  most  sincerely, 

Sir,  Y'r  F'd. 


438  DINWIDUIE    I'AI'EKS. 


GOVKRNOR  DINWIDDIK  TO  GOVKRNOR  I)OIUiS.*»OK  NORTH 

C.\R<»I  !\  \ 

Dcc'r  2 1  St,  1754. 
Sir: 

The  cnclosd  came  to  my  Hands  last  Week  from  our  Camp, 
and  [I]  have  desired  Messrs.  Waison  and  Cairnes  to  forw'd  it  to 
^'ou.  The  Lel'rs  to  the  Capl's  of  the  Kind's  Ships  were  sent 
me  by  C't  Arbuthnott.  and  I  pray  \" r  favo.  to  forw'd  them  to 
So.  Car.  Inclos'd  \\>u  have  our  Majjazine,  w'ch  contains  a 
Paraj^Taph  from  the  llnj^Hsh  Gazette,  by  wch  Vou  will  observe 
they  intend  to  send  us  a  larj^e  reinforcem't,  and  y'ts  its  further 
ordered  to  raise  two  re^im'ts  in  N.  Kngland.  to  be  comanded  by 
Mr.  .Shirley  and  S'r  \Vm.  Pepperell.  The  greatest  Uneasiness  I 
am  under  is  the  providing  I'rovis's.  I  have  Comission'd  two 
Comiss'ys  for  y't  Knd  to  contract  for  all  the  Provis's  they  pos- 
sibly can.  The  Men  of  War  and  I-'orces  may  be  soon  expected. 
I  have  tolerable  Success  in  recruiting,  anil  am  in  hopes  of  com- 
pleat'g  our  No.  to  i.ooo  by  the  Mo.  of  Feb'y.  As  I  understand 
Y'r  Assembly  has  been  some  Time  siting.  I  shall  be  glad  to 
know  in  w't  Temper  they  met  \'ou  and  w't  they  have  done.  I 
most  sincerely  wish  You  Health  and  all  the  Happiness  You  can 
desir'v     M-    \\   '•■  and  Girls  join  me  in  kind  Compliin'ts  to  ^'our 


"".Arthur  Doblis,  a  native  of  Ireland,  Governor  of  North  Carolina 
from  NovemlH-T  i,  1754.  till  his  death  at  Town  Creek,  N.  C,  March  28, 
1765.  He  w.us  a  man  of  letters,  of  liberal  views,  and  had  been  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Irish  Parliament,  and  (listin);iiishe(l  for  his  attempts  to  dis- 
cover the  "Northwest  I'as.sii^f."  Ik*  adopted  conciliatory  measures 
towards  the  Indians,  but  his  .idministration  was  a  continued  contest 
with  the  Legislature  on  unimportant  matters,  displaying  on  his  part  an 
ardent  zeal  for  the  r<iyal  prerogative  and  an  indomitable  resistance  on 
the  part  of  the  colonists.  .Author  of  "An  Account  of  the  Countries  ad- 
joining to  Hudson's  IJay,"  4to.  London,  1748;  "Trade  and  Improve- 
ment of  Ireland,"  Svo.  Dublin,  1729,  and  "Captain  .Middleton's  Defence," 
Svo.  1744.  I  le  married  Anne,  dauv;hter  of  Captain  ( )sburn,  of  Dro){heda, 
and  had  issue jJLV)nway  Kirhard,  ^who  remained  in  Ireland,  served  as 
Hi^h  .SheriflT  or  Antrim,  and  whose  tlesrendants  are  still  in  possession 
of  C.istle  Dobljs) ;  Kdward  Hrire,  mentioned  in  the  text  as  the  com- 
mandant of  a  company  from  North  Carf>lina,  sul^ecpiently  Major,  and 
who  was  a  member  of  the  Council  of  the  I'roxince  ;  Frances,  and  Mary. 


DIXWIDDIE    PAPERS.  439 

Son  and  Nephew.^'     I  wish  You  and  the  Young  Gent,  a  merry 
Xmas,  and  always  am, 

Y'r  Ex's  most  Ob't  humble  serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  CHARLES  DICK   AND  THOMAS 
WALKER,  ESQ'RS. 

Dec'r  28th,  1754. 
Gent.  : 

I  have  this  Day  Sign'd  a  Com'o  ,  appoint'g  You  joint 
Comissaries  for  Provis's  and  Stores  for  the  pres't  Expedit'n  to 
the  Ohio.  I  therefore  think  it  necessary  to  give  You  the  fol- 
low'g  Orders  and  Instruct's:  That  You  first  lay  in  a  large  Qu'ty 
of  Salt  at  the  Camp  now  at  W's  C.,  and  y't  in  Proport'n  to  the 
Salt  You  may  have  there,  You  are  to  purchase  Pork,  agree' g 
with  the  People  to  deliver  it  at  the  Camp,  where  You  are  to  pay 
them  for  the  same,  accord' g  to  y'r  Agreem't.  There  are  a  good 
No.  of  Beeves  now  at  or  near  the  Camp,  I  desire  and  order 
You  to  have  them  killed  and  salted  accordingly.  You  are  to 
endeavour  to  provide  w't  Casks  You  can  to  pack  the  Provis's  in, 
and  I  desire  You  may  hire  as  many  Coopers  as  You  can  for  y't 
End,  agree' g  with  them  by  the  Day,  or  so  much  for  each  Cask 
they  may  deliver.  You  are  to  send  a  Messenger  to  Connega- 
chege,  or  any  other  proper  Place  in  Pennsylva'a,  to  encourage 
the  People  to  bring  You  Flour,  for  w'ch  You  will  pay  them 
ready  Money.  I  have  been  inform' d  they  will  deliver  it  at  the 
Camp  at  12s.  6d.  ^  C't.  And  I  find  it  extremely  necessary  y't 
one  of  You  remain  at  the  Camp  to  receive  and  pay  for  the  Pro- 
vis's, to  see  them  properly  secured,  and  to  issue  i  lb.  Flour,  i  lb. 
Beef  or  Pork  each  Day  for  every  Soldier,  w'ch  I  think  is  to  be 
done  to  each  Compa.  in  a  Weekly  order,  and  the  Officers  of  each 
Compa.,  no  doubt,  will  order  a  Serjeant  to  see  the  Provis's 
properly  delivered.  As  to  the  Provis's  You  are  to  provide,  I  do 
not  restrict  their   Qu'ty,  as  we  are  not  certain  of  the   No.   of 

"'Richard  Spaight,  who  was  the  paymaster  of  the  North  Carolina 
troops  under  Braddock ;  Secretary  of  the  Province  in  1756,  and  Feb- 
ruary 4,  1757,  a  member  of  the  Council.  He  was  the  father  of  Richard 
Dobbs  Spaight,  Governor  of  North  Carolina,  etc. 


140  DINWIUDIF.    I'APF.KS. 

Forces  y't  may  be  employ'd,  but  I  believe  tlu y  will  not  be  leas 
than  vouo.  lor  this  No.  ( you  ]  may  easily  calculate  the  ^u'ty  of  each 
Species.  I  think  \'ou  caimot  purchtisr  less  than  6oo,oco  w't  of 
I'lour.  1  cannot  tell  w't  Conveniences  there  are  at  the  Camp  for 
storin):;  the  Provis's ;  if  wanted,  Vou  must  make  L'se  of  the  Ohio 
Compa's  Store,  for  w'ch  they  shall  be  duly  p'd.  Keep  jjood  and 
clear  Accts  of  \"r  Paym'ts,  tak'^  receijjts  for  the  Money  \'ou 
pay.  to  be  delivered  to  me  in  Case  I  sh'd  want  to  transmit  them 
Home.  I  have  now  deliver" d  You  2.000/^  to  be^in  V'r  pur- 
chases, w'n  y't  is  near  exhausted,  send  clown  a  j^roper  Person  to 
me.  and  Vou  shall  be  duly  supplied,  and  any  Contracts  \'ou 
may  make  on  Acc't  of  the  Kxpedit'n,  I  shall  support  \'ou 
therein.  I  shall  be  j^lad  if  \ou  can  purchase  four  Waggons  and 
Horses  to  be  employ'd  from  W'in'r  to  Wills's  Creek,  w'ch  proba- 
bly may  bring  the  Planters  to  a  reasonable  hire  for  their  Wag- 
gons. And  You  are  to  appoint  a  Person  at  Win'r  to  do  the 
Duty  there  and  to  forw'd  Things  to  the  Camp.  And  as  many 
Things  may  occur  y't  I  cannot  foresee,  I  must  leave  every  Thing 
to  \"r  Prudent  and  good  Managem't,  but  desire  You  may  con- 
sider the  Season  of  the  Year  requires  the  greatest  I)is})atch  in 
laying  in  the  Provis's.  I  recomend  to  You  to  purchase  all  the 
Bacon  You  can,  and  if  You  can  get  some  Beeves  Stall-fed,  it  will 
be  very  proper  in  Apr.  and  May.  As  I  doubt  not  You  have  the 
Good  of  this  Expedit'n  as  much  at  Heart  as  I  have,  I  therefore 
put  great  Confidence  in  Y'r  Diligence  and  imediate  Purchase  of 
Provis's.     Wishing  You  Health  anfi  Happiness,  I  rem'n 

^"r  I-"riend.  «S:c. 

P.  S.    Kach  of  You  are  to  have   200jC  "f*  Ann.  as  Salary,  and 
any  extraordinary  Fixp's  will  be  allow' d  ^'ou. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIi:  TO  CHARLES  DICK. 

Dec'r  28th,  1754. 
Sir  : 

This  will   be  delivered   \'ou    by   Mr.  Thos.  Walker,   who 

brings  Y'r  Com'o.  to  be  joint  Comiss'r  with   him.  w'ch   I   hope 
will  be  agreeable  to  \'ou.     He  also  has  some  Instruct's  for  the 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  441 

Managem't  of  Y'r  Appointm't,  but  I  c'd  not  be  so  explicit  on 
the  Aftair  as  I  c'd  wish,  but  hereafter  w't  ever  you  may  think 
necessary,  write  me,  and  you  shall  have  Direct's  agreeable 
thereto.  He  has  rec'd  /'2,ooo,  w'ch  he  carries  with  him  to 
the  Camp  to  pay  for  the  Provis's  as  they  come  in.  I  hope  You 
have  sent  a  Qu'ty  of  Salt,  w'ch  is  the  necessary  Affair  for 
curing  the  Provis's.  Mr.  Carlyle  writes  me  he  has  sent  up  200 
Bush's,  but  that's  a  Trifle  to  w't  will  be  wanted,  as  we  are  likely 
to  have  a  large  No.  of  Forces  in  a  short  Time,  so  I  desire  You 
will  send  a  considerable  Qu'ty  up,  y't  there  [may]  be  no  Loss  for 
the  want  thereof.  Mr.  Walker  has  given  Security  for  his  Con- 
duct, and  I  have  desired  Mr.  Withers '^^*  to  sign  the  Bond  as 
Security  for  You.  I  hope  You  have  ordered  the  Boats  to  be 
built,  y't  the  Forces  or  Provis's  may  not  be  delayed  at  the 
different  runs  of  Water.  When  the  Money  now  sent  is  near 
expended,  send  down,  and  I  shall  give  You  a  further  Supply. 
Excuse  brevity,  being  much  hurried,  and  I  rem'n. 
Sir,  Y'r  very  h'ble  Serv't. 

P.  S. — I  hope  the  Recruits  were  march' d  for  Win'r.  The 
Flour  in  bis.  may  be  kept  with  You,  and  at  Winchester,  y't  in 
Baggs  to  be  sent  to  the  Camp. 


240 'William  Withers,  the  private  Secretary  of  Governur  Dinwiddle, 
was  born  in  Lancaster,  England,  in  1731,  and  came  to  Virginia  in  1745, 
as'the  heir  of  an  estate  called  "Chotank,"  in  Stafford  county,  devised  by  a 
relative,  John  Withers,  by  will  dated  August  29,  1698.  His  estate  had 
been  sold  by  Sarah  Withers,  the  daughter  of  the  testator,  to  Augustine 
Washington,  who  had  devised  it  to  his  son  Samuel.  The  title  of  Wash- 
ington being  contested  by  Withers,  the  rights  of  the  latter  were  satisfied 
by  the  consideration  of  ;^6oo,  and  the  transaction  affirmed  by  Act  of 
Assembly.  {Hening,  vi,  pp.  313-16).  Withers  was  first  employed  in 
Nansemond  county  as  clerk  by  Anthony  Walke.  He  afterwards  found 
like  employment  in  Williamsburg,  and  located  finally  in  Dinwiddie 
county,  at  a  place  still  known  as  "  Kingston."  He  married  in  1761,  Pris- 
cilla  Wright,  of  Nansemond  county.  Their  descendants  include  the 
worthy  names  of  Atkinson,  Adams,  Broadnax,  Clay,  Draper,  Grammer, 
Hawkins,  Lay,  LeVert,  Walke,  and  Wright.  For  a  deduction  of  them, 
see  Slaughter's  History  of  Bristol  Parish,  2d  ed. 


442  DtNWIDDIE   FAPKKS. 

GU\  KKNOR  DINWIDUIE  TU  COLONEL  INNES. 

Dcc'r  28th.  1754. 
Sir  : 

I  hojH'  this  will  Ik-  tlflivrrctl  \'<m  by  Mr.  Thos.  Walker, 
who  is  joiiKtl  wiih  Mr.  Dick  as  Coniissarit-s  for  FVovisions,  &c. ; 
he  comes  to  reside  at  the  Camp,  and  h;is  Money  lo  pay  for  Pro- 
vis's  as  they  come  in.  I  recomcnd  him  to  Y'r  Friendship,  and 
he  has  a  pretty  Sum  of  Money.  I  wish  N'ou  to  take  him  into 
\"r  Tent  for  Safety.  He  is  a  very  honest,  Good  natured  Man. 
We  may  very  soon  expect  a  good  reinforcement  from  Ci.  B.,  w'ch 
will  recjuire  a  larjje  <Ju'ty  of  Provis's.  Atlvise  the  Bearer  the 
most  proper  Method  to  secure  a  Qu'ty  of  Flour.  I  believe  Mr, 
Dick  will  contract  for  Pork  to  be  sent  to  the  Camp.  I  am  very 
much  hurried,  and  can  only  add  my  sincere  Wishes  for  Y'r 
Health,  &c.     1  remain. 

Sir    ^"r  afTrct.  Iritiid  .mil  li'I)l«-  -^crv't. 


(•.OVERNC)K  DINWIDDIK  TO  CHARLES  DICK. 

Dec'r  29th,  1754. 
Sir. 

1  rtc'd  \"r  I-et'r  by  Mr.  Stewart,  w'ch  is  pretty  fully  an- 
swer'd  in  my  Let'r  by  .Mr.  Walker,  who  left  this  [place]  this 
Morn'}^,  and  I  suppose  will  be  with  \'ou  before  this  reaches  You, 
and  I  repeat  my  Desire  of  having  a  good  Qu'ty  of  Salt  at  the 
Camp,  and  must  refer  N'ou  lo  my  above  Let'r.  I  ap|)rove  of  Y'r 
Salting  Pork  in  Hings  till  \o\i  can  get  bis.,  and  I  am  ol  Opinion 
a  large  Ou'ty  may  rem'n  dry  salted  and  sent  out  so,  but  this  I 
must  refer  to  ^'ou  and  Mr.  Walker.  The  providing  Provis's  is 
w't  I  have  chiefly  in  View,  and  my  greatest  dependence  is  in  Y'r 
Industry  and  Care,  and  I  shall  secure  a  ^u'ty  below  to  be  sent 
up  to  Y'r  Place.  You  must  lay  in  some  Pork  at  Winch' r,  to 
supply  the  Forces  on  their  March.  I  have  a  Let'r  from  Capt 
Fraser,  complain'g  of  want  of  Small  Arms;  I  order'd  some  for 
him  at  Hampton,  but  he  sailed  with't  them.  I  have  now  ordered 
all  at  Alexa'a  to  be  sent  to  Winch' r,  where  the  recruits  will  re- 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  443 

ceive  them.  Let  Fraser  know  this,  as  I  am  so  hurried  I  cannot 
write  him.  I  w'd  not,  by  any  means,  have  You  come  here  at 
present,  as  the  Season  of  the  Year  requires  double  Dihgence 
to  secure  w't  Provis's  You  can.     I  remain,  with  respect. 

Sir,  Y'r  Friend,  &c. 


GOVERNOR  DIXWIDDIE  TO  COLONEL  SPOTSWOOD."' 

Dec'r  29th,   1754. 
Sir  : 

You  was  so  kind  as  to  promise  to  cast  some  Iron  Shott  y't 
are  wanted  for  the  Expedit'n.  The  Diment's  are  to  be  3  Inch's 
5-10  Diam'r.  Y'r  Favo.  in  Ordering  a  No.  of  them  will  be  very 
obliging,  and  You  shall  be  duly  p'd  by, 

Sir,  Y'r  very  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  LIEUTENANT  JOSHL'A  LEWIS.'^" 

Dec'r  29th,  1754. 
Sir: 

Your  several  Let'rs  I  rec'd.  Am  sorry  for  the  Mistake  of 
the  Dimentions  in  casting  the  Iron  Shott.  I  have  wrote  Colo. 
Spotswood,  if  not  yet  cast,  to  alter  the  Dimensions  to  3  Inches 
5-10,  agreeable  to  Y'r  Let'rs.  I  wish  You  Health  and  Pros- 
perity, and  am. 

Sir,  Your  Friend,  &.C. 


^"Colonel  Alexander  Spotswood,  Lieutenant-Governor  of  Virginia, 
1710-1722.  See  "'Letters,'''  etc.  Collections  of  the  Virginia  Historical 
Society,  New  Series,  vol.  i. 

''"This  was  doubtless  the  Mr.  Lewis  mentioned  ante,  p.  398. 


444  DINWIDDIE    PAI'KKS. 

GOVKKNnR  DINUIDIHK  To  COI.oNKI.  STEPHKN. 

Dic'r  2iylh,   1754. 
Sir 

i  rti  <i  S  r  l.rt  r  by  Mr.  ."^trwait  witii  t  I  )ate.  \'ou  send 
him  for  Money  to  pay  the  Men.  w'ch  \ou  think  will  amo.  to 
l,20o[/^] ;  this  is  a  Gross  Guess,  and  cannot  possibly  be  near  y'l 
Money,  as  you  know  it  is  ajjreed  to  stop  2d.  "f*  Day  from  their 
Clothin)^.  In  my  last  I  told  Vou  each  Capt.  must  furnish  a  roll 
of  their  Men,  w'ch.  being  attested  by  \ou.  will  plainly  shew  the 
just  dcm'd  from  each  Compa.  However,  to  encourage  the  Men 
10  march  with  Alertness.  I  send  \'ou  by  Mr.  Stewart  i,ocx>[£], 
which  I  am  perswaded  will  pay  the  whole,  and  Vou  must  furnish 
me  with  seperate  Muster  rolls  from  each  Compa..  with  the  Capt's 
receipt  on  the  back  of  it,  to  be  laid  before  the  Comittee.  It  was 
lucky  the  Treasurer  was  in  Town  to  desire  the  favo.  of  me  to 
advance  the  above  Sum  ;  and  Indeed  I  should  have  p'd  it  with 
more  Chearfulness  if  they  had  been  at  W's  C.  to  assist  building 
the  Fort,  <S:c.  I  suppose  \'ou  will  now  very  soon  march  for  y't 
Place.  I  sent  up  ioo/[,  to  Fredericksb'g  to  pay  some  of  the  re- 
cruits. Helow  \'ou  have  the  Names  and  date  of  the  Officers 
appointed  since  I  saw  Vou  here.  I  have  ordered  Cloth' g  from 
Home,  and  have  given  w't  c'd  be  pick'd  up  here  for  the  recruits. 
You  must  send  imediately  all  the  Small  Arms  Vou  have,  to 
Winch' r  for  the  recruits,  tak'g  a  recci|)t  from  the  different  Com- 
anders  for  the  No.  delivered  for  the  I'se  of  his  Co'y,  and  trans- 
mit me  Acc't  thereof  \'ou  must  pay  \'our  own  Balla.  out  of  the 
Money  now  sent,  and  transmit  me  a  Copy  of  V'r  last  Acc't  w'ch 
made  [;{^]22  14s.  in  \"r  favo.  The  Hhd.  of  rum  belongs  to 
Gov't  Sharpe,  and  was  sent  by  his  Order.  The  granting  of 
Furlows  for  so  many  Men,  and  their  Pay  running  with't  any 
Service,  is  a  great  load  on  the  Country  ;  their  being  so  long  un- 
employ'd  I  hope  will  incite  them  to  double  Diligence  w'n  they 
come  to  the  Camp.  I  wish  Vou  Health  and  Success,  and  am, 
Sir,  V'r  Friend,  «S:c. 


DINWIDUIE    PAPERS.  445 

GOVERNOR  DIXWIDDIE  TO  COLONEL  FAIRFAX. 

ist  Jan'y,  1755. 
Sir: 

Y'r  favo.  of  the  26th  Ult'o  I  duly  rec'd,  and  enclos'd  You 
an  Ensign's  Com'o.  for  Mr.  Wood:  let  him  know  it's  on  Your 
Applicat'n  and  recomendai'n  y't  he  gets  it,  and  hope  he  will  be- 
have accordingly.  I  have  taken  all  the  Measures  I  can  to  pro- 
vide Provis's  for  the  Forces,  but  I  still  fear  y't  I  shall  not  be  able 
to  provide  a  proper  Qu'ty.  I  hope  those  from  B.  will  be  here 
the  end  of  this  Mo.  Maj'r  Carlyle  is  certainly  blamable  in  re- 
gard to  Salt:  he  told  me,  when  here  in  Oct'r.  y't  there  was  a 
Qu'ty  sent  up,  and  believe  it  was  charg'd  in  his  Acc't  given  the 
Comittee.  As  to  Mr.  Gist's  coming  down  with  him,  I  do  [not  ?] 
know  for  w't  Intent.  It  gives  me  Concern  for  the  many  Com- 
plaints ag'st  Mr.  Carlyle ;  his  Acc'ts  never  have  been  correct, 
and  those  given  me,  want  Amendm't  With  the  Complim'ts  of 
the  Season  to  You  and  Y'rs  and  many  repetit's  thereof  is  the 
sincere  W^ish  of, 

Sir,  Y'r  very  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  CAPTAIN  WAGGENER. 

Jan'y  ist,  1755. 
Sir: 

I   rec'd  Y's  by  Y'r  Bro.,^"  who  1  have  given  an  Ensign's 

Com'o.  I  hope  he  will  behave  agreeably  therein.  I  have  sent 
Mo[ney]  to  Co.  Stephens  to  pay  the  Forces  to  the  last  of  Dec'r. 
Capt.  Stewart,  who  I  suppose  is  now  with  You,  p'd  his  recruits 
till  the  time  they  left  Petersburg,  and  I  sent  100^  by  Mr.  Finnie 
to  pay  among  the  rest  of  the  recruits,  so  y't  I  can  spare  no 
Mo[ney]  at  pres't.  I  have  ordered  all  the  Small  Arms  from 
Alex'a,  to  meet  You  at  Winch' t'r:  I  expect  You  will  march  there 
with  all  Expedit'n.  There  was  some  Arms  at  Hampton,  but 
Mr.  Eraser  did  not  tarry  to  receive  them  and   30  Tents;  but   I 

'*^This  was  probably  Edmund  VV^aggener,  killed  at  the  defeat  of  Brad- 
dock. 


446  i)iN\\  u*i>ii.   r.M't  K>. 

h.ivf  i>riKrttl  ihi-m  iinctliatcly  up  lo  FrctU-ricksburjj.  or  Alcxa'a. 
Scml  ilowii  the  Acxts  ol  enlisting  V'r  Men.  and  ^Wc  C'r  for  ihc 
Money  Vou  rcc'd,  y'l  ihcy  may  be  laid  Ijcforc  the  Comitlcc.  I 
wi-<h  Wm  a  j-txHJ  Jiinciion  with  the  rv^i  of  ihe  Forces,  and  I 
innain, 

Sir.  \"r  Friend,  »Jtc 

P.  S.  Colo.  Stephens  has  my  Orders  to  receive  the  Muster  roll 
frun)  each  Capt.  of  their  Company,  and  j^ivc  them  Mo[ney].  to 
pay  them,  w'ch  he  must  transnut  l<»  me.  with  their  respective 
receipts  thereon.  I  desire  the  two  Smiths,  with  their  Tools,  may 
be  sent  imcdiately  to  the  Camp. 


GOVKRNOK  DINUIDDIK  TO  COLONEL  STKI'HKN. 

jany   ist,   1755. 
Sik 

1  rcc'd  \"vs,  and  am  glad  the  Officers  have  had  so  good 
Success  in  recruiting,  and  I  expect  on  return  of  this,  ^'ou 
imediately  march  for  Winch' r.  The  gent.  Officers  must 
remain  easy  some  Time  with  the  Comiss'ns  they  have,  and 
they  sh'd  consider,  if  at  home,  they  w'd  have  served  some 
Years  and  p'd  a  considerable  Sum.  e'er  they  had  the  rise  they 
now  have,  but  I  shall  always  have  a  regard  for  them  according 
to  their  Seniority.  I  gave  Vou  my  reasons  in  my  last  Let'r  for 
appointing  Capi's  Stewart  and  Cocke.  I  think  Mr.  Bullett  re- 
quires Notice,  and  shall  [accord  it  to  him]  as  soon  as  I  can 
with  Convcniency.  ^'ou  ment'n  one  Mr.  Hamilton,  with't  his 
^wtian  Name.  I  am  glad  of  the  Character  you  give  of  him, 
and  some  time  hence  1  hope  to  advance  him.  The  Officers 
of  the  new  recruits  have  the  Acc't  of  their  advance,  and  I  desire 
You  to  order  each  officer  to  send  down  the  Hxpence  of  re- 
cruiting, arul  the  No.  each  Person  enlisted,  to  be  laid  before 
the  Comittec.  Supply  \'r  Men  with  Frugality  with  Cloths  to 
keep  them  from  the  Inclemency  of  the  Weather,  and  Send 
down  the  Acc'ts.  with't  any  regard  to  the  25s.  "j^  Man.  formerly 
.illow'd.  You  no  doubt  have  rec'd  (he  Money  sent  \  ou  by  Mr. 
Stewart,  w'ch  will,  I   hope,  pay  all  V'r  Men  to  the  last  of  Dec'r. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  447 

If  Gov'r  Sharpe  has  not  contradicted  Y'r  Orders,  I  desire  \'ou 
make  all  possible  haste  to  the  Camp  at  W's  Creek. 
I  am,  Sir,  Y'r  Friend,  &c. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  GOVERNOR  SHARPE. 

Jan'y  2d,  1755. 
Sir: 

I  have  waited  with  impatience  to  hear  what  Y'r  Assembi}'- 
and  y't  of  Pensylva'a  have  done  in  regard  to  their  grant' g  Sup- 
plies for  the  Expedit'n.  By  a  Ship  from  Londo.  I  underst'd  His 
M'y  and  the  Ministry  are  very  Sanguine  in  grant'g  proper  Sup- 
plies of  Men  and  Ordnance  Stores.  The  Transports  were  to  sail 
from  Gravesend  to  Ireland  the  ist  of  Nov'r,  to  bring  over  two 
regim'ts,  and  y't  Mr.  Shirley  and  S'r  Wm.  Pepperell  were  to 
raise  two  regim'ts  in  New  England ;  the  Officers  all  nominated 
for  these  regim'ts,  w'ch,  I  presume,  is  to  make  a  diversion  ag'st 
the  Fr.  to  the  No' ward.  The  Forces  from  Irel'd  may  be  ex- 
pected here  the  End  of  this  Mo.  or  early  in  Feb'ry.  The  pro- 
viding Provis's  is  w't  I  have  greatly  in  my  Tho'ts.  I  have  sent 
the  Comissaries  to  the  Camp  with  Mo.  to  purchase  Flour  and 
Pork  in  the  frontier  Count's,  and  am  endeavouring  to  purchase  a 
Qu'ty  of  Pork  here,  to  be  sent  to  the  Camp.  I  have  found  here 
two  Mortars  and  40  Shells  fit  for  Service,  with  the  two  p'r  of 
Wheels  You  desired  to  be  made.  I  desire  Y'r  Advice  whether 
to  order  them  to  Fredericksbug,  Alexa'a  or  rock  Creek;  if  to 
the  last  Place,  pray  write  me  the  Person's  Name  I  am  to 
recomend  them  to  be  forwarded  by,  and  if  you  think  y't  the  best 
Convey'ce,  I  must  send  the  bid.  Pork  to  y't  Place.  I  shall  earn- 
estly endeavour  to  provide  a  large  Qu'ty.  I  have  had  pretty 
good  Success  in  recruiting.  I  believe  our  Forces  from  this  Gov't 
are  now  ab't  500.  and  hope  by  the  Middle  of  next  Mo.  to  make 
them  at  least  800.  The  Cha's  of  recruit'g  run  very  high.  Pray, 
have  you  ordered  the  Purchase  of  20  Waggons  and  Horses  ?  Let 
me  know  if  I  shall  send  you  Bills  of  Excha.  to  pay  for  them.  You 
desired  the  Guns  from  Capt.  Arbuthnott  to  be  charg'd  to  you, 
and  the  Hhd.  of  Rum  ;  they  are  sent  up  to  Alexa'a,  and  enclos'd 


448  UINWIDUIE    PAPERS. 

N'ou  have  the  Acc't  thereof,  if  N'ou  desire  me  to  pay  it.  it  shall  be 
done.  As  you  wrote  me  Vou  intended  to  order  the  Forces  at 
Alexandria  to  march  to  the  Camp,  I  have  sent  Mo.  to  pay  them 
to  the  last  of  Dcc'r.  and  have  desir'd  them  to  march  imcdiately 
if  they  have  \"t  Orders  so  to  do.  It's  a  I'itiy  they  have  been 
so  long  idle,  they  mijjht  have  been  Serviceable  at  the  Camp ; 
there  are  2(xj  at  Fredrrickshiir^.  w'ch  I  liavr  f)rdered  to  Winch'r 
to  join  those  from  Akxa'a,  and  there  will  be  Provis's  for  them 
there.  Aiul  I  «»r(krc<l  the  Comissaries  to  endeavour  to  purchase 
4  Waj^^ons,  if  possible,  to  reduce  the  monstrous  hire  of  Wajf- 
gons,  in  w'ch  Article  we  have  been  ^really  impos'd  on  by  an 
extravagant  Charge.  Pray  write  me  w'n  you  intend  for  the 
Camp.  I  have  been  endeavour'g  to  procure  Carpenters  and 
Coopers,  but  as  yet  have  hail  no  Succcsss.  I  .sent  to  Fred- 
ericksb'g  two  Smiths  with  Bellows,  Anvil  and  Tools,  with  Orders 
to  proceed  directly  to  \V"s  Creek.  As  I  expect  a  Supply  of  Ord- 
nance Stores  I  suspend  purchas'g  any  for  the  Pres't.  Let  me 
know  w't  is  imediately  want'd,  y't  I  can  purchase  here.  The 
Assembly  of  No.  Car,  is  now  Sitting,  but  w't  they  have  done  I 
know  not.  I  wrote  to  all  my  Friends  at  Home  the  Necessity  of 
a  .Supply  from  the  Parliam't,  w'ch  I  have  some  reasons  to  exp>ect. 
I  heartily  wish  \'ou  Health,  and  Success  in  Your  Conduct'g  the 
Expedit'n,  and  I xem'n.  With  very  great  regard  and  Fsteem, 
^  "r  Fx's  most  obdt  humble  servant. 

P.  S.  I  presume  \'ou  will  hire  Men  to  drive  the  Waggons  by 
the  Year? 


r.OVKKNOK   DINWIDDIK    TO  GoXKKNOK  .SH.AKI'K. 

Jany  7th,   1755. 
Sir: 

\"r  Let'r  of  the  irth  Dcc'r  I  did  not  receive  till  last  Night, 

and  \"rs  by  Mr.Wolslonholme,"*  of  the  26ih  Dcc'r,  I  reed  a  few 
Days  ago.  The  two  Comissaries  I  appointed  are  ordered,  one 
of  them  [to]  rem'n  with  the  Forces,  and  I  suppose  one  of  them  is 
with  the  Camp  before  this;  the  other  is  to  travel  the  frontier 
Counties  to  engage  Provis's  to  be  drove  to  the  Camp.     I  gave 


***  Daniel  Wostenholme,  merchant  at  Annapolis,  Maryland. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  449 

them   the   2,000/'  this   Mo.,  and  vv'n   y't  is  expended,  to  send 
down  a  careful  Person  for  more.     Their  Orders  from   me  are  to 
provide   all  the   Beef  and   Pork    they  can    purchase,  and    have 
ordered  them  to  send  up  a  Qu'ty  of  Salt  to  cure  them.     There 
is  a  Qu'ty  gone  from  F'bg.     I  mention" d  1,000  Bush's,  or  more, 
if  possible,  to    be   carried  out.     I    recomend'd    the    making   of 
large  Troughs  to  dry  Salt — w't  they  c'd,  till  b'ls  c'd  be  pro- 
vided.    They  also  have  my  Orders  to  purchase  all   the  Bacon 
they  possibly  can,  and  to  have  many  of  the  Cattle  Stall-fed  all 
this  Winter,  and  to  engage  to  pay  for  them  accordingly.     I  sent 
up   blank  bonds  to  tie  the  Venders  down  to  a  punctual  Com- 
plyance  with   their  Agreem'ts,  and   as  You    propose   being  so 
soon  at  the  Camp,  Y'r  Presence  and  Direct' s  will  be  of  great 
Service.     I  approve  the  Carriage  by  Horses  preferable  to  Wag- 
gons, if  a  proper  Number  can  be  purchas'd,  for  the  reasons  You 
so  justly  assign,  but  as  [to]  the  Carriage  of  the  Provis's  w'n  the 
Forces  march,  I  did  not  mention  to  the  Comissaries.     There- 
fore Y'r  direct's  on  y't  Point  will  be  necessary.     No  doubt  it's 
full  Time  the  Cattle  at  or  near  the  Camp  sh'd  be  Slaughtered 
and   Cured,  and  no   doubt   they  will  take  proper  Care  of  the 
Hides  and  Tallow,  and  I  think  there  sh'd  not  be  less  than  four 
Mo's'  Provis's  in   the  Magazine.     The  Forces  expected  from  B. 
(w'ch  I  wrote  You  of  in   my  last)  I  am   told  bring  three  Mo's' 
Provis's  from   Irel'd,  but  as  I  have  no  certain  Acc't  thereof,  I 
w'd  continue  to  provide  all  we  can,  and  after  Your  Troops  begin 
to  march,  I  agree  with  You  y't  they  sh'd  always  have  a  Mo's 
Provis's  on  the   Place  wherever  they  encamp.     I   left  it  discre- 
tionary with   the  Comissaries   to  purchase  w't  Provis's   of  the 
different  Species  they  c'd,  at  same  Time  not  to  make  a  larger 
Purchase  y'n   they  had   Salt   to  cure,  so  y't  I  cannot  determine 
on  Johnson's  or  Cresap's   Beeves,  but  if  there  is   Salt  enough, 
to  be  sure  they  will  be  glad  to  take  them  ;  if  they  have  not  Salt, 
can  they  be  stall-fed   till   the  Sumer  Mo's?     I,  therefore,  must 
refer  this  to   Your  Direct' n.     I  was    in    hopes    Pensylva'a   w'd 
have  granted  an  Aid;  if  so,   I  was  in   hopes  of  hav'g  a  large 
Qu'ty  of  Flour  from  thence,  but  I  have  not  heard  w't  they  have 
done.     I  wish  You  had  purchas'd  a  few  more  Waggons,  and  a 
trusty  Person  to  go  to  Lancaster   to  buy  Horses  will  be  of  great 
Service. 

I  thot't  it  convenient,  for  fear  of  Delay  on   Potomack  river  to 


460  DINWIUUIE   PAPERS. 

•end  many  Thinj{»  ami  »»»mc  recruits  lo  Frcd'b'g,  but,  as  I  am 

informed  y"f  there  will  be  a  ijood  Supply  of  Ordnance  Stores,  I 

»h>"  '    '       '    ^       *  '  t"  send   them  to  rock  Creek,  and 

li  .    them  to  F'cksb'^;  and  rpck  Creek 

may  t)e  mo  lor  i>t!i|>alch      1  fear  the  Comissarics  uill 

meet  with  l>iiii  iia>  m  purchxs'jj  Horses.     I  have  desired  them 

to  Imiv  three   Wajjjjons  to  be  cmployM   from   Winch' r  to  the 

Mr.  Carlyle  Mrnt  me  a  Copy  of  the  Acc't  sent    You.  but 

'-   ■M'lii  paas  the  Comittee,  1  wd  not   jKTUse  it,  but  as 

v:  much  the  want  of  Money.     I  sent  him   150/^. 

1  ..  id  have  sfK'nt   M«intour's  Money;  he  produc'd 

ar.      .  ;m,  and  he  reed  the  Mo.  accordingly. 

The  '<)  Montour  was  to  coni'd  a   Party  of  Ind's  as 

\i»u»i  Com'o.,  and  indeed  to  protect 

1  nevei  lie  I  rcc'd  \"r  Letter  y't  he  had 

a  Company  of  White  People,  and  indeed  1  suspect  it's  a  Trick 
of  ••      *•        ■  ^J■^.  always  ()loddin);  for  Mo.     After  the 

Sk  ^   hf  went  t<»  his  own   House,  ami  if  the 

People  he  says  he  hsted.  hail  rem'd  with  the  others,  they  mi);ht 
ha'.  —  rl  their  Proviss.  but  keeping  them.  ;is  he  aledjjes,  so 
loi  .  and  provitlin^;  them  with   Provisions,  appears  to  me 

an  -n  from  the  Traders  and  Woodsmen.     As  to  himself, 

I  Km..  ..  k,  .-kI  Opinion  of  him.  and  shall  be  directed  by  You  w't 
to  give  him.  or  in  w't  Stat'n  to  continue  him.  as  he  may  be  of 
Service.  Init  a.n  to  his  men  and  their  Maintenance  so  long,  ap- 
pears to  me  an  Imposit'n  ;  if  he  Ix'longs  to  the  Forces,  he  sh'd 
have  march' d  with  them  and  rec'd  Orders,  w'ch  he  has  not  done. 
I  •*  /'d  o|  the  Reinlorcem't  Voii  mention  Iwing  repeated 

10   I  it  any  Intimat'n  thereof  from   .Mr.   DeLancey,  w'ch, 

from  former  Letters.  1  had  reason  to  expect,  if  they  pass'd  Oswego 
F<  '  "       ".        ably  is  prort)^'Uf<l  with't  grant'g  a 

fr«  '<*  meet  You  s<K)n,  I  hope  they  will 

come  with  warm  Indinat's  to  support  the  Kxpedition.  I  heartily 
wish  our  Forcen  wer.  "  '  •  .  those  at  W.  C.  for  fear  the  Fr.  sh'd 

•«rpn/««  y't  llace.  .4;  i  our   People  may  l>e  properly  em- 

re.     I  ob»erve  you  have  ordeietl  Colo.  Stephen  to  col- 

"  '■'  ''■'  to  march  from  Hclhavcn,  but  the  send- 

Kshnrj;  to  join  those  at  Belh'n.  is.  I  con- 

ir  Winchester  as  B— n,  they  lie  in  a 

.  .  t  th«-'>'  '»  f-  ».  rr  to  march  lo  Win't'r 


DIXWIDOIE    PAPERS.  451 

where  they  w'd  meet  the  other  F"orces  from  Belhaven,  if  this  is 
agreeble  to  You,  You  may  contradict  Y'r  former  Orders  on  that 
Head,  as  it  will  save  a  march  of  50  Miles  from  Fr'g  to  B — n.  1 
gave  no  Orders  for  our  Forces  to  be  divided  into  seperate  Com- 
panies, till  they  were  all  collected  together,  as  there  were  but 
very  few  Men  in  this  Country's  pay  when  You  was  here,  but 
now,  by  recruiting,  they  may  be  properly  settled  in  Companies. 
The  Officers  I  have  appointed  since  I  saw  You,  were  obliged  to 
raise  different  Numbers  [of]  Men.  I  send  You  a  List  of  the 
Officers  that  have  received  Comissions  from  me,  and  the  Efi- 
signs  marked  with  a  X,  I  think  may  be  preferred  to  Lieut' ys, 
but  I  shall  wait  for  Y'r  Approbat'n  therein.  I  find  our  People 
are  very  retentive  of  having  our  Forces  Com'd'd  by  Officers 
appointed  by  me,  and  from  this  Colony,  which  I  suppose  You 
will  agree  to.  I  have  ordered  the  Shott  for  the  Brass  Pss.  to  be 
cast  3  5-10  Diameter,  but  I  dread  getting  them  done  in  Time, 
tho'  I  have  wrote  very  pressingly  to  Colo.  Spotswood  on  y't 
Head.  Capt.  Arbuthnott  was  here  lately,  and  says  his  Sailors 
will  not  go  under  i8d  ~{9  Day.  I  told  him  to  let  me  have  4  at 
that  Pay.  The  small  brass  Gun  at  York,  I  hear  is  not  very  good, 
and  getting  the  Shott  is  difficult,  therefore,  I  think  we  better 
suspend  it,  as  there  are  many  Ordnance  Stores  expected  out,  w'ch 
I  presume  will  be  all  of  an  equal  Calabar  and  Shott  with  them. 
I  have  sent  up  two  Smiths  with  bellows  and  Tools  to  F — g  with 
Orders  to  send  them  directly  to  the  Camp,  w'ch  with  those 
You  have  engag'd,  I  presume  will  be  sufficient.  I  send  You 
by  Mr.  Wostenholems  a  Packet  from  Eng,,  w'ch  I  rece'd  last 
Night,  w'ch  I  suppose  will  give  You  a  distinct  Acc't  of  the 
Forces  intended  for  this  Place,  the  acc'ts  I  have  are  very 
Superficial,  and  not  to  be  depended  on  further  y'n  y't  the 
Transports  were  to  sail  from  Gravesend  for  Ireland  the  ist  of 
Nov'r,  and  y't  we  may  expect  1,500  Men.  Who  is  to  Com'd 
them  is  uncert'n,  but  I  suppose  they  will  send  a  Gen'l  Officer, 
tho'  probably  under  Y'r  Com'd.  You  may  have  the  Com'd  of 
our  Forces  and  those  raised  in  Y'r  Province.  L^pon  my  Arrival 
to  my  Gov't  I  found  War  subsisted  between  the  No'ern  and 
So'ern  Ind's,  w'ch  I  was  very  anxious  to  reconcile  and  make 
Peace  between  them.  The  May  following  I  sent  a  Pres't  to  the 
Ind's  on  the  Ohio.  At  y't  Time  the  Fr.  and  their  Ind's  had 
taken  a  Town  of  the  Twightwees,  killed  several  of  our  Traders, 


DINWIUDIE    PAPKKS. 

and  many  of  ihe  Twiijhtwecs,  in  particular  their  King,  whose 
Heart.  I   hear.  --tl   and  ••att-n   by  the    Fr.  (Officer.     Part 

..(  fh.     i?H>vc  I': i->.  sent  to  the  Twightwces,  with  an   In 

lieir  new  King  and  some  ot  their  Warriors  to  come 
14.  r.ilurther  I'res'i.     They  accorthngly  came, 

ai5  ilicir  tix'd    l-'dship,  and  y'l  they  never  w'd 

be  recondrd  to  the  Fr.  I  did  again  invite  them  to  Win.  last 
M        ■  "  in  view  the   niak'g  a  firm  I'eace  with  our  F'dly 

in  .     v%d  and  thr  So'wd.     The  l''r.  taking  our  Fort  and 

Settl'g  on  the  Ohio,  I  think  was  the  only  reason  they  c'd  not 
o-  he  other  Ind's  I   expected  to   y'l   Place,  but  if  w'l  is 

ft ;  their  having   kilkd  many  of  the  Fr.  and   their  Ind's 

be  true,  they  appear  to  me  to  be  firm  in  their  F'dship  to  us,  and 
I  think  a  .Messenger  sh'd  have  been  sent  to  them  before  this,  as 
I  wrote  you  by  Hurney.  He  wrote  me  you  had  employ'd 
another  Person,  but  yet  I  do  not  think  it  too  late  to  let  them 
know  we  are  determined  to  support  them  and  protect  their 
l^nds.  If  Vou  send  them  Word  of  the  Preparais  we  are 
making,  [itj  may  be  of  great  Service,  but  it  must  be  by  a  Trusty 
Messenger.  We  have  nobody  here  y't  can  make  a  proper  Bell 
of  Wampum  to  send  them,  but  I  shall,  by  [the]  very  first  Opp'ty, 
semi  Wampum  t«»  the  Camp  to  make  a  Helt  of  to  be  sent  to 
ihcm.  and  1  think  no  Time  is  to  be  lost  in  Sending  them  a  Mes- 
sage. I  understand  by  Colo.  Innes  y't  some  of  the  No'ern 
Ind's  are  to  meet  some  of  the  Catawbas  at  Winch,  next  Apr. 
Pray  w'n  You  come  to  the  Camp  consult  w"t  will  be  proper 
to  be  done  on  y't  .Meeting.  .As  .Apr.  is  the  Time  our  Gen'l 
Court  meets  I  '.^nnot  possibly  attend  in  Person,  but  if  a  Com- 
miSAioner  Irom  me  l>e  necesi»;iry  I  will  send  one.  That  every 
Thing  under  Y'r  Conduct  may  succeed  to  \  r  and  my  Desire,  is 
the  sincere  Wish  of 

Yr  Kx's  most  oblig'd  h'ble  Serv'i. 

P.  S.— Last  Night  I  rec'd  a  Letr  from  one  .Mr.  John  Markc, 
from  N.  York,  who  comes  rccomended  by  Ld  Halifax,  Sec.  He 
pf"  '     A     I   .Model  for  a  floating    Battery  to   carry  two 

M  '       atyfour  F'uunders,  .uul  many  other  .Schemes. 

He  proposes  com  g  to  the  So'wd,  and   probably  may  call  on 

v.... 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  453 

GOX'ERXOR  DINWIDDIK  TO  GOVERNOR  SHARrE. 

Jan'y  nth,  1755. 
Sir: 

The  Bearer  hereof,  Mr.  Robert  Calender,  bro't  me  Y'r  Bill 
on  me  for  ^447,  4s.  6d.  which  I  imediately  p'd,  and  this  Day  I 
rec'd  Y'rs  of  the  Sth,  and  I  am  much  of  Opinion  You  had  better 
meet  Y'r  Assembly,  and  endeavour  to  persvvade  them  to  grant  a 
further  Supply.  The  Packet  by  this  Bearer  was  wrote  some 
Days  ago  for  Mr.  Wostenholems,  but  he  is  not  yet  come  from 
Hampton,  to  y't  Let'r  I  pray  to  be  referred.  The  Bearer  also 
brings  You  a  Packet  from  Engl'd,  w'ch  I  wish  safe  to  Y'r  Hands. 
The  Packets  I  have  from  England  do  not  require  the  i mediate 
Meeting  of  our  Assembly,  as  it  is  chiefly  to  endeavour  to  get 
further  Supply  of  Mo'y,  w'ch  I  cannot  at  this  time  expect,  as 
they  c'd  not  know  at  Home  the  Vote  of  ^20,000.  Last  Night 
S'r  John  St.  Clair "^  arriv'd  here  in  His  M'y's  Ship  Gibralter, 
and  with  him  two  L't  Colo's  for  the  two  Regim'ts  to  be  raised 
to  the  No'w'd,  and  they  propose  paying  their  Respects  to  You 
soon.  S'r  Jno.  St.  Clair  is  appointed  Q'r  Mast'r  Gen'l  of  all 
the  Forces ;  he  and  I  go  for  Hampton  To-morrow  Morn'g,  to 
provide  an  Hospital  for  the  Forces  expected  from  Ireland,  w'ch 
he  says  may  be  daily  expected  to  arrive.  On  his  Return  here  he 
proposes  going  for  W's  Creek  to  give  some  Direct' s  for  building 
Barracks  for  receiving  the  Troops  expected.  Therefore,  I  con- 
ceive it  very  proper.  You  shou'd  send  Y'r  Orders  to  W's  Creek 
to  direct  so  many  People  as  may  be  wanted  to  compleat  that 
essential  and  necessary  Business.  I  find  that  the  two  Regim'ts 
expected  are  to  be  compleated  to  700  Men  each,  by  a  Supply 
from  the  Recruits  raised  in  these  Colonies  of  400  Men.  I  have 
agreed  with  the  Bearer  for  100  Horses  with  Saddles,  Bridles, 
Belts,  &c.,  and  forty  to  be  delivered  at  W.  Creek  the  first  week 
in  Feb'y,  and  Sixty  the  first  of  March,  for  w'ch  he  is  to  have 

^*"St.  Clair  remained  for  a  long  time  in  service  in  America.  On  the 
20th  March,  1756,  he  was  made  a  Lieutenant-Colonel  of  tlie  Si.vtieth 
regiment;  in  January,  1758,  received  the  local  rank  of  Colonel  in 
America,  and  February  19,  1762,  was  made  a  full  Colonel.  He  is  said 
to  have  dwelt  near  Tarbot,  in  Argyleshire.  At  the  defeat  of  Braddock, 
he  "was  shot  through  the  body,  under  the  right  pap." — Sar^cfi/'s 
Braddock's  Expedition,  p.  285. 


454  DINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

\o£  y  p»..  and  is  lo  carry  200  w't  of  Flour  on  each  Horse,  to 

be  p'd  al  the  Market  Pri*  «■      I  wi^h  N'uii   Health  and  Happiness, 

ami  am. 

Sir.  Your  most  h'bic  Scrv't. 


GOVl  ..  .-...   .-.  >.  '  '  '  "V  I  KNOK  MoKKlS. 

Jan'y  uih,  [iJSS]- 
Sir: 

Thb  will  be  delivered  You  by  Lt-Colo.  Kllison,***  who, 
with  L't-Colo.  Mercer,  are  Comissiond  by  his  M'y  for  the  two 
Rc^jim'ls  to  be  rais'd  in  (he  No'ern  Colonies,  and  are  on  their 
way  to  the  Place  of  their  Determinat'n.  I  have  waited  with  Im- 
patience to  hear  the  result  of  \"t  Assembly,  and  hope  they  have 
generously  voted  an  handsom  Supply  for  the  necessary  and 
essential  Ex|>e<lit'n.  His  My  has  been  )^raci()usly  pleas'd  to 
order  two  Re>jim'ts  of  Foot  from  Irel'd.  to  assist  us  in  defeating 
the  unjustifiable  Invasion  of  the  Fr.  on  His  M'y's  l^nds  on  the 
Ohio.  Th«-  provid'jj  of  Provis's  for  such  a  No.  of  Forces  I  have 
much  at  Heart,  and  must  entreat  Y'r  Assistance.  Can  ^'ou  en- 
gage with  any  Person  in  Y'r  Gov't  to  supply  600,000  lbs.  of 
Flour  to  be  delivered  at  the   Magazine  at   W.   Creek,  w'ch   I 

earn«-»flv  ^-nireat  N'ou  to  engage  to  Ix*  d d  there  on  the  most 

r«  I'erms  and  with  all  imaginable  Dispatch  w'ch  will  be 

01  .  --. ......  L'se  for  His  M'y's  Service,  w'ch  I  am  perswaded  You 

have  as  much  at  Heart  as  I  have.  Pray,  can  any  <Ju'ty  of  Salt 
li'  is<l  with  ^'ou.  to  be  d'd  at  same  Place,  and  the 

pi..  If  Y'r  Assembly   Votes  a  proper  Supply,  the 

Amo.  of  above  may  be  p'd  from  y't ;  if  not,  as  the  Service  is  not 
lo  be  hurt  for  want  of  Proviss,  1  will  engage  to  pay  the  Amo. 
thereof.  I  am  greatly  engag'd  in  making  proper  Provis's  for 
the  Forces  y't  are  daily  expected,  y't  I  cannot  enlarge  further 
y"  laint  You  I  have  rai.sed  al>out  600  Men,  and   I   hope 

t-  of  nrxt    Mo.   to  com|»leat   them   to  Scx).  and    I   w'd 

minissioncvi  Colonel  of  .Sir  Ptler  Italket's 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  455 

gladly  hope  y't  His  M'y's  paternal  Care  of  his  Subjects  in  these 
Colonies  will  create  a  proper  Spirit  in  each  Legislature  to  grant 
mutual  Supplies  for  the  Comon  Cause.  I  remain,  with  due  Re- 
spects and  just  regard, 

Sir,  Y'r  most  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR   DINWIDDIE  TO   WILLIAM   ALLEN,   ESQ'R,"*' 
PHILADELPHIA. 

Jan'y  14th,  [1755]- 
Dear  Sir  : 

Y'r  kind  Letter  by  Mr.  Donald  I  duly  rec'd,  and  he 
sincerely  acknowledges  the  F'dship  You  was  so  kind  as  to  shew 
him.  Y'r  Observat's  on  the  pres't  unhappy  Situat'n  of  our 
Affairs  on  this  Cont't  are  very  just.  His  M'y  and  the  Ministry 
at  Home  take  the  unjust  Invasion  of  the  Fr.  on  the  Ohio  sin- 
cerely into  their  Considerat'n,  and  have  ordered  out  two 
Regim'ts  from  Irel'd  with  large  Ordnance  Stores,  and  appointed 
Gen'l  Braddock  to  com'd,  who,  with  the  Forces,  are  daily  ex- 
pected. The  Supply' g  them  with  Provis's  is  w't  I  have  much 
at  Heart,  and  fear  it  will  not  Jbe  possible  to  effect  it  in  this  Dom'n. 
I  have,  therefore,  wrote  to  Gov'r  Morris  for  600,000  fts.  of  Flour 
from  your  Province,  to  be  d'd  at  our  Magazine  at  W.  Creek,  at 
a  certain  Price  as  may  be  agreed  on ;  but  as  I  have  no  great 
Acquaint' ce  with  y't  Gent.,  I  fear  Delay,  w'ch  may  be  of  ill  Con- 
sequences. Doth  not  y'r  Colony  grant  a  Supply?  if  so,  the 
Amo.  of  above  may  be  p'd  out  of  it,  but  rather  than  to  have  any 
Disappointm't,  if  You  will  speak  to  the  Gov'r,  and  if  he  declines 
to  order  the  above  Qu'ty,  if  You  will  be  so  good  as  to  make  the 
Purchase,  to  be  d'd  as  above,  I  will  reimburse  You  in  Cash  or  by 
Bills  of  Excha.  Please  speak  to  the  Gov'r  on  this  head  in  a 
proper  Manner  (as. you  well  know)  not  to  give  offence,  and  on 

247  Presumably,  the  son  of  William  Allen,  Chief  Justice  of  Pennsylvania, 
(see  note,  ante  page  16,)  and  who  entered  the  Revolution  as  a  Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel in  the  Continental  service,  but  in  1778  raised  a  regiment  of 
Pennsylvania  loyalists.  "  He  was  noted  for  wit,  good  humor,  and  for 
affable  and  gentlemanly  manners." — Sabine's  American  Loyalists,  2d 
ed.,  1864. 


•Id6  UINWIUUIE    PAPERS. 

his  Answer  You  know  how  tu  comply  with  the  above  RcqucsL 
Ik'  lavo..  or  w'd  I  do  it  if  it  was 

not  •   l^x|K-tliiion.  wch  I  h«»|>c  will 

plead  my  Flxctue  wit  And  l)c  ansurcd  at  all  Timc*!t  You 

may  firedy  Comnuuid. 

Sir.  Y'r  affect,  h'bic  Scrv'l. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIK  TO  GOVERNOR  DkLANCEY. 

Jan'y   14th,  [1755] 
Sir: 

Y'r  Lei' r  of  the  29th  Nov'r  I  rec'd  two  Days  ago.  Capi. 
Mark  wrote  me  a  Letter  about  his  floating  Battery,  &c.,  but  as 
he  wrote  he  w'd  not  Ix-  above  a  Fortnij^ht  at  N.  York.  I  have  not 
answer  d  his  Let'r,  l>elitviny;  he  intended  this  way.  It  he  comes 
1  shall  do  him  any  .Service  in  my  Power,  wch  please  tell  him.  if 
still  with  You.  This.  I  hope,  will  be  dd  You  by  L't-Colo.  Elli- 
son, who,  with  L't-Colo.  .Mercer,  are  appointed  to  the  Rcj;im'ts 
to  be  raised  in  the  No'ern  Colonies.  His  My  has  ordered  two 
Re|{im'ts  to  our  .Assistance,  wch  are  daily  expected.  The  pro- 
vid»f  I'rovisH  lor  such  Numbers.  I  have  much  at  Heart,  and  am 
un-'  it  will  l)c  verv  dirticull.     1  have,  therefore, 

wr   :  :>  assist  me  with  Hread  kind  from   his  Pro- 

vince.    There  has  been  at  our  Camp,  at  W.  Creek,  the  Heads  of 
Irid's  y't  last  Near  had   joined  with   the   I'rench. 
to  be  reced  into  the  Friendshi|)  of  the  Ln^lish, 
and  have  promised  to  behave  for  the  Future  with  great  Faith 
to  us  and  our  Interest.     There  is  an  Affair 
/   y't  the  N.  ^'^»rk  Comissioners  at  All)any 
ha'  led  a  Neutrality   with   the  Caghuawaga  Ind's..  the 

'  '  '  "   m  Can-ula  in   the   Fr.   Int't.  and   y't  this  is  only  to 

them  in  their  Trade  from  Alh-my  with  the  Fr.     If  this  is 
true,  i  think  it's  a  .sordid  Step  to  Trade  with  our  Enemies  in  any 
Shape  after  they  have  so  notoriously  broke  the  Peace  by  Invad- 
inij  Hm  My's  l^nds  and  taken  of  his  Forts,  and  such  Trade  at 
nc  must   Ik-  very  destnictive  to  the   B'h   Int't   and   the 
■»c  have  ?"  ^  -h     the  Consequences  thereof  I  hear  is  y't 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  457 

a  great  Number  of  our  Ind's  are  actually  gone  to  Canada  to 
make  a  Peace  with  the  Fr.  and  to  receive  Pres'ts.  Pray,  is  this 
true?  I  entirely  agree  with  You  y't  some  Forts  sh'd  be  built 
among  the  Six  Nat's,  and  at  same  Time  all  possible  means  sh'd 
be  used  to  get  them  to  take  up  the  Hatchet  against  the  Fr.,  w'ch 
I  think  w'd  not  be  difficult  if  properly  informed  of  the  many 
Forces  we  shall  have  on  the  Ohio  in  a  short  time,  and  if  this  c'd 
be  etiected  by  a  new  Treaty  at  Onondago,  I  think  may  prove  of 
essential  Service,  but  the  Comissioners  at  Albany  are  tho't  by 
many  to  have  too  near  a  Connect'n  with  the  Fr.  out  of  lucretive 
Views.  I  tho't  it  necessary  to  apprise  You  of  this,  being  con- 
vinced y't  You  will  give  no  Countenance  to  such  inconsistent  and 
unjustifiable  Conduct.  I  shall  be  glad  of  Y'r  Answer  to  the 
above,  and  desire  to  assure  You  I  rem'n,  with  great  respect, 
Y'r  Hon'r's  most  humble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  GOVERNOR  BELCHER. 

■      Jan'y  14th,  1755. 
Sir: 

Y'r  Let'r  of  the  2d  Dec'r  and  its  Duplicate  I  duly  rec'd,  and 
observe  Y'r  Assembly  had  projected  a  Bill  w'ch  is  sent  Home  for 
His  M'y's  Approbat'n,  by  w'ch  they  had  given  ab't  6,ooO;!{^  St'g 
as  an  Aid  in  the  present  Emergency,  and  y't  You  c'd  not  expect 
an  Answer  to  their  Pet'n  to  the  King  till  the  Spring.  Delays 
now  are  very  unseasonable,  and  I  heartily  wish  their  Grant  of 
above  Money  had  imediately  taken  Place.  This  probably  will 
be  delivered  You  by  Lieut. -Colo.  Ellison,  who,  with  Lieut.- Colo. 
Mercer,  are  appointed  to  the  Regim'ts  to  be  raised  in  the  North- 
ern Colonies,  and  I  desire  to  refer  You  to  them  for  News  from 
Engl'd.  His  M'y  having  ordered  two  Regim'ts  from  Irel'd,  I 
daily  expect  them,  and  the  Com'd  is  given  to  Gen'l  Braddock, 
who  is  expected  with  the  Forces  from  Irel'd.  The  providing 
Provis's  for  so  many  Men  I  have  much  at  Heart,  and  makes  me 
very  uneasy.  However,  shall  do  all  in  my  Power.  I  hope  by 
middle  of  next  Mo.  I  shall  compleat  the  Number  of  our  Forces 
from  this  Dom'n  from  800  to  1,000.     All  Y'r  Let'rs  but  y't  of  the 


468  UINWIDDIK    PAPKKS. 

eight  of  Apr.  came  to  my  haniU.     I  am  very  much  hurried,  must, 
therefore,  leave  olf:  with  my  sincere  Rcs|>ccls.  I  rem'n 
Y'r  Kx's  most  humble  serv't. 


(X)VERN«»^'    l»i\U  IDItlF    n»  C.OVKKNOR  SHIRLKY. 

laii'v    14th,  [1755]- 

Sir 

I   hojKT  this  will  U-  ci.iivfKil  \.iu   by  Mr.  Ellison,  who  is 

appomtcti  I.t  Colo,  to  the  Revjim't   iou  arc  to  raise  and  Com'd, 

and  I  heartily  wish  it  were  soon  completed.     Gcn'l  Braddock  is 

•  I  trom'd'r  in  Chief  on  this  Kxpedit'n,  and  I  think  may 

.  ixjK-cted  with  two   Re^im'ts  from    Irel'd,  and  we  have 

a  jjo<xl  *J'ty  of  Ordnance  Stores  expectetl  out. 

His  M'y"s  paternal  Care  of  his  .Subjects  in  these  Colonies,  1 

hope  will  meet   with  suitable   Returns  from   the   Lejjislature  of 

■any.  by  a  mutual   Supply  for  conductinfj  this  essential 

i»    with    a    profK-r    .Spirit.      Our    Colony    have    voted 

and  in  Consequence  thereof.  I   have  raised  800  Men, 

bui   :!ic  provi<lin){    I'rovis's  for  such   Numbers   I   have  much  at 

Heart,  and   I  Tear  it  will   be  attended  with  jjreat    Ditticulties.     I 

am.  therefore,  to  bej^  the  Favo.  of  \'ou  to  speak  to  some  of 

Your  Merchts  to  purchase  300  Quintals***  of  dried  *Cod  Fish. 

hire  a  small  Sloop  to  land   it  at  Alexa'a,  the   head  of   Poto'k 

River  in  this  Dom'n.  and  [I]  hope  they  will   purchase  it  at  the 

isonable   Price.     The  Amo.  thereof  and   the  F't  of  the 

1    will    imetliately  pay  in    Cash    or    Hills  of   Fxcha.  on 

Londo..  at   the  Curr't   Excha.  with  You.  but.  Sir,  I    must  beg 

the  Favo.  of  You  to  direct  the  Merch't  to  purchase  and  forw'd 

the  above  with  all  ima){inable   Dispatch.     We  have  Ace' Is  here 

y'l  the  Fr.  on  the  Ohio  are  reinforced  with    1,100  Fr.  and   Ind's 

from  Canada,  but  I  ho|>c  it  will   not  prove  True.     However,  if 

the  Rc)(ulars  arrive  in  Time  to  be  on  the  Ohio  the  Beginning  of 

.Mar  .  (thcyl  will  Ixr  fif  essential  .Service,  .is  at  y't  Time  I  believe 

the   I^ke^  and   Rivers  will   not  be  open  for  their  sending   more 

Forces  and    Provis's  down    y't  River,  and    I    have   much    DC- 


.il  was  iia  pounds,  the  French  100. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  459 

pendence  on  Y'r  Regim't  and  S'r  Wm.  Pepperell's'^**  making  a 
strong  Diversion  near  Canada.  Pray  God  grant  Success  to  our 
just  Expedition,  and  enable  us  to  drive  our  Enemies  from  the 
Lands  they  have  so  unjustly  Invaded.  I  shall  be  much  obliged 
for  a  Letter  from  You  on  the  pres't  Situat'n  of  our  Affairs,  and 
be  assur'd  1  rem'n,  with  great  Esteem  and  Respect, 
Y'r  Ex's  most  ob'd't  humble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  COLONEL  INNES. 

Jan'y  15th,  [i755-] 
Dear  James: 

Y'r  Let'r  of  the  2d  came  to  my  Hands  the  13th, 
and  [I]  observe  its  Cont'ts.  I  have  Y'r  Receipt  for  30o[^], 
vv'ch  will  be  a  Voucher  to  me  ;  the  whole  I  have  charged  to  Y'r 
Acc't,  with  the  Money  p'd  Carlyle,  and  w'n  I  see  You  the  Acc't 
shall  be  regulated  as  You  may  think  proper.  Colo  Hunter  has 
the  Sales  of  the  Pork  ready,  as  is  mine  on  the  Books,  whenever 

"^  Sir  William  Pepperell,  Bart.,  born  at  Kittery  Point,  Me.,  June  27, 
1696;  died  there  July  6,  1759.  His  father,  William,  came  from  Wales  to 
New  England  as  an  apprentice  to  a  fisherman.  The  son,  originally  a 
merchant,  possessed  those  characteristics  of  mind  and  body  which 
fitted  him  for  a  military  career  in  a  country  exposed  to  Indian  hostility. 
He  attained  distinction  :  member  of  the  Council  from  1727  until  his 
death,  and  was  appointed  Chief  Justice  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas 
in  1730.  He  commanded  the  expedition  which  captured  Louisburg, 
June  16,  1745,  for  which  he  was,  in  1746,  created  a  baronet.  \'isiting 
England  in  1749,  he  was  made  a  Colonel  in  the  British  army;  became 
Major-General  in  1755,  and  Lieutenant-General  in  1759.  He  was  for 
thirty  years  one  of  the  commissioners  to  treat  with  the  Eastern  Indians, 
and  as  President  of  the  Council  was  acting  Governor  of  Massachusetts 
from  the  death  of  Phipps,  in  March,  1756,  until  the  arrival  of  Pownal  in 
1758.  He  published  "Conference  With  the  Penobscot  Tribe,"  Boston, 
8vo,  1753.  His  grandson,  William  P.  Sparhawk,  Harvard  University, 
1766,  died  at  London,  December  17,  1816,  aged  seventy,  assumed  his 
name,  and  was  created  a  baronet,  October  29,  1774.  He  was  a  loyalist, 
and  the  vast  Pepperell  estates  were  confiscated  in  1778  He  was 
allowed  ;^5oo  by  the  British  Government.  He  was  one  of  the  founders 
of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society. — Drake's  Biog.  Die. 


460  DINWIDIilK   PAPERS. 

You  think  proper  lo  call  for  il.     Thi-  Article  Vou  men'n  yt  arc 
ivv  very  irrrj^ular.  as  he  hati  no  Orders  to 
ill  any  Thin){  but  I'rovis's  and  Waj^^ons. 
Watson  &   Co.,  and  ilxwe  lor  No.  Car.,  shall  be 
)  *  Pays.     I  am  sensible  Mr.  Carlylc  did  not  do 

1  ..•  iK-forc  this,  Mr.  Walker  is  at  the  Camp,  by 

whom  1  seni  a.ooo  /  to  buy  I'rovis's ;  iho'  I  fear  it's  so  late  in 
the  Year  there  will  be  jjreat  Dit^culty  in  procuring  sufficient  for 
the  .Number  of  Forces  exjK'Cted  Carlylc  saying  he  had  no 
ItiMinesa  with  any  but  the  Virginians,  is  not  true,  for  I  have  p'd 
htm  large  Sums  for  the  Ind't  Companies.  I  never  doubted  of 
Y'r  industrious  Care  of  every  Thing  for  the  Tublic  Service,  and 
I  am  still  please*!  with  Y'r  whole  Conduct,  and  shall  be  glad  if 
You  can  remain  till  the  Korcr>  <r«.iii  H.  arrive,  they  are  daily 
ex|>ecie<l. 

I  am  glad  of  the  last  Congn-.ss  \'ou  had  with  the  Ind's,  and 
wish  You  h.id  lK"en  more  particular  as  to  the  different  Nat's,  but 
cannot  think  it  projx-r  to  print  it.  my  reason  [I]  shall  give  You 

ij.     When- w.is  Mr.  Montour,  who  was  ordered  to  attend 

!  ,H>  interpret  ?     I  have  sent  a  <Ju'iy  of  White  Wampum, 

I  have  m)  black,  it  must  lje  l>ought.     I  know  yt  Whiskey  and 

Tob'o  are  very  necessary,  and  w'l   \o\\  have  purchas'd  will  be 

allow 'd.     I  wish  You  had  sent  Word  w'l  Money  ^'ou  wanted,  if 

You  will  draw  on  me  by  return  of  Jenkins,  1  will  send  Money  to 

1     the  Dem'ds  ag'st  You  at  Winch'r.     There  will  not  be  much 

in  ab'i  the  Horses,  4n<i  I  am  in  great   Hopes  ^"r  ditTcrent 

Treaties  with  the  Ind's.  will  be  of  great  service  to  the   Tublic. 

f'rr.-r    Trent  is  vastly  impudent  in   regard  to  his  Dcm'd  for  the 

1       — r  ihf  r«K»|MT  [ha<l]  iKst  take  wt  is  wanted  anywhere,  with't 

I  agree  with  You  in  hav'g  a  considerable  <Jii'ty 

..  .-iund  the  Fort  ^'ou  have  built,  kept  for  the  Public. 

.til  wish  1  c'd  vfet  some  Hands  to  manure  Part,  and  plant  Corn, 
»f  N  <>u  I  I)  effect  such  a  Thing,  the  Cha's  shall  be  p'd, 

but  [1]  c-i  ^   :  .my  Person  here  to  go  up  to  undertake  it,  w'ch 

ar'd  be  very  useful  on  the  different  Acc'ts  N'ou  ment'n.     We  shall 
'horns  and  all  other  Ordnance  .Stores  from 
'     ^  ivour  to  buy  M.iich  Coats  or  small  Blan- 

kets. I  wish  You  to  write  w'l  You  think  will  be  proper  to 
1  .It  Winch'r.  in  Apr.  next,  if  You  think  the  Ind's  will 

te.     Y'r  Colony  must   siand   charg  d   for   the   Blankets 
You  Rave  lo  Y'r  Regiment. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  4G1 

Fraser  was  Lieut,  of  the  Fort  w'n  taken  ;  he  left  his  Duty  and 
went  to  his  House  ;  he  was  sent  for  before  the  Fr.  landed,  but 
refused  coming  to  his  Duty,  w'ch  angered  the  People  here. 
However,  in  a  proper  Time  I  shall  endeavour  to  serve  him.  I 
rec'd  Y'r  Acc't  of  Goods  suitable  for  an  Ind'n  Pres't,  but  it  will 
not  be  possible  at  present  to  have  these  Goods  for  this  Sumer. 
As  to  Croghan,  I  have  no  Opinion  of  him,  his  whole  Views  are 
Self  Int't.  As  to  sending  to  the  Six  Nat's  by  Colo.  Johnson,  I 
think  [it]  wrong,  as  he  is  so  much  attach'd  to  N.  York,  and,  in- 
deed, my  whole  Time  is  taken  up  in  providing  for  the  Troops 
expected,  and  I  doubt  not,  when  collected  into  a  Body,  the  Six 
Nat's  will  apply  to  us  for  Protect'n,  w'ch  will  be  much  more 
eligible  than  fanning  on  them  after  w't  pass'd  at  Albany  last 
Sumer,  so  much  in  Answer  to  Y'r  Let'r.  This  will  be  delivered 
You  by  S'r  Jno.  St.  Clair,  appointed  by  Com'o.  from  His  M'y 
Q'r  M'r  Gen'l  of  all  the  P^orces,  and  certainly  is  a  worthy,  sensi- 
ble Gent.,  and  a  brave  Officer,  He  comes  to  the  Camp  to  build 
proper  Lodgem'ts  for  the  Forces  expected.  I  recomend  him 
strongly  to  Y'r  Acquantance.  You  will  find  him  an  amiable 
Man  in  Conversat'n  and  of  great  knowledge  in  Military  Affairs. 
I  hope  he  will  be  received  properly  at  the  Camp,  and  You  are  to 
join  him  in  having  as  many  of  the  Men  to  assist  in  building  such 
Houses  as  he  may  think  necessary. 

1  wish  You  Health  and  Happiness,  and  am. 

Sir,  Y'r  aff.  Fr.,  &c. 


GOVERNOR   DINWIDDIE   TO   CAPTAINS  GEORGE   xMERCER, 
WAGGENER  AND  STEWART. 

Jan'y  15th,  [1755]- 
Gent.  : 

I  rec'd  Y'r  Let'r  from  F g,  w'ch  surprized  me,  as  I 

expected  You  were  march'd  for  W r.  The  one  Day's  De- 
lay from  the  Snow  cannot  be  helped,  but  there  has  been  fine 
Weather  ever  since,  and   I   doubt    not  Mr.  Dick  has  provided 

Provis's  at  W r,  and  there  is  a  large  Qu'ty  of  Flour  at 

F g.  Each  private  Soldier  can  carry  fo[u  ?]r  Days'  Pro- 
vis's  of  Bread  kind.     You  may  believe,  under  the  great  hurry  of 


46:2  lilNWIDDIE  PAPERS 

AfUiri.  il  <fivM  mr  much  Concern  to  hear  of  any  Feuds  between 

it  K 1{.     1   am   rriuly  lo  believe  You 

•v  mv  any  Thin^  but   Truth;  however,  as 

the  justices   have  misbehaved.  I   sh'd  be 

k^.j,;     :  d   me  the   Acct   swore   to.  and   summon 

!   .       •  to  V'r  Oimplt.  y't   I   may  prcisccuic  this 

K-r  Manner,  as  they  refused  comply'^  with  Y'r 

■    the-   Act   of  the   Assembly.     A   Mob  will 

-:i   .Manner.     The  Justice's  Duty  is  to  sup- 

prrw  them  and  not  to  encourage  their  Insolence  in  breach  of  the 

:'  '    "         '       •  .  his  M'ys  Service.     When  1  have  a  little 

iit«»  the  whole  of  their  bad   Hehaviour.     I 

uk;f«-e  with   \ou   y  I  It  will  Inr  impossible  to  keep  them  in  j^ood 

-      1  '     in   F R.     I.   therefore,  desire  ^'ou   to  march 

\V r,  and  join  the  other   Men  from  Alexa'a. 

I  have  sent  30/^  to  C't  Mercer,  to  pay  their  iriMinj^  Debts,  but 
«  n  Yotj  rtime  into  a  Town  You  shd  send  the  Drum  with  a  Ser- 
rai.t  I.,  .lour  y't  no  Hotly  trust  them,  or  they  will  not  lie  paid, 
must  do  as  formerly  :  make  Drum  Heads  and  get 
.  turned.  I  have  none  here  to  spare.  There  is 
nriiher  a  Slocking  or  Hat  to  be  had  here  or  at  York.**"  I  soon 
rx{»ect  a  '  i<h  from  Engl'd  and  other  Clothinyj.     Tell  Y'r 

Mm  wii  ■  ve  they  shall  be  properly  supplied.     Pray,  take 

all  poasibie  Care  in  march 'g  them  to  \V r.     I  have  ordered 

Small   Arms  up.  but   it's   impossible   ihey   can   be  with   You   in 
Time.     I  wish  You  well,  and  am.  (ient., 

\'r  Friend. 


S:p 


liOVtKNOk  DINWIDDIE  TO  CAPTAIN  MKRCER. 

Jan'y  15th.  1 755. 

d  Y'r  Let'r.  How  You  was  not  Comission'd  as  You 
■r  some  others.  I  cannot  Acc't  for.  but  this  You  sh'd 
v'l  at  home  You   might  have  serve<l   twcntv  Years  be- 


:   re  the  Revolution. 
US.  mcrrh.ints  there,  arc  said  to 

'.  .Itiin..r.      M,| 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  463 

fore  You  had  a  Co'y,  and  then,  with  a  larg^e  Purchase.     As  You 

wrote  Y'r  Men  owe  some  small  Trifles  in  F g,  I  send  You 

30;^  to  pay  them  off;  the  Acc't  thereof,  send  me  down.     I  hope 

You  will  march   imediately  for  W r.     I  wish  You   Health, 

and  am. 

Sir,  Y'r  Friend,  &c. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  COMMISSARIES  MESSRS. 
CHARLES  DICK  AND  T.  WALKER. 

Jan'y   15th,   1755. 
Gent.: 

I  rec'd  Y'r  Let'r  of  the  4th  on  the  12th.  I  am  sorry  for 
the  bad  prospect  ^'ou  have  of  purchas'g  Provis's.  However,  I 
doubt  not  You  will  do  all  in  Y'r  Power  to  get  w't  Hoggs  You 
can  and  secure  all  the  Bacon.  If  Mr.  Carlyle  had  sent  Salt  to 
the  Camp  we  might  have  prevented  this  Disappointment.  Have 
You  not  secured  the  Hoggs  at  the  Sale  of  Sec'ry  Carter's''^' 
Estate?  I  cannot  say  further  on  y's  head  }''n  w't  I  formerly 
wrote  on  leaving  it  to  Y'r  good  Managem't.  I  expected  one  of 
You  had  been  at  the  Camp  to  Salt  the  Beeves  y't  are  there,  as 
they  must  fall  away  daily.     The  Recruits  are  ordered  to  march 

to  W 'r  to  prevent  Mutiny  and  Desertion,  and  as  there  is  a 

large  Qu'ty  of  Flour  at  Fred'g  for  them,  and  [I]  hope  a  good 

part  of  it  at  W 'r,  they  must  do  the  best   they  can  till  better 

Supplied.  I  am  sorry  to  find  so  much  Backwardness,  being  in 
Hopes  the  Boats  were  all  begun,  if  not  finished  by  this  Time. 
If  Mr.  Perkins  keeps  up  to  his  Engagem't,  the  Force  at  W's 
Creek  cannot  want  Flour,  and  I  will  endeavour  to  Secure  a  large 
Qu'ty  from   Pennsylva'a,  but  in  the  mean  Time,  all  at  F g 

*"This  was  John  Carter,' the  eldest  son  of  Robert  ('' King")  Carter. 
He  was  Secretary  of  the  Colony,  for  whicli  oftice  Bishop  Meade  states 
("Old  Fainilies,''  etc.,  ii,  p.  iii,)  he  paid  ^1,500  sterling.  According  to 
the  Carter  Family  Chart,  prepared  by  Captain  Robert  R.  Carter, 
"Shirley,"  James  river,  he  married  in  1723  Elizabeth  Hill,  and  died  in 
1743,  leaving  issue:  i,  Elizabeth  H.,  who  married  William  Byrd  (the 
third  of  the  name);  ii,  Charles,  of  "Shirley";  iii,  Edward,  of  "  Blen- 
heim." 


464  IMNWIDUIE    PAPERS. 

•h'd  be  dividrti  un  the  Road,  at  \nupcr  Slaves,  w'n  the  Troops 

\'ou  will  direct.     I  am  sorry  \uu  complain 
>  \   r  .Appoimm't.     Kach  of  V'ou   h;u»  more 
than  Maj'r  Carlylc  had,  and  equal  to  a  Major's   Pay,  and   I  told 
Mr.   VV  "  '    extraordinary  Cha's   will   Ik*   allowed.     1    had 

many  i  •«  lor  \"r  Uftice,  but   the  Ilsteem   I    had  for  Y'r 

justice  and  Ca|>iicity.  Rave  You  the  I'relerence.  If  You  con- 
tinue in  the  same  way  of  thinking,  do  the  I^uty  till  the  End  of 
Mar.,  and  I  shall  make  \'ou  easy  on  y't  Head,  as  \ou  arc  senst> 
ble  it  cannot  be  done  imediately,  and  as  You  have  bej^un.  I 
desire  You  may  continue  till  I  see  You,  or  a  pro{>cr  Time  for 
ap|x)intinK  others.  The  want  of  i*ork  and  Heef  up  with  You 
Ifives  me  much  L'ne.isiness,  ami  the  more,  as  it  is  not  to  be 
fumish'd  from  this  [place],  and  two  Rejjim'ts  daily  exjjected 
firom  Irel'd.  w'ch  will  increase  the  Demcl.  and  I  much  fear  the 
O  '•   in   rejjard   to  the   Mxpedit'n.     IVay   write  me  w't 

Y«'!  .111-.  <<r   m.iv  t\i>i-ct  to  do.     I  rein'n.  with  very  j^reat 

Re(;ar<: 

I   I  iiKP^i  humble  Serv'l. 


(iOVKR.NOR  DINWIDDIF-  TO  CAIIAIN  STEWART. 

Jany  15th.  [1755]- 
Sir 

Y'rs  of  the  6th.  I  reed  the  i Jlh.     I  am  sorry  Y  r  Recruits 

arc  still  at  F — 1{;  While  they  are  in  a  Town  they  are  apt  to  be 

dehauch'd,  and    Idleness   occasions    Mutinies    and  Desert'n.     I, 

therefore,  desire  they  may  Ix;  marchd  to  W — r.     The  want  of 

Anns  and  Tents  u  the  Fault  of  .\Ir.  Fraser.     I  ordered  Colo. 

Hu    '  ..-nd  by  his  Sloop   2or)  Arms  and  the  Tents,  he  told 

Ft  were  on  Imard  the  Man  <»h  War  and  [that  he]  w'd 

in.  '  nd  for  them,  but  he  sailed  before  the  Boat  ret'd.     I 

ih.«u   "  >;..iii  to  have  the  Mo[ncy]  1  advanc'd  each  officer,  bro't  to 

a  proper  Acct.     Fraser  has  drawn  on  me  for  several  small  and 

some  larjjr  .Sums,  w'ch  I  refus'd  payinjj ;  he  was  not  employ'd 

by  me.  and  any  Cha"s  he  was  at  sh'd  [have]  been  d— d  you,  to 

be  included  in  Y'r   Acct,  to  be  laid  before  the  Comittee.     I, 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  465 

therefore,  return  You  the  Acc't  sent  me.  I  shall  be  very  glad  to 
hear  of  Y'r  joining  the  others  from  Alexa  a  at  W — r.  I  wish 
under  the  above  Disappointm't,  You  had  sent  to  Alexa'a  for  a 
few  Arms.  Capt.  Mercer  is  wrong  to  say  there  was  none  there. 
I  sent  up  500,  w'ch  is  more  than  is  yet  wanted.  You  must, 
however,  pick  out  some  of  the  most  trusty,  and  keep  a  good 
Lookout  on  the  Seditious  till  You  join  in  a  Body ;  each  Person 
may  carry  four  Day's  Provision  of  Bread  kind,  and  I  doubt  not 
other  Provis's  are  provided  before  this  Time  for  a  Supply  on  Y'r 
March.  I,  therefore,  desire  [you]  if  not  march' d  before  this 
Time,  to  march  imediately,  and  humour  Y'r  People  as  much  as 
is  Consistent.  I  wish  you  Well  to  W — r,  and  am, 
Sir,  Y'r  Friend. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  LORD  FAIRFAX. 

Jan'y  15th,  1755. 
My  Lord  : 

The  Bearer,  S'r  Jno.  St.  Clair,  is  appointed  Q'r  M'r 
Gen'l  of  the  Forces  on  the  Expedit'n  for  the  Ohio.  In  his  Way 
to  W.  Creek  he  calls  on  Y'r  L'dship.  Give  me  leave,  therefore, 
by  this  Let'r,  to  introduce  him  to  Y'r  F'dship.  Being  a  Gent,  of 
much  Merit  and  great  Knowledge  in  Military  Affairs,  he  has 
been  at  most  Courts  in  Europe,  and  his  Observat's  on  them  are 
very  judicious.  We  may  daily  expect  a  large  Reinforcement 
from  Irel'd.  The  provid'g  Provis's  for  such  Numbers.  I  have 
much  at  Heart.  The  certain  Intelligence  of  their  Com'g  is  so 
late  y't  I  much  fear  making  suitable  Provis's  for  them.  I  wrote 
Y'r  Lordship  two  Leters,  w'ch  rem'n  unansw'd,  and  I  hear  there 

are  no  Boats  built  on  the  different  Runs  between  W r  and 

W.  Creek.  You  know  I  strongly  recomended  it  w'n  I  had  the 
Hon'r  of  seeing  You,  and  I  was  in  Hopes  Y'r  L'dship's  Influence 
w'd  have  had  it  put  in  Execut'n.  I  have  ordered  the  Comissaries 
to  pay  the  Expence,  and  let  me  beg  Y'r  Influence  to  have  them 
finish'd  before  the  Forces  arrive.     I  refer  You  to  the  Bearer  for 


466  UINWIUUIK    PAPERS. 

particuUr  Ncwi.  Mv  kind  Complim'U  to   Mr.  Martin,***  and  I 
X  tih  due  ! 

\  ;m»>i  ob'd  t  humble-  scrv'l. 


GOVERNOR  DINWinDIK  TO  (iOVKKNuk   DOIUIS. 

Janv   17th,   1755. 

r   two   Lcl'rs  of  28th   Dcc'r  and  4th  Jany  I   rcc'd   two 
1 '.i  md   il  Rives  me   much    Pleasure  yt  Vou  keep  Y'r 

Hi..  .    the)  Harmony  y'l  is  l>ej4un   I   hope  will  long  con- 

tinue bctwern  You  and  the  People.  \"t  .Speech  is  consist' t 
with  Y'r  gtKxl  .Sense  and  IncUnat'n,  and  I  read  their  Address 
to  You  with  Pleasure,  as  they  seem  to  set  out  well,  and  [I]  hope 
they   m:  i'-r    their    Ini't    in    follow'}^    Y'r    Advice.     The 

8/*--'  >  '.I  Y'r  Direcln  will  Jully  support,  pay,  Clothe,  and 

ma  Men  for  one  Year,  if  their   Pay  is  8d.    p*   Day.     I 

••  .Scc'ry  of  .State  for  blank  ('omis's.  but  .xs  yet 
When  I  have,  I  shall  acquaint  You  thereof. 
Hb  M'y's  Ship  Gibraltar  arrived  hcr[e]  10  Days  ago,  and  bro't 
S'r  Jno.  St.  Clair,  O'r  M'r  Gen'l.  two  L't  Colonels,  viz'i,  Ellison 
and  Mercer,  for  the  two  Re^;im'ts  to  be  rais'd  in  N.  Kngl'd 
under  the  Com'd  of  Gov'r  Shirley  and  S'r  VVm.  Pepperell. 
They  tell  me  I  may  expect  Halkel's"**  and  Dunbar's*"  Regim'ts 

■•Thomas  Bryan  Martin,  who  was  the  son  of  Frances,  sister  of  lx>rd 
•dcd  George  \Vm.  Fairfax,  as  the  ajfcnt  of  the  Fairfax 

pp.   171.  174.  the  latter  act  being  "to 
prr  ions  .iiul  ]\\v  .Slock  from  thi.s  Province 

lo  •  1  I'orts." 

*'  '   I'lMirr.M).  Fifeshire.  a  hart>nct  of  Nova  .Scotia, 

r  bunic.  of  Gosford,  who  assumed  his 

"..It  111  ini-  House  of  Commons  for  Diimfcrline ; 

of  the   Forty-fourth  at  .Sir  John  Cope's  defeat 

<'h.irlcs   Edwartl,  he  was  ordered  by 

it,  but  honorably  refused,  saying  that 

"tu»  kwydJ  UigtuM**  wai  in^i.Mcr  of  hi.s  commission,  but  not  of  his 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  467 

every  Day.  The  Transports  sailed  three  Days  from  Portsmo. 
before  them,  and  the  Com'd  of  all  the  F"orces  is  given  to  Gen'l 
Braddock  and  y't  an  80  Gun  Ship,  a  50  and  4  Twenty  Gun 
Ships  may  be  expected,  as  Convoy  to  the  Forces,  and  a  large 
Train  of  Artillery  with  proper  Officers,  a  Compa.  of  100  Men 
are  also  expected;  this  is  the  News  they  bring  by  w'ch  we  may 
observe  His  Majesty's  and  Minister's  great  Care  of  these  Colo- 
nies, w'ch  1  think  sh'd  induce  them  with  grateful  Hearts  to  aid 
this  essential  Expedit'n  with  proper  Spirits.  The  Method  You 
propose  for  raising  Money  by  a   Paper  Curr'cy  by  erecting  a 

honor."  The  King  approved  of  his  course,  and  he  retained  his  rank. 
Colonel  of  his  regiment,  February  26,  1751.  He  married  Lady  Amelia 
Stewart,  second  daughter  of  Francis,  eightli  Earl  of  Moray,  by  whom  he 
had  three  sons:  Sir  Peter,  his  successor,  also  in  the  army;  Francis,  Ma- 
jor in  the  Black  Watch;  and  James,  a  subaltern  in  Sir  Peter's  regiment, 
who,  flying  to  the  succor  of  his  .stricken  father. in  the  disastrous  defeat 
of  July  9,  1755,  himself  fell  across  the  body  of  the  former,  and  they 
died  together.  After  the  taking  of  Fort  Duquesne,  an  expedition  was 
made  to  Braddock's  Field  to  bury  the  remains  of  the  slain.  Captain 
West,  an  elder  brother  of  Benjamin  West,  the  painter,  led  the  party 
with  a  company  of  sharpshooters,  Indian  guides,  and  several  officers  of 
the  Forty-second  regiment,  among  them.  Major  Sir  Peter  Halket,  who 
hoped  that  his  kindred  might  not  have  been  slain  outright,  but  were 
possibly  yet  captives  among  the  foe.  In  reply  to  his  an.\ious  question- 
ing, one  of  the  Indian  guides,  who  recalled  the  affecting  fall  of  an  aged, 
and  a  young  officer  together,  as  above  stated,  led  them  to  the  spot,  be- 
neath a  remarkable  tree,  and  upon  throwing  aside  the  thick-fallen 
leaves,  two  gaunt  skeletons  were  exposed,  the  one  upon  the  other,  as 
they  had  died.  That  undermost,  through  a  peculiar  artificial  tooth, 
was  identified  by  Sir  Peter,  who  exclaimed  "It  is  my  father!"  as  he 
sunk  into  the  arms  of  his  scarce  less  affected  friends.  High  and  gene- 
rous talents  were  hereditary  in  the  family  of  Sir  Peter  Halket.  His 
father's  sister,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Wardlaw  (for  notices  of  whom  see  Percy's 
Reliqiies,  ii,  105,  and  B/ackzaood's  Magazine,  i,  380,)  was  the  authoress 
of  what  Coleridge  would  have  styled  "the  grand  old  ballad"  of  Har- 
dikanute. — Sargent,  p.  294;  Oldeti  Time,  \o\  i,  pp.  183,  1S9. 

^^*  Colonel  Thomas  I3unbar  had  been  Lieutenant-Colonel  of  the 
Eighteenth  (Royal  Irish)  Foot,  and  April  29,  1752,  was  made  Colonel  of 
the  Forty-eighth;  superseded  in  November,  1755,  because  of  his  in- 
judicious retreat,  and  sent  into  honorable  retirement  as  Lieutenant- 
Governor  of  Gibraltar,  with  a  salary  of  ;^75o,  filling  the  post  as  late  as 
1765;  Major-General,  January  18,  1758,  and  Lieutenant-General,  Decem- 
ber 18,  1760,  but  never  again  actively  or  independently  employed.  He 
died  previous  to  1778. — Sargent,  p.  267. 


446  DISWIDUIE    PAPERS. 

Ltmn  Office  on  I^nd  Security,  w'ch.  w'th  the  Poll  Tax.  I  think, 

r.i.x  .It  2».  w'tl  M«»t  Ix'  much  felt,  if  the 

V  thcmsclvca  Punch  for  one  Day  at  the 

A-'d  pay  that  Tax.  but  as  I  do  not  know  the  Number  of 
\  I  -If*  poll  n)av  answt-r  V'r  Kxi)ectat'ns, 

anil ^  '1  ^  r  P.i|ht  Curr'cy  I  doubt  not  it  will 

be  curr't  in  this  Dom'n.  as  it  will  be  p'd  a^^ain  for  V'r  Comodities. 
I  h  I  600  Men.  and  hope  to  make  them  800  by  middle 

of  !  .       w'n  I  expect  all  the  Forces  will  be  at  \V.  Creek, 

and  It  will  be  pro|>er,  I  think,  if  Yours  were  there  the  next  Mo. 
I  wrote  Mr.  (ilen  |)retty  freely  by  Messrs.  Wragj^  and  CIcland, 
and  .w  yet  luive  nt)t  heard  from  him  ;  those  Gent,  blamed  him 
much  for  his  improjH'r  .Method  of  writinjj  me  and  s'd,  they  had 
no  doubt,  but  their  Province  w'd  grant  a  handsom  Supply. 
You  may  consider  the  Uneasiness  I  am  under  to  provide 
Provis's  for  the  .Numbers  here,  and  those  expected.  I  have  sent 
to  our  frontier  Counties  to  purchase  all  the  Pork  they  can  ;  to 
Pfnivlva'a  to  engage  600.000  lbs.  of  Flour;  to  Boston  for  300 
of  Fish,  but  if  these  are  supplied  it  will  be  greatly  defi- 

.;  the  (J'ty  wanted.     I  w'd.  therefore,  desire  the  Favo.   of 

You  to  speak  to  some  proper  Person  to  purchase  3  or  400  lbs.  of 
Pork  to  be  pd  out  of  Y'r  Fund,  or  I  will  pay  for  them  in  Bills 
of  Excha.  This  Pork,  if  You  can  procure,  may  be  sent  in  the 
Veaocll  with  Your  Forces  either  to  Alexa'a  on  Potom.  River,  or 

^'  on  Rappahan.  River  ;  these  Towns  are  at  an  equal 

11  W'inch'r  and  W's  Creek.  In  the  Sumer  there  will 
be  wanted  a  good  many  Beeves,  and  if  [I]  c'd  know  the  Price  to 
be  dd  at  W.  Creek.  .S'r  J  no.  .St.  Clair  set  out  this  Day  for  the 
Camp,  to  prepare  Bar  nicks,  I've,  for  the  Troops  expected  ;  he  is 
a  veiy  sensible  Gent.,  full  of  Spirits  and  active,  with  Discrel'n 
and  go<^  '  '  '  m't;  he  d'd  me  a  Packet  for  You,  from  the 
Scc'y  t-;  ne  for  .Mr.  Glen,  the  other  for  [the]  Gov'r  of 

Georgia,"*  all  of  them  I  send  You.  pray'g  the  Favo.  of  You  to 


!ii<'  iir^t  i\.(  iitivf-  III  (jfurKi'i   under  the 

till-  rh;»ri«T  of  the  Tr\istees,  was  np|)ointed. 

••rnor    in  Chief   and    Vice- 

■t>cr   29;  called  together  the 

"^V  7.  '7.S.S;  cstalilished  courts  of  judi- 

t))»-  Iiuli.ins;  ri'sii'turl  F'fKru.iry,  1757, 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  469 

forw'd  the  two  Packets  above  to  So.  Carolina,  as  I  do  not  want 
to  write  to  Mr.  Glen  at  this  Time.  I  think  I  have  nothing  more 
to  write  now,  but  sincerely  wishing  Vou  an  happy  and  Easy 
Gov't,  y't  the  People  may  be  prevailed  on  to  their  own  Int't  in 
following  the  Rules  You  have  so  judiciously  propos'd  them  in 
your  Speech.  The  Gibraltar  waits  3  Weeks  for  my  Dispatches, 
if  You  have  any  Letters  I  shall  take  great  Care  of  them.  My 
Wife  and  two  Girls  join  me  in  sincere  good  Wishes  for  Your 
Son  and  Nephew's  Health,  and  be  assured,  I  am,  with  great 
Esteem,  and  in  Truth, 

Y'r  Ex's  most  ob'd't  humble  Serv't. 

P.  S.  I  forgot  to  ment'n  in  my  Let' r,  y't  we  have  Acc't  from 
the  Ind's,  y't  the  Fr.  are  reinforc'd  at  the  Ohio  with  iioo  Men, 
and  some  Ind's,  w'ch  I  have  not  Faith  to  believe;  but  if  our 
Forces  are  once  collected  in  a  Body  and  near  the  Fort,  I  doubt 
not  but  many  of  the  Ind's  will  join  us,  and  many  of  the  Fr. 
desert.  There  is  to  be  a  Meet'g  of  the  No'ern  and  So'ern  Ind's 
at  Winchester,  in  Apr.,  to  confirm  a  Peace  between  these  Nat's, 
and  I  hope  for  some  Warriors  from  thero  and  the  Cherokees  to 
join  our  Forces,  hav'g  sent  Messingers  to  that  Purpose  to  them 
to  meet  us  at  the  Ohio  in  Apr.,  as  we  shall  undertake  nothing 
'till  the  Forces  from  Irel'd  arrive. 

Y'rs  Sincerely, 

R.  D. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  COLONEL  .STEPHEN. 

Jan'y   iSth,  1755. 
Sir: 

Y'r  two  Let'rs  of  Jan'y  loth  and  12th,  I  rec'd  by  Ct.  Cocks, 
w'ch  surpriz'd  me  to  see  them  dated  from  Alexa'a,  as  I  expected 

You  w'd  have  march'd  Y'r  Men  for  W r  long  before  this  : 

but  as  You  were  to  set  out  the  15th  I  hope  this  will  be  d — d  you 

at  W r.     I  reckoned  that  ;^i,ooo  formerly  sent  ^'ou  w'd  have 

fully  p'd  Y'r  Men,  but  as  many  Recruits  are  arrived,  I   suppose 

because  of  a  disagreement  with  the  Council ;  ajipointed  a  Rear  Admiral 
of  the  Blue;  died  January,  1776. 


470  UINWIUDIE   PAPERS. 

they  increased  ihc  |)cm\l.  I  send  \ou  now,  by  Capt.  Cocks, 
/loi  IS.  3d.,  w'ch  I  h<«|>f  will  bf  siithcicnt;  the  lar^c  Call  for 
Muney  has  jjrcaily  exhausted  the  Slock  in  my  Hands,  ihcrcfore, 
I  denirr  Kruf^ality.  and  transmit  me  a  pro{>er  Muster  Roll  of 
np'y,  with  the  Capl's  Receipt  on  the  Back.  f(»r  my   In- 

I  wish  Vou  Health,  &c. 


I  ,<  i\KK\<  ii.'    I  ii\\\  II  .1  111     i(>  CM' IAIN   IIUCG.*^' 

Jan'y   19th,   1755. 
Sir: 

I  rcc'd  Y'r  Let'r,  and  heard  some  Time  ago  of  Y'r  being  on 
the  E.  Shore.  As  You  knew  .Mr.  Savage  was  ordered  there  to  re- 
cruit, I  think  there  was  no  Ocean  of  You.  and  indeed  Y'r  Charge 
in  raising  Men  is  more  than  any  two  Officers.     When  You  had 


t'amily,  as  the  editor  is  informed  by  Rev.  Charles  Rogers, 

D.  I)..  l.L.l-»..  late  Secretar>'  of  the  Royal  Historical  Society,  London, 

.THf!  H-ho  wrot"  r»  \\U-  of  the  "  Ktlrirk  .Shcplicrtl."  seems  to  derive  from 

tkIj,  wlio  in  the  reijjn  of  David   II   (1331',  re- 

rcnts  of  D.ilry.  an  estati-  in  the  vicinity,  and  a 

charter  for  the  rents  of  the  lands  of  ICast  Kciilon.  in  the  Constabulary 

.<•  name  Is  spelled  in  his  will*,  son  of  James,  born  in 

■  ii  1703.  W.1S  by  tradition,  from  settlers  contcmpo- 

•  -I  l»v  Hon    A.   H.  11.  Stuart;  a  near  relative  of 

I'-rd."     lie  emijjrated  to  America  with 

>.  .il>unt   17.J5.  and  located  in  .XuKUSta 

he  married  Klizabeth  Taylor;   commissioned 

!i  (rt«/^.  p.  113);  served  continuously;  delegated 

to  instructions  from  Governor  l)inwiddie-  by  a 

■  .  .ti  Fort  CumlH:rlantl— to  construct  a  line  of  fron- 
id  been  ordered  by  the  Assembly  (the  instructions 

ill  these  papers) ;  servetl  also  in  the  Sandy 

!«•  year;  licensed  to  practice  law  .May  loth, 

'         '••Iph,  Robert  Carter  Nicholas  and 

•  i|  l>y  Lord  Dunmore,  .April   loth, 

to   the   Attorney-General    for   the   county   of    Dunmore 

'u.irv.    ir?J.    front    FriMlcrii  k,   .iiid    re-n.im<(l    Slupiindoah 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  471 

Y'r  Com'o.  I  was  made  [to]  believe  You  c'd  raise  40  Men. 
You  carried  up  to  Alexa'a  only  9,  and  that  at  a  very  great 
Exp'ce.  You  have  now  been  two  Mo's  getting  14.  There  is 
not  an  Ensign  y't  has  been  recruiting  but  has  had  more  Success. 
Mr.  Savage  had  of  me  ^61  los.,  w'ch,  with  the  Mo[neyJ  You 
had  of  Colo.  Stephens,  I  conceive  is  sufficient  to  pay  for  the 
Cha's  of  recruit' g  40  Men.  Mr.  Savage  had  my  Let'r  to  Colo. 
Eyre,^*®  y't  if  he  wanted  more  Mo[ney]  he  w'd  please  supply 
him.  I  therefore  desire  You  to  return  the  Order  for  70^,  w'ch 
cannot  be  wanted.  The  Charge  of  hiring  a  Vessell  for  20  Men 
is  equal  to  one  for  40.  The  Forces  are  all  march'd  for  W. 
Creek.     I   therefore  order  You  to  proceed  directly  with  all  the 

Recruits   You   have   rais'd,  either   to  Alexa'a   or    F g,  and 

make  w't  Dispatch  You  can  to  join  the  Forces  at  W.  C.  I 
think   F g  the  best  Place,  as  there  is  Provis's  there,  and  I 

county  by  act  of  October,  1777 — Henhig,  viii,  pp.  597-599).  He  ap- 
pears, by  a  letter  from  Washington  to  him,  dated  March  21,  1774,  (now 
in  the  possession  of  his  great-grandson.  Arista  Hoge,  Esq.,  Staunton, 
Va.,)  to  have  enjoyed  in  a  high  degree  the  confidence  and  regard  of 
his  old  commander.  He  died  April  20,  1782.  Under  the  proclamation 
of  Governor  Dinvviddie,  of  1754,  he  received  personally  2,100  acres  of 
land,  and  237  additionally,  in  consideration  of  the  service  of  his  in- 
dented servant,  Duncan  Fergusson,  as  a  drummer.  His  landed  posses- 
sions comprised  also  a  tract  of  8,000  acres  on  the  Ohio  river,  near  Point 
Pleasant,  and  a  large  tract  in  Mason  county,  Kentucky.  He  devised  to 
his  eldest  son,  James,  the  family  seat  in  Augusta  county,  and  to  his  re- 
maining children,  Peter,  Thomas,  Anne,  and  Elizabeth,  lands  on  the 
Ohio  river,  upon  which  they  settled.  His  descendants,  in  the  names  of 
Hoge,  Hogg,  Hall,  Blair,  Blackley,  Hawkins,  McPherson  and  others, 
are  numerous  in  Virginia  and  West  Virginia,  and  are  held  in  high 
social  estimation. 

The  editor  is  indebted  for  the  principal  facts  here  given,  and  for  the 
inspection  of  the  letter  of  Washington,  and  the  license  and  commission 
referred  to,  (the  two  last  now  being  owned  by  the  widow  of  the  late 
Hon.  James  W.  Hoge,  member  of  the  Virginia  Convention  of  1861, 
Winfield,  West  Virginia,)  to  John  Ott,  Esq.,  Richmond,  Va.,  whose  wife 
is  a  great-granddaughter  of  Captain  Hog,  by  descent  from  his  son 
James. 

It  may  be  of  interest  to  note,  that  Thomas,  the  brother  of  Captain 
Peter  Hog,  was  killed  in  1774,  by  the  Indians,  whilst  on  his  way  to 
Kentucky  to  establish  salt-works  there. 

^*®Lyttleton  Eyre,  County  Lieutenant  of  Northampton,  and  its  Burgess 
for  years. 


47J  UINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

shall  send  near  io«3  Recruits  from  this  to  y't  Place.     You  know 

ihe  .»"  II  lor  Recruitinj^'.     I  therefore  desire  You  and 

Mr.  >  i  m»-  over  a  List  of  the  .Men  You  have  rais'd. 

to  be  laid  before  the  Comittec,  as  I  can   pay  no  more  than  they 

will  allow. 

I  rem'n.  .Sir.  \"r  V\\. 

P.  S.  — You  Sh'd  take  some  Pains  to  f^cl  the  Deserters  to 
carrv  with  You.  but  Dispatch  is  now  absolutely  necessary. 
Colo.  Stephen  has  got  Mo[ney]  to  pay  all  the  Men  to  the  last 
of  Deer. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  SIR  THOMAS  ROBINSON. 

Jan'y  20th.  1755. 
Rt    H..N.: 

My  last  to  You  was  the  i6th  of  Nov'r,  to  w'ch  I  de- 
sire to  be  referred.  Our  Forces  still  rem'n  at  VV.  Creek,  and 
have  been  employed  in  building  Barracks.  Gov'r  Sharpe  has 
been  there,  and  as  he  conceiv'd  a  Hill  near  to  the  P'ort  built,  w'd 
Com'd  it,  he  thereufion  has  erected  a  small  Plat  form  and  intends 

to  mount  some  Cannon  on  y't  Hill.     In   the  Mo.  of several 

Chiefs  of  our  f'dly  Indians  went   to  our  Camp  and  after  pretty 

Ceremr)nies.  they  desired  a  Council  to   be  called  of  our 

is,  w'n  tliey  entered  into  a  treaty  of   F'dship  with  us.     In 

the  Mo.  of a  No.  of  Chiefs  of  other  Nat's  came  to  the 

Camp,  many  of  these  had  last  Year  joined  the  French  ;  they 
arknowledge<i  their  Krrors,  and  desired  to  enter  into  a  treaty  of 
I  r  liship  with  us.  assuring  the  Comd'g  officer  of  their  sincere 
A;:.»chm't  to  the  B.  Subjects,  and  y't  for  the  Future  they  w'd 
rem'n  in  Strict  F'dship.  I  sent  Prest's  to  the  Camp  to  be  given  to 
Ixjih  these  parties  of  Ind's.  I  think  it  my  duty  to  acquaint  You 
of  every  Step  done  here  in  regard  to  the  Expedit'n,  and  there- 
fore I  send  You  an  exact  Copy  of  both  Treaties,  ^'ou  will  please 
'•  for  the  Style  in  treating  with  these  Nat's  of  Ind's. 
i  I  Let' r  from  Capt.   Rutherford,  Com'd'r  of  one  of 

the  Ind't   Compa's.  Copy  thereof  You  have  here  enclos'd  and 
■•     '  •  nt's  a    Neutrality    being    entered    into    between    our 

^  -    at    Albany    and   the    Caghnawaga    Ind's.    the    Chief 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  473 

Ind'n  Nat'n  belong' g  to  the  Fr.  out  of  a  lucrative  View  of 
conduct' g  a  Trade  from  Albany  to  Canada.  This  I  con- 
ceiv'd  to  be  a  monstrous  inconsist't  Neutrality  and  Trade, 
w'n  the  Fr.  are  at  open  War  with  us,  made  me  resolve  to 
write  to  the  Gov'r  of  N.  York  to  make  strict  Enquiry  into 
the  Conduct  of  the  Albany  Com'rs  and  recomended  a  Treaty 
with  the  Six  Nat's  at  Onondago  and  to  engage  the  building 
some  Forts  in  the  Country  for  Y'r  Protect' n,  and  to  engage 
them  to  take  up  the  Hatchet  ag'st  the  Fr.  I  have  not  yet 
rec'd  an  Answer  from  Mr.  DeLancey.  I  think  it  my  Duty  to 
acqu't  You  y't  all  the  Provis's  the  Fr.  have  for  conduct' g  this 
unjust  Invas'n  on  the  Ohio  is,  as  I  am  credibly  inform'd,  by  a 
Supply  from  N.  York  and  Phila'a.  They  carry  large  Qu'tys  ot 
Flour,  Bread,  Pork,  Beef,  &c.,  to  Lewisb'g  (formerly  called  Cape 
Briton),  where  they  sell  it  for  Rum,  Molasses,  and  Sugar,  the 
Produce  of  their  Islands.  These  Provis's  are  convey' d  from 
Lewisburg  to  Ouebeck  for  the  Support  of  their  Forces,  and 
sent  to  their  different  Forts  on  the  Ohio.  This  is  a  very  per- 
nicious Trade,  as  they  c'd  not  conduct  their  unjust  Invas's  on 
His  M'y's  Lands  with't  this  Supply,  at  same  Time,  greatly 
detrimental  to  the  B.  Sugar  Colonies,  by  a  clandestine  Importat'n 
of  large  Qu'tys  of  Rum,  Sugar,  Molasses,  &c.,  to  the  different 
Provinces  on  this  Cont't.  I  am,  therefore,  h'bly  of  Opinion  y't 
the  Produce  of  our  Colonies,  viz :  Flour,  Bread,  Pease,  Pork, 
and  Beef,  sh'd  be  ennumerated  and  restrain'd  from  being  Shipt 
from  the  Place  of  their  Produce  to  any  Place  but  the  B.  Sugar 
Colonies,  or  any  other  B.  Colony,  giving  Security  on  Shipping 
them  off  to  ret'n  a  Certificate  of  their  being  Landed  in  a  B. 
Colony,  in  the  same  Manner  as  Rice  from  So.  Carolina.  This 
done,  I  am  convinc'd  the  Fr.  c'd  not  Supply  their  Forces  with 
Provis's.  The  feeding  our  Enemies  may,  in  some  Cases,  be 
deem'd  a  Xtian  Duty,  but  surely  these  Enemies,  y't  comit  the 
most  barbarous  Cruelties  and  unjust  Act's,  can  have  no  Pretent's 
to  be  fed,  to  support  them  in  their  horrid  Cruelties  and  Barbari- 
ties. I  shall  write  the  L'ds  of  Trade  on  this  Subject,  and  shall 
be  mighty  well  pleas' d  if  some  Th'g  is  done  to  prevent  this  in- 
jurious Trade,  w'ch  I  think  no  good  Subject  w'd  enter  on,  but 
the  lucrative,  dastardly  Views  of  some  Traders  have  no  restraint, 
but  w't  must  be  done  by  the  Legislature.  Y'r  several  Let's  of 
the  26th  Oct'r,  4th  of  Nov'r,  &c.,  were  d'd  me  by  S'r  Jno.  St. 


474  UINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

Gair.  who  arriv'd  here  the  loth  of  this  Mo.  with  L't  Colo.  El* 

'I    two    Atljutants    ap|K)inti-d    for    the    two 

,     ^  in  N.  V.rm.     1  went  the   I2ih  with  S'r  Jno. 

CO  Hampton,  to  provide  Necessaries  for  the  Sick  :  ret'd  hither  on 

1       1    supplied  the   L't   Colo's  with    Horses  and  (iiiides. 

It    this   the    15th.  and    S'r  Jno.    St.   Clair  left    this   the 

i6lh   for   W.   C.   to   provide    liarracks    for    the    Regim'ts   ex- 

|>ected  from    Irel'd.     His   .M'y's  Comds,  sent   me  in  Y'r   Lct'r, 

shall   meet  with  all   due  (>l)e<lience,  ;is  far  as  it's  in   my  Power, 

and   His  M'y's  great  Goodness  and  Concern  for  his  Subjects  on 

•'      '"     l't  ought  to  rouse  an  llmulat'n  and  Spirit  in  the  different 

-.   Init    I   am  sorry   I    have  reason   to  complain  of  their 

Backwardness  and  Inactivity. 

The  Assembly  of  this  Colony  have  lately  voted  20,000^,  but 
I  do   not  hear    y't  the  other  Colonies  have  behaved  or  distin- 
guish'd    theniselves   as   grateful    .Subjects,  but  I   hope    this    last 
Instance   of   His    M'y's    gracious    Goodness    in    ordering   two 
Rcgim'ts  and  a  large  Supply  of  Ordnance  Stores,  will  have  a 
proper  Kffect  in  rousing  them  from  their  Lethargick  Supineness, 
and  grant  a  mutual  Su|)ply  ag'st  the  Com'n   Enemy.     I  wish  I 
had  been  acquainted  with  His  M'y's  generous  Intent's  in  send> 
irrablc  Reinforcem't  y't  a  proper  .Su|)ply  of  Provis's 
v  here  and  those  expected  from  Irel'd  might  be  pro- 
vided, but   before  I  had  the   Hon'r  of  receiving  Y'r  Let'r  the 
Killing  Time  for  Beef  was  over,  but  I  expect  they  will    bring 
some  .Mo's  Supply  from   Irel'd.     I  have  sent  two  Comi.sarys    to 
our  frontier  Counties  to  purchase  all  the  Hogs  they  can,  and  I 
have  sent  Salt  to  W.  Creek  to  cure  them  and  some  Beeves  y't 
were   at   and   near   the   Camp.     I   have   wrote  to    the    Gov'r  of 
Pensylva'a  to  engage  600,000  lbs.   of  Flour,  to  be  d'd   at  our 
Magazine  at  W,  C.     And  I  have  wrote  to  the  Gov'r  of  N.  Kng. 
lo  send  a  Vessell  with  a  <Ju'ty  of  dried  Cod  Fish,  these  Supplies, 
if  duly  wnt.  with  w't   I   have  or  may  purch;ise.  I   am  in   Hopes 
will  be  sufficient  till  we  can  drive  some  Beeves  to  them,  w'ch  will 
be  the  End  of  Apr.  or  lU-ginning  of  May.     I   have  enlisted  here 
'I  shall  endeav(»ur  to  augm't  their  No   to  1,000,  but 
•>  we  may  have  from  our  neighbouring  Colonies  are 
very  unceruin.  as  I  do  not  hear  any  of  their  As.semblies  (tho' 
■    gramefl  any  Supplies,  but  I  live  in   Hopes  y't 
v  <  .,mi>lv  with   His  M'y's  Orders,  and  I  shall  be 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  475 

very  glad  if  the  whole  Forces  were  collected  in  a  Body  early  in 
Mar.,  being  much  in  Hopes,  if  they  once  were  over  the  Allegany 
Mount's,  the  Dress  of  our  Regulars,  with  the  No.  of  our  Forces, 
will  engage  many  of  the  Ind's  to  join  us,  and  many  of  the  Fr. 
to  desert. 

The  last  Acc'ts  from  Ohio  say  the  Fr.  have  been  reinforced 
with  I, IOC  White  and  some  Ind's  from  Canada,  and  y't  their 
whole  No.  were  ab't  i,6oo,  but  [I]  am  apt  to  think  they  must  be 
much  in  want  of  Provi's,  unless  supplied  from  our  own  Colonies, 
as  mentioned  before.  S'r  Jno.  St.  Clair,  who,  I  think,  is  a  worthy 
Gent.,  a  good  Officer,  and  indefatigable  in  his  Business,  told  me 
y't  many  Horses  w'd  be  wanted  for  the  Carriage  of  Ordnance 
Stores,  &c.  Upon  his  Desire,  I  have  engag'd  120,  and  shall, 
agreeable  to  his  Desire,  make  the  No  250,  as  soon  as  I  can  have 
an  Opp'ty  of  purchas'g  them.  And  I  h'bly  desire  You  will 
please  let  His  M'y  know  y't  I  will  do  every  Thing  in  my  Power, 
with  proper  Diligence  and  Spirit,  for  the  Service  of  the  Expe- 
dit'n.     With  great  Deference  and  sincere  Respects,  I  rem'n, 

R't  Hon.,  Y'r  most  ob'd't  and  much  obliged  humble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  THE  LORDS  OF  TRADE. 

Jan'y  20th,  [1755]. 
R't  Hon.: 

My  last  to  Y'r  L'ds  was  the  i6th  Nov'r,  to  w'ch  I 
pray  to  be  referred.  The  Gilbraltar  Ship  of  War  arrived  here 
the  9th  curr't,  and  bro't  Passengers  S'r  Jno.  St.  Clair  and  two 
L't.  Colo's  and  two  Adjut'ts  for  the  two  Regim'ts  to  be  rais'd  in 
N.  Engl'd,  and  bro't  Acc't  of  His  M'y's  great  Goodness  and  pa- 
ternal Care  for  the  Safety  and  Protect'n  of  his  Subjects  on  this 
Cont't,  and  was  graciously  pleased  to  order  two  Regim'ts  from 
Irel'd,  with  a  large  Supply  of  Ord'ce  Stores  for  the  etfectual  con- 
duct'g  this  essential  Expedii'n  to  dislodge  and  drive  the  French 
from  His  M'y's  Lands  on  the  River  Ohio,  &c.  The  Forces,  I 
am  told,  may  [be]  daily  expected.  I  hope  this  distinguish' d 
Mark  of  His  M'y's  great  Care  and  Goodness  to  these  Colonies 
will  raise  a  proper  Eniulat'n  and  Spirit  in  the  different  Legisla- 
tures to  raise  a  mutual  Supply  for  their  own  Safety,  and  to  con- 


UINWIDDIH    PAPHKS. 

duct   this  ncccasarv   Ex|>rdil'n:  bui   I    have  ^rcai  Reason,  with 

thfv  have  lK*<*n  shamefully  back- 

^    .  ._....  ■  -^  <»r  M'yrd  ai)tl  IVnsylvania  are 

DOW  MitinK,  I  expect  to  be  agreeably  surpriz'd  with  their  voting 
I  vice.     This  (iovt  hxs  voted  more  y'n  all 
_  ;    viz't:  in   Feb'ry  last   ;{^  10,000.  and  last 

Nov'r  jQiojooo.  The  providing  Provis's  for  the  Forces  now 
h  '    '  !.  is  w't  I  have  much  at   Heart,  and  I  am 

^  ...t  be  able  to  purchase  the  necessary  (Ju'ty 

that  wilt  be  wanted :  however,  I  am  doing  every  Thing  in  my 
Pow^cr  on  this  Head.  This  naturally  led  mc  to  enquire  how  the 
Fr.  Forcfs  from  Canada  and  their  many  Forts  are  supplied,  and, 
from  very  good  Informat'n,  I  am  told  the  Chief  of  their  Sup- 
plies are  from  Peasylv'a,  N.  York,  and  the  other  Colonies  to  the 
No  w'd  ol  this.  The  Method  of  Supply  is  as  follows :  Many  Ves- 
telbwith  Flour.  Bread,  Pork.  licef,  «S:c..from  the  British  Colonies, 
procewl  to  Lewisb'g  ( formerly  call'd  Cape  B'n),  where  they  are 
reed  with  great  Marks  of  Favo,  when  they  barter  their  Provis's 
t>>r  kum.  Sujjar  and  Molasses,  the  Produce  of  the  Fr.  .Sugar 
Ui  d>.  much  to  the  Prejudice  of  our  Sugar  Plantat's,  and  from 
Lewisb'g  the  Provis's  are  sent  to  Qucbeck,  and  from  thence  dis- 
!  r   Forces  and   Forts  down  the  River  Ohio.     This 

i  d  on  by  People  not  properly  to  be  termed  B.  Sub- 

jects, who  from  lucrative  Views  for  their  Own  Advantage,  do  not 
'  '  ious  Consequ'ce  of  feeding  their  Enemies,  y't 

'  most   barbarous  Cruelties,  and  have  in  \'iew 

the  Conquest  of  all  his  M'y's  Empire  on  this  Cont't.  I  cannot 
think  of  t'  'ifiable  Trade  but  with  great  abhorrence.     To 

f»rrvent   :  .,e   I'uture    I   hbly   j)ropose   y't   Flour.    Bread, 

I'  rk.   Beri.  Bacon.  Pork,  (Sec,  may   be  bro't   under  the   Ennu- 
n»rr.»t  n  Act.  y't  the  Subjects  be  restrained  Irom  Shipping  any 
t>t   thrv-    Provis's.   till   they   enter   into    Bond    to   carry   them    to 
B    Plantain,  and  to  bring  a   Certificate    from    the    Place 
"'"'  'hem  to  in  order  to  cancel  their  Bond,  agreeable 
«t'n   on    Rice  from  .So.  Car.;    and  indeed  with  all 
:i    of    Provis's    from    Ireld    were-  bro't    under   the 
^     i.n,  I    am    perswaded    y't    France   c'd    not    victual 
their  Ship*  of  War.  or  conduct  any  considerable  Expcdit'n  for 
"V:  and   if  this   Door   was  shut.   I    know  not  c'd 
It    m.iv    Ik-    fho't   V\   R.'ijulat'n  wd  l)e  of  great 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  477 

Prejudice  to  Irel'd.  May  not  His  M'y's  Navy  be  partly  sup- 
plied with  Beef  and  Pork  from  Irel'd  ?  I  remember  vv'n 
Marquis  De  Antin  comd'd  a  Squadron  of  Fr.  Ships  of  War  at 
Hispaniola,  and  it  was  y'n  tho't  he  had  a  design  of  taking 
Jamaica,  there  were  then  30  Sail  of  Fr.  Vessells  at  Cork  load'g 
Provis's  to  supply  y't  Squadron.  The  B.  Ministry  y'n  tho't 
proper  to  lay  an  Embargo  on  the  Ships  at  Cork,  took  out  all 
the  Provis's  y't  were  loaded  on  the  Fr.  Ships,  and  I  believe  the 
Gov't  took  the  Provis's  and  p'd  the  Irish  Subjects  for  them. 
The  Conseq'ce  thereof  was,  y't  the  Fr.  Squadron  at  Hispaniola 
were  out  of  Provis's,  were  forc'd  to  lay  aside  their  Designs  and 
obliged  to  ret'n  to  Fr.  for  want  of  Provis's  and  in  a  most  starving 
Condit'n.  My  Lords  these  Remarks  and  Observat's  I  think  my 
Duty  to  lay  before  You.  submitting  to  Y'r  superiour  Judgem't 
how  to  remedy  the  Evils  and  to  put  a  Stop  to  this  pernicious 
and  unjustifiable  Trade  carried  on  from  this  Continent,  as  also  to 
submit  to  You  a  Regulat'n  of  the  Provis's  from  Irel'd.  I  have 
been  exceedingly  hurried  in  the  Performance  of  His  M'y's 
Com'ds  transmitted  me  by  the  Sec'ry  of  State,  and  shall  con- 
tinue in  doing  my  duty  with  Assiduity,  but  you  may  think  the 
Concern  and  trouble  I  am  under  in  providing  Provis's  for  our 
Forces,  w'n  the  Fr.  are  supplied  with  these  necessaries  from  the 
Very  People  they  are  Invading. 

With  great  Deference  and  Respect,  I  rem'n, 

Y'r  L'd's  much  obliged  and  most  ob'd't  humble  serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  SPEAKER  JOHN  ROBINSON. 

Jan'y  24th,  [1755]. 
Sir: 

Agreeable  to  Y'r  Desire  I  have  given  a  Com'o.  to  Mr,  Thos. 
Stevens  to  be  Inspect' r  at  Mantapike.  I  have  sent  up  i,ico^ 
to  pay  our  Forces  to  the  last  of  Dec'r.  The  recruit'g  Mo[ney] 
am'ts  to  more  than  2,ooo[^].  Provis's  above  3,ooo[^]  ;  and 
other  Incidents  has  almost  exhausted  my  ready  Cash,  y't  I  am 
now  obliged  to  draw  on  the  C'r  given  me  from   Home.     The 


478  »)IN\V|I>DIK    PAPERS. 

Hnd  of  ncxi  Mo[nihl  there  will  be  a  Call  for  the  further  Payment 

^  !.    now  upwards  of  Soo  Men.     If  you   can 

:     ,   l.y  y'l  Time  [I  ]  shall  be  j^lad;  if  not,  pray 

write  me  to  advance  it,  y*t  this  and  w  t  1  have  already  p'd  may 

the  easier  be  allowed  by  the  Commiiiee.     I  remain  with    Ilsteem, 

Sir.  Yr  verv  hble  Serv'l. 


C.oVERNok    |)IN\VIlM»Ii:  H)  I).\Mi:i.  Wo.sri.-NHUL.MI.. 

Jan'y  24th,  1755. 
Sir: 

1    wrote  the   Gov'r   of  Pennsylva'a  last  Week   to    provide 

'»f  I-iour  to  be  d[elivere]d   at  our  Magazine  at  VV. 

I    .  lie  (iov'r  declinetl   purchas'g  the   Flour  as  above, 

I  wrote  to  my  F'd,  \Vm.  Allen,   Ksq'r,  lo  take  y'l  Trouble  on 

I  was  in   Hope^  y't  Colony   w'd    have   granted  a    proper 

-  ;  i'ly  for  contluct'yj  this  necessary  ICxpedit'n,  and  y'l  the  Amo. 
of  the  above  Flour  to  l>e  p'd  out  of  their  Supply,  but  y't  being 
uncertain.  I  wrote  Mr.  Allen  if  he  made  the  Purchase  I  w'd 
|My  him  in  Cash  or  Bills  of  Kxcha.  This  I  tho'l  necessary  y't 
the  Forces  now  at  \V.  C.  and  those   expected  from  Brit'n  may 

-  '  Sr  disappointed  for  want  of  necessary  Provis's.    If  you  po  to 

I  a  s|H-ak  to  Mr.  Allen  on  this  subject,  and    let  him  know 

the  Proposals  of  some  of  the  frontier  Settlers  in  giving  Supplies 

d—d  at  the  Camp,     I  herewith  give  ^'ou  four  Lett's  of  Bills  of 

Kxcha.  for  5oo[/]  Sl'g  each,  lo  negotiate  and   procure  Money 

w'ch  you  arc  to  send  i mediately  for  me.     If  you  carry 

to  Phila  give  Mr.  Allen   the   Refusal   of  them.     Make 

w'l  Knquir>'  you  can  about  Provis's,  and  the  lowest  rales  to  be 
•'amp  from   the  Co'iy  of   Fredericksburg.     Write 
I  wish   N'ou  Health    ;iii(l  .Tin, 
.Sir.  Y'r  ver>'  h'ble  serv  t 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  479 

GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  CHARLES  DICK. 

Jan'y  25th,  [i755]- 
Sir: 

Y'r  Let'r  of  the  21st  I  rec'd  last  Night.  I  approve  of  the 
Steps  You  have  taken  to  purchase  Pork,  and-  I  hope  it  will 
answer  beyond  Expecttat'n.  I  am  sensible  the  Season  is  pretty 
much  over  for  the  Purchase  of  Pork,  or  did  I  know  of  the  No. 
of  Forces  from  B.,  or  [I]  sh'd  have  been  more  early  in  providing 
for  them.  However,  I  hope  for  some  agreeable  Acc'ts  from 
You  after  Frederick  Court.  I  ordered  the  Troops  to  W.  Creek 
to  provide  for  the  other  Forces  expected;  and  as  there  was  only 
the  Ind't  Companies  there,  I  did  not  know  w't  Attempts  the  Fr. 
might  make,  and  indeed,  from  w't  Maj'r  Carlyle  writes,  they 
have  a  better  Chance  of  Provis's  there  y'n  at  Alexa'a,  as  Beef, 
he  says,  was  at  i8s.,  and  very  scarce.     I  shall  be  glad  y't  You 

Send  a  Qu'ty  of  Flour  to  W 'r,  w'ch  will  be  more  convenient 

than  w'th  You,  tho'  You  must  keep  some  for  the  Recruits,  as 
they  come  to  Y'r  Town.  There  are  30  Tents  and  350  Small 
Arms  comes  by  a  Sloop  y't  sails  from  York  Monday  next  with 
80  Recruits.  I  think  all  the  Troops,  w'n  arrived,  and  the 
ordnance  stores,  will  go  to  Alexa'a,  as  the  Transports  will  go 
directly  to  y't  Town,  and  I  am  in  Expectat'n  y't  they  will  bring 
three  Mo's'  Provis's  with  them  from  Irel'd.  If  not,  I  must 
endeavour  to  send  some  Supplies  from  this  [place].  I  have  pur- 
chas'd  some  Pork,  w'ch  I  shall  send  up  to  You,  and  some  to 
Alexa'a,  as  the  Transports  will  go  directly  to  y't  Town,  and  I  am 
in  Expectat'n  y't  they  will  bring  three  Mo's'  Provis's  with  them 
from  Ireland.  If  not,  I  must  endeavour  to  send  some  Supplies 
from  this  [place].  I  have  purchased  some  Pork,  w'ch  I  shall 
send  up  to  You,  and  some  to  Alexa'a,  after  S'r  Jno.  St.  Clair 
returns  here.  If  possible,  the  Forces  can  be  properly  [supplied] 
With  Provis's  till  June,  Cattle  may  then  be  purchased  and  drove 
after  the  Forces.  I  am  doing  all  I  can  to  lay  in  a  Qu'ty  of  Flour 
till  the  Fall  of  the  Year.  The  Pork  and  Flour  to  be  lodged  on 
the  Road  is  only  for  their  Support  on  their  March,  and  I  think 
every  private  Soldier  may  carry  four  Day's  Provision  of  Bread 
kind.  I  cannot  particularly  answer  Y'r  Queries  till  the  Gen'l 
Officer  comes.  I  shall  then  Write  You  fully.  You  have  done 
well  in  agreeing  for  the  Carriage  from  W.  to  W.'s  Creek  at  5s., 


480  DINWIUDIE   PAPERS. 

w'ch  will  cnKaice  ihcm  lo  Dispatch ;  but  get  every  Thinn  up  as 
n  I  w'tl  Rlatlly  hope  if  the  Forces  were  arrived 
If  other  siilcol  [the]  Allcjjany   Mount's  by  the 
Middle  of  March      I   hbpc  they  have  Salt  enough  at  the  Camp 
'■  \  t  are  thereabout.     I   doubt   not  You  will 

^  \uu  can  at  Y'r  Place  and  at  VV'r.  and  I 
am  very  well  satisiu-d  of  Y'r  industrious  Care  in  doinjj  every 
ThinK  for  the  ko<hI  ol  the  .Service  in  w"t  lies  under  Y'r  direct'n. 
I  ftiiall  soon  send  You  up  an  Acc't  of  w't  Thinjjs  1  propose  lo 
Send  to  the  Camp  by  way  «»f  Fredericksb'yj.  In  the  mean  Time 
the  Flour  will  keep  Y'r  Waj^Ko^'s  employ'd.  The  Forces,  I 
ihmk.  must  not  tarry  till  the  ^r*^^  ^rows  for  their  Horses ;  if 
they  do.  I  fear  by  y't  Time  the  Fr.  will  be  j;jreatly  reinforced. 
The  backwardness  of  the  People  in  supportinjj  this  necessary 
Kxpcdit'n  1  attribute  to  a  Letharjjick  Supineness  y't  has  seized 
many  on  this  Cont't.  I  slid  have  sent  You  Money  by  the  Bearer, 
but  as  You  did  not  recomend  him  for  y't  1  did  not  care  to  send 
any.  Mr.  Finnie  comes  up  next  Week,  by  him  [I]  shall  send 
You  a  Supply.  I  sent  Money  to  Capt.  .Mercer  to  pay  of[f]  the 
tritlin^  Debts  due  by  the  Recruits.  I  am  sorry  any  of  them 
called  on  You.  Pray,  if  you  see  them,  tell  them  to  send  down 
their  particular  Acc'ts  of  recruitinj^  and  Cha[rj^e]s.  What  Cloth- 
inj{  N'ou  have  supplied  I  hope  \'ou  took  proper  Receipts  from 
the  Ofllcers,  [for]  w'ch.  with  the  Acc'ts.  send  down,  and  You 
must  be  p'd  I  shall  be  ji'^d  if  the  Wa^pons  You  are  buildinjj 
can  be  ready  soon  for  the  Service,  as  \'ou  know  the  two  succeed- 
inj{  Months  are  the  Chief  for  sending;  up  all  we  can  to  the  Camp. 
1  can  recollect  nothin}^  further  at  pres't.  but  y't  I  am, 
.Sir,  Y'r  mo.  humble  Serv't. 


,  ..MuvoP  DiNWiDDiK  Tf)  CHARLES  DICK. 

Jany  29th,  1755. 
Sir 

.Accorciitiv;    i>>    i>i<iinisr,    i    now    send    You    yiOjC'    f*    ^''• 
Finnie."*  w'ch  I  doubt  not  of  Y'r  frugal  Disposal  of.    When  You 


Mentioned  anU,  p.  316. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  481 

vvant  more  Money  give  me  previous  Notice  thereof,  y't  You  may 
not  be  disappointed.  By  Sloop  or  Schoon'r  Kichetan,  under  the 
Care  of  Lt.  Wm.  Starke,'*"  69  Recruits,  with  50  Muskets,  Bayo- 
nets, Swords  and  Cartouch  Boxes,  also  8  Chests  cont'g  200  Mus- 
kets, Bayonets,  Cartouch  Boxes,  two  bis.  Gun  Powder,  and  500 
lb[s].  Ball;  as  also  by  a  Ship  from  Hampton,  w'ch  the  above 
Sloop's  order'd  to  bring  to  You,  6  Chests  cont'g  150  Muskets, 
Bayonets,  Cartouch  Boxes,  all  w'ch,  put  in  a  Ware  Ho.,  d[elive]r 
the  Muskets,  &c.,  to  the  different  Officers,  with  Powder  and  Ball, 
tak'g  their  Receipts  for  them,  and  the  30  Tents,  I  think  You  sh'd 
imediately  send  them  to  the  Camp  at  W.  C.  for  the  Use  of  our 
Forces. 

I  am  Sir,  Y'r  F'd,  &c. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  COLONEL  STEPHEN. 

Jan'y  31st,  1755. 
Sir: 

I  sent  You  up  some  Money  by  C't.  Cocks,  of  W r,  w'ch 

I  hope  You  rec'd.  I  am  now  pretty  much  reduced  as  to  Cash, 
but  I  think  the  necessary  Clothing  for  Y'r  Men  be  p'd  in  Apr. 
is  much  better  Pay  y'n  they  have  in  Common.  I  desire  L't 
Mercer  may  rem'n  in  the  lower  Parts  of  the  Country  to  recruit 
Men  for  the  two  Regim'ts  I  daily  expect  from  Ireland.  I  hope 
the  Commissioners  before  this  have  provided  Provis's  at  W.  C. 

I  shall  send  from  this  [place]  some  Beef  and  Pork  to  F g,  to 

be  convey'd  to  the  Camp.  Mr  Mercer,  by  my  orders,  has  left  all 
the  Acc'ts  with  the  Clerk  of  the  Committee,  to  be  laid  before 
them  at  next  Meeting,  and  I  hope  there  will  be  no  Difficulty  in 
pass'g  them. 

I  am  with  respect. 

Sir,  Y'r  Fr'd,  &c. 

^^ There  is  of  record  in  the  Virginia  Land  Registry,  a  grant  to  Wm. 
Starke  of  600  acres,  adjoining  the  lands  of  John  Wasliington,  in  West- 
moreland county,  dated  September  24,  1667,  Book  6,  p.  56.  The  name 
was  represented  in  the  Revolution,  and  has  been  freciuently,  also,  in  the 
State  Assembly. 


482  DINWIODIK    PAPERS. 

K\<>K   iMNwiiMMi.    K)  CAI'TAIN  HOGG. 

Fcby  I  St,  1755. 
Sir: 

I  rcc'd  Y'r  Ltl'r.  and  am  ^lad  You  have  raised  40  Men, 
wiih  whom  1  dfjiirc  You  to  proceed    the  most   ready  way  for 

\V r  and  W.  C.  where  I  expect  the  rest  of  our  Forces  are 

by  this  Time.  I  tlo  not  care  to  recriminate  on  atVairs,  but  be- 
lure  You  left  Alexa'a  \'ou  was  told  y't  Mr.  Savage  had  Orders 
to  j;o  to  the  E.  Shore  to  recruit,  and  [I]  am  sorry  durin)^  the 
Time  You  have  been  there  You  have  not  had  one  Day  to  settle 
\  t  private  Ariairs.  Send  for  Mr.  Savage  and  tell  him  it's  my 
Orders  y't  he  proceed  with  all  convenient  Speed  with  his  Re- 
cruits to  F g.  and  to  join   the  rest  of  our  Men   at  VV.  C. 

You  are  to  take  Care  to  render  as  exact  an  Acc't  of  \"r  Hxpen's 
as  (Ki&sible  You  can,  as  You  know  it  must  be  laid  before  the 
<"  and  sh'd  be  sorry  if  it  does  not  prove  reasonable  or  y't 

ilje  any  1  )educt's,  as  one  Capt's  Acc't  will  be  compared 
with  others.  What  Money  You  may  want,  I  desire  Colo.  Eyre 
t«>  advance  You,  and  give  him  C.ov'r  .Sharp's  Order  You  say 
\o\i  have  on  me. 

I  am,  Sir.  ^"r  Fr'd,  <S:c. 

P.  S. — Send  \"r  Acc'ta  over  before  \'ou  leave  the  E.  Shore. 


UUVKRNOR  DINUllMMl-.    1<»  1.1  1  11.1. KJN   l.M<i:.   KSg. 

Feb'y  ist,  [iJSSl- 
Sir: 

Y'r  favo.  of  the  27th  Ulto.  I  rec'd  last  Night,  and  am 
oblijj'd  for  the  Kind  Assistance  You  have  given  C't  Hogg  and 
Mr.  .Savage.  I  incline  all  our  Forces  sh'd  be  at  W.  C.  before 
the  two  regim'ts  from  Irel'd  arrive.  [IJ  have  therefore  ordered 
ihem  two  (jentn  to  make  the  best  of  their  way  with  Y'r  re- 
cruits to  the  Camp  at  W.  C.  If  You  will  advance  both  of  them 
may  be  wanted  to  qualify  their  Proceeding  as 
.ill  Im-  rep.iid  in  the  Apr.  Court.     I  sh'd  be  sorry 


DINVVIDDIE   PAPERS.  483 

[if]  the  Men  enlisted  on  Y'r  Shore  sh'd  cost  2  Pistoles  each; 
there  are  many  d[elivere]d  at  Alexa'a  and  F[redericksbur]g 
for  little  more  than  30s.  [each]  ;  however,  the  Committee  are  to 
look  over  and  pass  the  Officers'  Acc'ts.  I  shall  therefore  be 
oblig'd  if  You  acquaint  Savage  to  send  his  Acc't  over,  having 
wrote  Capt.  Hog  to  the  same  Purpose,  I  am  glad  You  have 
sent  some  Weathers  and  Fowles  to  Hampton,  they  will  be  very 
acceptable  on  the  Arrival  of  the  Transports. 
I  rem'n  with  respect, 

Sir,  Y'r  most  h'ble  serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  GOVERNOR  DOBBS. 

Feb'y  ist,  1755. 
Sir: 

Y'r  agreeable  L'r  of  the  9th  I  did  not  receive  till  the  27th. 

The  5,000^  Y'r  Assembly  has  given  for  Aid  to  the  Expedit'n 
I  find  is  left  to  You  either  to  Supply  in  Men  or  Provis's.  In  my 
last,  I  wrote  You  if  You  sent  a  Compa.  in,  400  bis.  good  Pork 
will  be  very  acceptable,  as  also  a  Quantity  of  Bacon,  as  y't  is 
easy  Carriage  on  Horses ;  and  in  the  Mo's  of  May  or  June  some 
Beeves  to  be  drove  from  Y'r  Colony  to  the  Camp  will  be  very 
agreeable,  as  by  y't  Time  Salt  Provis's  will  be  mostly  exhausted. 
The  two  regim'ts  y't  are  expected  are  to  be  augment'd  from  500 
to  700  Men  each.  I  have  accordingly  ordered  the  Officers  to 
recruit  for  them  agreeable  to  Instruct's.  I  have  in  our  News 
Paper  offered  the  Encouragem't  y't  is  proposed  for  the  People 
y't  enlist  in  these  Regim'ts,  but  I  fear  I  shall  not  be  able  to  get 
the  wanted.  If  deficient,  they  must  be  supplied  from  our  other 
Men  raised  for  the  Colony.  I  think  for  the  pres't,  50  Men  from 
You,  with  Provis's,  is  as  much  as  can  be  expected  from  Y'r  Fund, 
and  if  You  please,  to  send  them  by  Water  to  Alexa'a  on  Poto. 
River.  I  sent  You  a  Packet  from  Londo.  to  the  Care  of  Mr, 
Watson  at  Suffolk.  Since  y't,  we  have  no  News  from  Londo.  or 
any  from  the  Ohio  than  w't  I  formerly  Wrote  You,  I  have 
ordered  all  our  Forces  to  W.  C,  for  fear  this  fine  Open  Winter 
the  Fr.  on  the  Ohio  may  have  Intelligence  of  the  Supplies  We 


\M  UINWIOOie    TAPERS. 

expect,  and  endeavour  to  make  .u\  Aiicinpt  on  our  Camp, 
Where  ihere  is  only  the  three  Indl  Companies.  V'r  Presi- 
dent cannot  ex|>ect  more  y'n  half  the  Salary  and  Per(juisites 
irom  ihr  Time  of  V'r  bcinjj  ap|)ointed.  I  think  His  M'y's  In- 
ftiri;  t  Mead  arc  very  explicit,  and   indeed  the  Salary  of 

V'j   v!>or  on  the  former  1-l.Htablishm  t  was  so  ill  p'tl  y't  the 

Presid't  arcouni'jj  for  half  the  Perquisites  may  be  a  proper  Sct- 
tlem't.  When  Sr  Wm.  G«M>ch  lefi  this  [Colony]  he  made  a  par- 
ticular Aj;reemt  with  the  then  Presitlent,  and  as  I  was  only  four 
Mos.  from  my  Appointm't  till  my  Arrival.  I  did  not  insist  on  any 
he  Perquisites,  as  S'r  W  in's  A^tui  hati  settled  With  the 
It  a  Mo.  iK-forc  my  Arrival.  I  think  V'ou  have  a  rij^ht 
from  the  Date  of  Y'rCom'o.  Ld  Albermarle  and  myself  are  on 
an  Ajjreem't  to  f>ay  him  so  much  Nearly.  We  all  join  in  kind 
res|>ects  to  Vou,  son  and  neplicw.  and  be  as.sur'd  I  rem'n  in 
great  Truth, 

V'r  R.\'s  iiio>t  «>[)(i  t  liumble  Sei\  t. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  GOVERNOR  GLEN. 

[Feby]  8th.  [1755]. 
Sir: 

Y'r  Let'r  of  the  4ih  Jan  y  I  reed  the  5th  of  this  Mo. 
You  say  the  Let'r  I  forw'd  Vou  cont'd  an  Order  from  Home 
for  You  to  build  a  Fort  in  the  u|)pcr  Cherokee  Co'try  and  to 
draw  on  me.  As  I  am  to  remit  \*ou  out  of  the  Cr.  I  have  to 
draw  for  /^  10,000,  and  y'l  You  accordingly  expect  me  to  send 
You  Bilb  of  Kxcha.  for  7.000/  .St'g  out  of  the  Cr.  I  have  to 
draw  for  lo.onr^/.  |  think  really  V  r  Desire  is  very  unreason- 
able to  leave  me  hut  3.000/  to  answer  the  necessary  Cha's  of  the 
Forces  now  here  and  those  expected.  I  wish  Vou  had  sent  me 
a  Copy  of  y't  Let'r  niv'^  Vou  the  above  Liberty  to  draw  on  me 
with't  a  mutual  ,\);reem't  Ix-tween  us.  Copy  of  the  Paragraph 
of  the  Let'r  I  have  from  S'r  T.  Robinson  on  this  Affair  is  as  fol- 
lows: "It  is  likewise  His  Mys  Pleasure  You  sh  d  concert  with 
of  So.  Car.,  the  necessary  Measures  for 
Inds  l.v  a  proper  Pres't  and  for  obtain'g 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  485 

forthwith  Permiss'n  for  the  building  a  Fort  in  their  Cy,  for  w'ch 
Purposes  You  are  hereby  empowered  to  remit  to  Mr.  Glen  such 
Sums  out  of  the  Mo'y  for  w'ch  the  io,ooO;^  Credit  is  now  given 
You,  as  shall  be  so  agreed  between  You  and  the  s'd  Gov'r."  By 
w'ch  I  conceive  y't  the  Mo'y  You  are  to  expect  from  me  is  for 
Pres'ts,  to  induce  these  People  lo  give  You  Leave  to  build  a 
Fort  in  their  Co'y.  Pray,  is  not  Your  Deni'd  for  Mo'y  too 
premature  before  You  have  obtained  their  Consent  to  build  a 
Fort  ?  or  can  the  above  Paragraph  be  read  in  the  Sense  You 
incline  to  take  it?  Y't  You  and  I  are  to  consult  ab't  build'g  a 
Fort,  and  I  am  to  pay  the  whole  Charge,  or  at  least  7,000^  St'g, 
a  monstrous  Interpret' n  of  S'r  T.  Robinson's  Let'r,  and  a  modest 
request  to  have  above  ;3S  of  the  Money  sent  to  conduct  this 
necessary  Expedition,  for  building  a  Fort,  w'ch  S'r  Jno.  St.  Clair, 
now  here,  and  a  very  good  Ingineer,  declares  it  might  be  built 
for  less  than  j'sd.  of  Y'r  Dem'd.  He  nor  I  cannot  imagine  w't 
Use  You  can  have  for  300  Men  w'n  building  a  Fort  among  our 
Allies,  and  You  can  never  think  the  Fr.  will  leave  their  Forts 
and  Forces  on  the  Ohio  to  build  Forts  on  River  Tennessee,  a 
River  indeed,  I  cannot  find  by  that  Name  in  any  Drafts  y't  I 
have. 

W'n  His  M'y  order'd  me  to  build  Forts  on  the  Ohio,  he  ex- 
pected it  sh'd  have  been  at  the  Charge  of  this  Dom'n,  and  no 
doubt  the  same  is  expected  from  Y'r  Province,  from  the  happy 
and  flourish'g  Condit'n  it  is  now  in,  and  so  fully  represented  in 
Y'r  Speech  to  Y'r  Assembly ;  and  I  am  of  Opinion  it  must  be 
recomended  to  You,  as  it  was  to  me  as  above.  I  must  differ  from 
Y'r  Opinion  of  the  Fr.  com'g  to  Tennessee  if  disappointed  on 
the  Ohio,  but  I  fear  You  may  have  Time  enough  to  build  Forts 
there  before  we  shall  be  able  to  drive  them  from  the  Ohio,  as 
also  y't  Tennessee  River  is  of  as  much  Consequence  as  the  Ohio. 
You  are  very  fertile  in  Y'r  Conjectures  y't  the  F"r.  will  not  at- 
tempt the  Conquest  of  so  powerful  a  Province  as  Virg'a,  but 
make  a  Feint,  and  y't  their  real  Designs  are  ag'st  Carolina. 
Now  give  me  leave  to  guess  with  You,  that  their  Designs 
are  not  limited  to  any  one  of  our  Colonies,  but  a  general  Con- 
quest of  the  whole  B.  Settlem'ts  and  further ;  with't  Conjecture, 
is  it  not  plain  they  have  invaded  the  Lands  on  the  Ohio,  the 
back  of  this  Colony,  built  a  Fort,  and  have  a  great  Force 
there?      Have   they   not   plundered  our  People   and  threat'n'd 


486  DINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

w'l  further  ihcy  will  do?  Y'r  Opin'n  in  rcjj'd  to  a  !•>.  Fleet 
touch'i;  at  the  Su)(ar  Colonics.  «S:c..  is  not  impracticable,  but 
ifivc  mc  leave  to  H;»y  very  improbable,  as  they  appear  to 
have  their  Hantl.s  full  in  other  I*arts,  and  I  hope  by  this 
Time  y't  the  B.  Intt  at  the  Court  of  Spain  is  equal  to  y't  of 
France.  I  can't  pretend  to  run  a  Parallel  l>etween  V'irg'a  and 
Car.,  but  I  sincerely  wish  N'irjja  was  in  as  happy  and  flourish' g 
Condit'n  as  Vou  describe  Car.  in  \"r  well  worded  Speech.  Our 
I>)m'n  is  very  extensive  and  the  People  as  remote  from  each 
other  as  any  Colony  on  this  Cont't,  and  I  think  the  No.  of  our 
N»-.  ir  the  same  I'roport'n   with    the   Whiles   ;ls   those   of 

V  r  ---'■-.  and  thereftire  sul)ject  to  the  same  Disadvantages 
from  an  Invader  as  any  other  Province,  And  I  heartily  wish 
You  had  seriously  considcreil  these  Things  w'n  You  built  the 
Fort  in  the  Cherokee  Co" try  lately,  and  y't  it  w*d  have  been 
more  eligible  on  the  River  Tennessee,  ami  I  hope  not  too  late 
for  You  to  build  one  now,  but  it  can  never  be  of  the  same 
Conseijuence  as  the  prcs't  K.xpedit'n  in  ciriv'g  the  Fr.  from 
the  Ohio,  and  that  is  the  Place  they  propose  to  make  the  Seat 
of  War  and  where  they  are  collect' g  all  their  Strength,  and 
w'ch  n.  My  thinks  al)solutely  proper  to  drive  them  from  y't 
River  and  is  graciously  plea.sed  to  order  two  Regim'ts  and  a 
generous  Supply  of  all  Ordnance  Stores  for  y't  Purpose,  w'ch 
are  daily  ex jwcted.  I  observe  y'r  Let's  to  the  Chcrokees  and 
Catawbas,  I  wish  You  a  happy  Meet'g  with  them  and  y't  they 
may  be  in  good  Humour  to  grant  w't  \o\x  want  and  w't  may 
be  of  Service  to  the  pres'i  just  and  necessary  Expedit'n.  Y'r 
Fx  -.  a  very  tedious  Time  com'g.     I    imediately  called 

th«_         and  laid  before  them   the  Sec'ry  of  State's  Let'r, 

and  that  of  V'rs,  and  inclos'd  You  have  the  Copy  of  the 
Minute  of  Council  on  y't  Affair,  in  Con.sequcnce  thereof  I  here 
inclose  You  my  B.  of  Fxcha.  on  Mr.  J.  Hanbury  for  i.ooo[j^] 
St'g,  w'ch  is  really  more  than  I  can  well  spare,  consider'g  the 
many  dcm'ds  there  are,  ami  will  be  much  increa.sed  w'n  the 
Forces  arrive.  I  <lesire  You  will  write  Mr.  H.  y't  the  above 
Mo'y  is  to  be  made  u.se  of  agreeable  to  the  Contents  of  the 
Bill.  I  wi.sh  You  and  Y'r  New  A.ssembly  may  agree  with 
great  Harmony  for  the  Good  of  the  Com'n  Cause,  and  if  any 
Mo'y  is  sent  me  from  You  it  shall  be  disposed  of  for  the  Ser- 
vice with  great  Oeconomy.     The  above.  I  think  is  a  full  Answer 


DINWIDDIE   PAPERS.  487 

to  Y'r  Let'r,  and  pray  S'r,  consider,  if  you  have  the  Expedit'n 
properly  in  Y'r  Tho'ts  (w'ch  I  doubt  not  you  have),  how  I 
am  harrass'd  in  provid'g  Pro  vis's  and  other  necessaries  for  the 
Troops,  and  how  unreasonable  it  is  in  You  to  dem'd  7,000;,^ 
out  of  10,000^  for  build' g  a  Fort.  If  I  had  not  acted  with  great 
Care  and  Circumspection,  the  whole  Money  from  Eng.  w'd  e'er 
now  been  wholly  exp'd'd  and  indeed  13,000^  is  actually  made 
use  of  in  such  necessary  Affairs  y't  was  more  imediately  wanted, 
and  without  some  further  Supply  from  Home  I  dread  the  Con- 
sequence. I  wish  You  Health,  and  us  Success  in  our  just  Ex- 
pedit'n, and  I  rem'n, 

Y'r  Ex's  most  humble  serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  GOVERNOR  DOBBS. 

Feb'y  8th,  1755. 
Dear  Sir  : 

Y'r  two  Let's  of  the  15th  and  25th  Ult'o  I  duly 
rece'd,  and  it  gives  me  great  Pleasure  y't  Y'r  Assembly  broke 
up  in  so  good  Humour,  and  y't  dur'g  their  Siting  they  very 
properly  enter' d  on  the  Business  direct' d  by  You  with  so  much 
Spirit,  and  I  acknowledge  y't  I  think  they  did  more  y'n  I  c'd 
have  expected,  consider'g  how  long  they  have  been  in  a  very 
loose,  lawless  Condit'n.  I  am  glad  y't  You  intend  the  Com'd  of 
the  Co'y  y't  You  raise  for  the  Expedit'n  to  Y'r  Son,  w'ch  I 
wish  You  c'd  afford  to  make  80.  I  am  of  Opin'n  y't  the  Com'n 
for  Capt.  WaddaP''^  may  be  establish'd  at  40  Men,  under  the 
Denominat'n  of  Rangers,  on  Y'r  frontier  Settlem'ts.  The 
Sooner  You  can  send  the  Co'y  in  here  the  better,  and  the  Sloop 
y't  brings  them  may,  if  You  think  fit,  bring  4  or  500  b'ls  of 
Pork  and  Beef,  a  Qu'ty  of  Bacon,  and,  if  to  be  had  with  You, 
4  or  5  b'ls  of  Rice,  and  to  direct  them  for  Alexa'a,  on  Potomack 
River,  where  I  shall  be  glad  to  hear  of  their  safe  arrival.  I  have 
forwarded  Y'r  Let's  to  Colo.  Innes,  and   presume  he  will  very 

*^^  Hugh  Waddell,  of  Rowan  county,  was,  in  1754,  a  commissioner 
from  North  Carolina  to  treat  with  the  Catawba  and  Cherokee  Indians. 
He  was  at  Fort  Duquesne,  with  Forbes,  in  1758. 


488  t>IN\VIDI>IE    PAPERS. 

toon  »ctilr  lUv  Atlairs  of  the  C.ir.  Rcgim't  No  News  since  my 
la.Ht.  cilhcr  Innn  H.  or  thf  Ohio.  Ciov'r  Sharpe  and  S'r  J.  St. 
CUir  arc  now  boih  with  nic  Irom  \V.  Creek,  and  they  brinjj  no 
News  of  any  Consequence.  The  Men  [arc]  in  pood  Spirits,  and 
wish  for  thf  RcinlMfCfm't  from  B  \"rs  by  Capl.  Waddle  I  rec'd 
two  Days  ago.  \lr  is  vjone  lor  Hampton  to  Co.  Hunter  to  exe- 
cute Y'r  Orders.  He  had  my  Offer  of  any  Service  in  my  Power. 
I  sh'd  think  our  I'eople  y't  are  Debtors  to  Y'r  Province  cannot 
refuse  \"r  Pa|)er  Curr'cy.  :u»  it  will  answer  the  Uischarjje  of  their 
Debts.  HIuc,  turned  up  with  red,  I  think  will  make  very  proper 
I'niforms. 

P«)rk  here  is  408.  to  43s.  p^  bl.,  as  in  Goodness.  Beef  27s. 
This  comes  by  an  Express  from  Mr.  Glen.  He  had  a  Packet  for 
You,  but  says  the  Waters  were  so  high  he  c'd  not  go  to  New- 
burn,  but  have  now  ordered  him  to  wait  on  You  for  an  Answer 
to  the  Packet  he  brings  You.  Mr.  Glen  was  so  modest  as  to 
desire  me  to  remit  him  in  B.  of  Excha.  •j,ooo£  Sl'g.  out  of  the 
10,000/1  I  have  Credit  to  draw  for,  in  order  to  build  a  Fort  in 
the  L'p|)er  Cherokee  Co' try.  I  was  ordered  to  advise,  perswade 
an<l  ;is.sist  him  in  build'g  the  Fort,  and  I  tho't  ]  •,  of  that  Mo'y 
w'd  have  done,  and  y't  Car.  sh'd  be  at  the  Expence;  however,  I 
have  sent  him  Bills  for  i,qoo£  to  shew  at  Home  my  readiness  to 
obey  Com'ds,  and  to  forw'd  y't  Fort,  w'ch  I  believe  at  tiiis  Time 
very  necessary.  He  gave  me  room  to  expatiate  with  him  on  the 
!«ness  f)f  his  Demd,  w'n  he  must  know  the  great 
L  ^  ,  t  attends  this  necessary  Expedit'n,  and  to  offer  to  have 
»jds  of  the  whole  of  my  Cr.  was  not  kind,  or  did  it  look  like  a 
well  Wisher  to  wt  we  have  on  the  Anvil.  I  think  he  has  no 
room  to  exj^ct  leave  to  raise  recruits  with  \'ou,  till  You  have 
compleated  Your  own  Compa's.  I  look  daily  for  the  Fleet  from 
Irel'd.  and  ho|>e  t«j  Ik*  pretty  well  provided  to  receive  them. 
From  the  best  Intelligence,  the  Fr.  have  not  above  1,200  Men  on 
the  Ohio.  The  Message  from  Mr.  Morris  to  his  Assembly,  of 
the  Number  of  the  Fr..  was  from  Deserters,  who's  Reports  are 
not  to  lie  dc|>cnded  on,  his  Assembly  have  broke  up  with't 
grant'g  any  aid;  they  are  a  very  turbulent,  refractory  People. 
M'yl'd  Assembly  meets  the  20th;  Mr.  Sharpe  has  Hopes  y't 
they  will  do  something.  When  any  Acc'ts  of  Conseq'ce,  I  shall 
give  You  early  Notice  thereof.  I  hope  the  Packet  from  Eng., 
v't    I   I'.ru.r.r.l   You  lately,  came  safely  to  Y'r   Hands.     I   pray 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  489 

God  grant  us  Success  in  our  just  Designs  in  the  Defence  of  our 
Religion,  Liberties  and  Properties.  My  Wife  and  Girls  join  in 
Kind  Respects  to  You,  Son  and  Nephew,  and  I  am,  with  Sin- 
cerity and  great  Truth, 

Y'r  Ex's  most  obed't  humble  serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  THOMAS  WALKER. 

Feb'y  loth,  1755. 
Sir: 

I  rec'd  Y'r  Let'r  of  the  2d,  and  I  approve  of  Y'r  going 
agreeable  to  Gov'r  Sharpe's  or  S'r  J.  St.  Clair's  Order  for  the 
Purchase  of  Provis's.  I  have  wrote  for  600,000  [tt>s.]  w't  of 
Flour  to  Phila'a,  w'ch,  with  w't  You  may  purchase  here,  I  hope 
will  be  sufficient.  You  must  receive  Perkins's  Flour  at  the  N't 
hund'd,  w'ch  is  the  usual  Method  of  selling  in  this  Colony.  The 
badness  of  the  Roads,  w'ch  makes  all  the  Supplies  to  the  Camp 
come  dear,  must  be  submitted  to,  as  Y'r  Wants  must  be  supplied 
at  any  Charge.  I  am  sensible  the  many  Things  under  Y'r  In- 
spect'n  are  very  great ;  apply  to  Colo.  Innes,  and  see  if  he  can 
get  a  trusty  Person  to  help  You,  and  I  hope  in  a  short  Time  the 
Affairs  will  be  more  easy.  I  am  sorry  the  Waggon  proves  bad, 
and  the  Horses.  Gov'r  Sharpe,  now  here,  says  he  has  been  de- 
ceived in  them,  but  I  hope  the  three  Waggons  bro't  You  a  good 
Supply  of  Flour.     Calender  agreed  with  me  for  100  Horses,  40 

to  be  d d  at  the  Camp  the  Beginn'g  of  Feb'y,  each  with  200 

tt)s.  of  Flour ;  the  Flour  to  be  p'd  for  at  the  Curr't  Price,  and  the 
Horses  not  to  be  above  eight   Years'  old ;  the  other  60  to  be 

d d  the  Beginn'g  of  Mar.,  and  on  his  produc'g  a  Receipt,  I 

am  to  pay  him  hei'e.  I  have  his  obligat'n  to  the  above  Purport. 
I  have  and  always  had  a  good  opinion  of  Y'r  Capacity  and 
Probity,  and  I  desire  You  to  continue  in  doing  every  Tning  for 
the  good  of  the  Expedit'n.  Calender  has  a  Copy  of  the  Agreem't 
by  w'ch  You  will  see  he  was  to  d[elive]r  the  last  60  Horses  the 
first  day  of  March.  When  Mr.  Dick  writes  for  more  Money,  he 
shall  have  it.  I  sent  him  300^  last  Week.  I  wish  You  Health, 
and  am. 

Sir,  Y'r  very  h'ble  Serv't. 


490  OINWIDUIK    PAPERS. 

GOVKRXOR  DINWIDDli:  TO  COLONKI.  STKI'UKN. 

Feb'y  loth,  1755. 
Sir: 

I  rec'd  Y*r  Lct'r  of  the  6th  of  Fcb'y.     You  have  done  right 

in  scnd'jf  Oruillon  and  the  Fr.  Prisoners  to  Belhaven,  from 
ihcnce  I  shall  soon  send  them  to  a  more  convenient  I'lace.  The 
Recruits  at  F'ksb'jj  are  order'd  to  rem'n  till  (iov'r  Sharpe  review 
them,  w'ch  will  be  Tuesday  next.  I  am  surpriz'd  \'ou  have  so 
many  Deserters,  and  am  perswaded  they  do  not  want  for 
N'ictuals.  S'r  J.  St.  Clair  will  be  with  ^'ou  the  end  of  next 
Week,  w'n  he  will  review  them  all.  and  j^ive  proper  Orders  for 
Y'r  .March,  and  a  proper  Advertiscm't  shall  be  put  in  the  Papers 
after  You  cU*scribe  them.  The  .Soldiers,  while  in  Belhaven,  were 
guilty  of  many  Irrejjulariiies  in  pulling  down  the  Wainscot  of 
ihe  He,  and  leav'g  them  in  a  very  dirty  Condit'n,  and  w'n  so 
little  Care  was  taken,  I  am  not  surpriz'd  at  their  hidinij  their 
Arms  in  Corners.  After  Capt.  Stewart's  and  the  other  Recruits 
arc  rcview'd  and  projierly  bro't  into  the  Muster  Roll,  they  will 
be  p'd  at  pres'l.  I  cannot  think  there  can  be  so  much  due.  as 
Capt.  Stewart's  Com'o.  was  dated  the  ist  of  Nov'r,  and  he  p'd 
them  till  they  left  Petersburg,  but  let  them  know  after  [they  are] 
review'd,  iS:c..  they  shall  be  p'd  As  You  know,  the  end  of  this 
Mo.,  the  Pay  of  the  whole  will  be  due.  I  w'd  not  have  You 
engage  for  any  Beeves  to  be  d — d  at  the  Price  NOu  mcnt'n.  or 
to  advance  any  Money.  The  500;{'  I  advanc'd  to  Mr.  Perkins 
has  not  engag'd  him  to  a  tlue  Compliance  in  kirnish'g  the  Flour 
agreed  for.  I  expect  the  Clothing  very  soon.  As  to  w't  You 
arc  in  Advance,  it  mu.st  be  pass'd  the  Comitiee  before  \'ou  can 
be  p'd.  You  sh'd  write  .Mr.  Carlyle  to  know  w't  he  has  done 
with  the  Marni.ss  bclong'g  to  the  Sling  Cart.  I  can  .say  nothing 
[a.n)  to  the  Ballances  due  to  the  different  Compa's  till  I  receive 
Y'r  Acc't  Curr't  of  the  Money  I  sent  You,  w'ch  I  conceive,  with 
the  ioOj{'  sent  by  Capt.  Cocks,  and  iO')[;^J  p'd  by  Mr.  P'innie  at 
F'ksb'g,  was  sufftcient  to  pay  all  the  Dem'ds  to  the  end  of 
Dec'r.  Write  to  Gov'r  Sharpe  ab't  the  Contract  of  the  Catde, 
and  w't  he  directs  1  shall  comply  with,  as  all  the  Forces  rais'd 
are  under  his  Com'd.  I  am.  with  Respect, 
Y'r  Friend,  &c. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  491 

GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  THE  LORDS  OF  TRADE. 

Feb'y  12th,  1755. 
R't  Hon.: 

Inclosed  You  will  receive  a  Copy  of  my  last  of  the 
20th  Ult'o,  and  desire  to  be  referred  thereto  in  regard  to  a 
regulat'n  pray'd  for  in  respect  to  Provis's  carried  from  our 
Colonies  to  the  Fr.  Inclosed  I  send  a  true  State  of  this 
Colony  from  the  most  accurate  Observat's  and  Informat's  I 
c'd  have,  and  desire  to  refer  Y'r  L'ds.  thereto.  I  rec'd  an  In- 
struct'n  dated  the  i8th  Dec'r,  1753,  relating  to  the  Method  of 
grant' g  Apeals  in  this  Colony.  I  beg  leave  to  observe  to  Y'r 
L'ds.  y't  the  s'd  Instruct' n  does  not  seem  to  be  calculated  for 
the  Constitution  of  this  Dominion,  inasmuch  as  the  Inconveni's 
thereby  intended  to  be  remedied  c'd  never  have  happened 
here.  That  Instruct' n,  after  prescribing  the  Method  of  try'g 
Appeals  before  the  Gov'r  and  Council  by  a  Writ  of  Error, 
directs  y't  the  Gov'r  nor  any  of  the  Council,  who  shall  have 
given  Judgm't  in  the  first  Tryal,  shall  not  be  permitted  to  sit 
and  vote  at  the  Tryal  of  such  Appeals;  whereas,  by  the  Laws 
and  Constitution  of  this  Colony,  the  Gov'r  or  Com'd'r  in  Chief 
and  the  Council  never  sit  in  a  Judicial  Capacity,  but  in  the 
Gen'l  or  Supreme  Court,  from  whence  no  Appeal  lies,  but  to 
H.  M'y  in  his  Privy  Council.  This  Method  of  appealing  to 
H.  M'y  was  settled  by  a  former  Instruct'n  bearing  date  the 
23d  Day  of  Mar.,  1726;  and  thereby  the  Judges  of  the  Supreme 
Court  were  directed  to  admit  of  Appeals  in  all  Cases,  whether  in 
Law  or  Equity,  where  the  Matter  in  dispute  was  of  the  Value  of 
^300  St'g  ;  but  the  pres't  Instruct'n  has  not  extended  the  Sum 
to  ^500  St'g,  and  Sums  to  be  Confined  to  Suits  y't  have  been 
depend'g  in  Courts  of  Comon  Law,  and  w'ch  have  primarily 
been  determin'd  by  the  Gov'r  and  some  of  the  Council,  and 
afterwards  come  before  them  by  Appeal.  From  the  lower 
Courts  Appeals  are  allowed  to  the  Gen'l  Court  in  all  Cases, 
both  of  Law  and  Equity,  where  the  Matter  in  Dispute  is  of 
the  Value  of  ^^lo  ;  as  also  by  an  Act  of  Assembly  entitled  An 
Act  for  reduc'g  the  several  Laws  made  for  establish'g  the  Gen'l 
Court  and  for  regulat'g  and  settl'g  the  Proceed'gs  therein  into 
one  Act  of  Assembly.  The  same  Direct' s  are  given  with  re- 
gard to  receiv'g  Appeals  from    the  inferior  Courts  of   Record. 


4tf2  t>IN\VII>DI£    l>AI>KKS. 

It  IS  further  to  be  ob»er\cd  y't  H.  My  repealed  by  His  Order 

\.  an  Act   i^assitl  in   174S  for  rej^ulat'^j  and  seltl'g  the 

■'.^9    in    the  (ienl    Court    upon  a    kepicscnlatn    from 

l.'ds   y'l  the  s'd   Law  did   prohibit   Ap|>eals  to  the  Gen'l 

I  *  not  excceti'ji     /^lo,   w'ch,    by    former    Laws, 

«  .  ivl  wch.  therefore.   V'r    L'di.  tho't  nu^hi  be 

attended    with    great    Inconveniences    and    detrimental    to    His 

M'y"»  trad'^j  .Sul>jects  here. 

The  Council  Ix'injj  swore  as  Judjjcs  of  the  Gen'l  Court  to 
the  Olwervance  of  the  forcmention'd  Acts  of  Assembly,  ratified 
by  His  M'y,  they  conceive  they  are  accordinj^ly  confined  to 
them,  unless  tho't  proper  to  repeal  the  former  Acts  by  a  new 
One.  wch  is  Submitted  to  V'r  Lds.  I  also  have  rec'd  two 
other  New  Instructs,  one  in  regard  to  Hxcha.  on  Bills  of 
Kxcha.  or  British  Debts.  The  other  is  H.  M'y's  generous 
Inilulvjcnce  and  Ilnc«)urav(cmenl  to  the  .Subjects  settP^  on  his 
l^dnds  behind  the  Mount's.  Both  these  Instructs  shall  be  duly 
obey'd  and  put  in  force.  I  also  send  by  this  Opp'ty,  in  a 
small  Box.  seven  Acts  of  Assembly  and  the  Journals  of  the  Ho. 
of  Burgesses,  endg  the  2d  of  Novr  last.  As  there  are  none 
of  these  Acts,  of  any  extraordinary  Nature,  I  hope  they  will 
meet  with  H.  M'y's  .Sanct'n.  I  have  been  fully  engag'd  in 
prepar'g  Pr«)vis's.  «S:c.,  for  the  Recept'n  of  the  Forces  from 
Ircl'd  y't  H.  .My  has  been  graciously  pleased  to  order  to 
our  A.ssist'ce  to  drive  the  Fr.  from  H.  M'y's  Lands,  and  I  am 
in  great  Hopes  y't  the  next  Sumers  Campaign  will  rid 
us  of  these  disagreeable  Neighbours.  The  Colonies  to  the 
^'  v'd  have  been  very  refractory,  and  have  not  given  due 
iience  to  H.  M'y's  Com'ds.  particularly  Pcnsylva'a,  an 
unhappy  DitTerence  subsist'g  between  the  Gov'r  and  Assem- 
bly. The  latter  makes  use  thereof  in  not  granl'g  a  mutual  Sup- 
ply. Iwit  no  doubt  (iov'r  Morris  writes  \"r  Lds.  fully  thereon. 
VVr  daily  ex|>ect  the  Forces,  and  I  heartily  wish  they  were  here, 
Av  the  Fr.  on  the  Ohio  declare  their  Kxpectat'ns  of  great  Rein- 
it  'm'ls  from  France.  Y'r  Let'r  of  the  2d  of  July  recomend'g 
!   to  be   reinstated   in    his   ( )ffice,  and   the  Reasons 

'  ■   ,  -    tj-ed  to  assign  for  y't  are  so  very  Just  and  good,  y't  I 

beg  leave  to  acquaint  You  y't  he  has  strongly  acknowledged  his 
T  '    ..g  his  Office  witht  IL  M'y's  leave,  and  has  assured 

I  i  ■  t  »  y't  he  will,  for  the  Future,  be  very  diligent  in  his 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  493 

Office  for  H.  M'y's  Service,  and  behave  with  all  due  Respect  and 
Regard  to  me.  I  have,  thereupon,  reinstated  him  in  his  Office  of 
Att'y-Gen'l,  and  pray  Y'r  L'ds.  Warr't  to  be  laid  before  H.  M'y 
for  his  Royal  Signature,  and  Mr.  Abercombie,  our  Agent,  will 
wait  on  Y'r  L'ds.  for  the  same.  Hav'g  nothing  further  to  trouble 
Y'r  L'ds,  with  but  to  assure  You  I  rem'n  with  great  Deference 
and  due  respect, 

R't  Hon.,  Y'r  L'd's  faithful  and  ob't  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  SIR  THOMAS  ROBINSON. 

Feb'y  12th,  [1755]. 
R't  Hon'ble  : 

Inclosed  You  have  Copy  of  my  last  Let'r  of  the 
20th  Ult'o.  Since  y't,  S'r  J.  St.  Clair  ret'd  from  the  Camp  at  W. 
Creek,  with  him  Gov'r  Sharpe,  and  every  Thing  there  is  in  good 
Order,  but  the  Situat'n  of  the  Fort  S'r  Jno.  complains  of,  and 
thinks  it  w'd  have  been  better  about  30  Miles  further.  However, 
as  it  is  finish' d,  it  will  answer  the  collect' g  of  our  Forces  till  the 
Reinforcem't  from  Irel'd  arrives,  w'ch  I  earnesdy  wish  for,  and 
daily  expect.  I  have  and  shall  do  all  in  my  Power  to  lay  in  w't 
Provis's  I  possibly  can  purchase  for  the  Use  of  the  Expedit'n, 
and  I  hope  some  Measures  will  be  concerted  to  prevent  the  Sup- 
plies of  the  Fr.  from  our  Colonies,  as  mention' d  in  my  former 
Let'r.  Copy  thereof  You  have  herewith.  The  Assembly  of 
Pennsylvania  is  adjourned  with't  grant'g  any  Supplies.  An 
unhappy  Difference  between  the  Gov'r  and  them  subsisted.  The 
Gov'r  it  seems,  w'd  not  pass  their  vote  for  20,000 ;^,  being  con- 
trary to  Instruct's.  It's  a  Pity  y't  this  sh'd  be  the  Case  at  this 
Time,  w'n  Supplies  are  so  much  wanted,  and  indeed  I  fear  the 
Colonies  will  not  be  perswaded  to  grant  mutual  Supplies  but  by 
a  B.  Act  of  Parliam't,  laying  a  general  Tax  on  the  Whole.  At 
present,  with't  Supplies  of  Money  or  Credit,  I  dread  we  shall 
be  strait'ned  in  conduct'g  this  necessary  Expedit'n.  If  Mo'y 
sh'd  be  sent,  may  it  not  be  replac'd  from  y't  Gen'l  Tax?  I 
rec'd  H.   M'y's  Warr't  for  replac'g  the  former  Advance   sent 


4l>4  UlNWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

mc  Irom  ihe  as.  V  H'h'd.  I  sent  for  the  Rec'r  Gen'l""  and  the 
.,il.  !l«  '  '  'it  was  not  in  his  Power  tostrike  the  Balla, 
:  Kcvcnu  I.  but  in  Ap'l  he  w'd  be  reatly.  and  then  be 

assur'd  1  shall  give  due  Obcd'cc  to  H.  M  y's  Com'ds.  Lnclosed  I 
^  I  You  a  Copy  of  the  Minute  of  Council  on  y't  Affair,  and 
<  the  Delay  «»f  2  Mos.  will  not  l>e  charyjd  to  me,  as  I  shall 
at  all  Times  be  ready  in  comply'g  with  such  Orders  as  I  may 
r,-  r-ive  from  Time  to  Time,  y't  can  possibly  be  put  in  Execution. 
;  'setl  I  send  You  the  Informal' n  of  a  Deserter  from  the  Ir., 
Rivrnj^  Acc't  of  their  Forces  from  (Juebeck  to  the  Fort  built  last 
Year  on  the  Ohio,  w'ch  is  iho't  here  to  be  very  genuine  and  true, 
but  they  still  expect  great  reinforcements  from  P>. ;  however,  if 
the  two  Regim'ts  and  the  Ordnance  Stores  arrive  soon,  I  am  in 
great  Hopes  y't  we  shall  be  able  to  do  all  y't  may  be  expected, 
and  proper  Dispositions  are  made  for  march' g  and  quarter' g  the 
Troops  w'n  they  arrive.  The  Fr.  are  extremely  earnest  in  col- 
lecting numbs  of  Ind's  of  ditVercnt  Tribes  even  to  the  Westw'd 
of  Mississippi,  they  threaten  to  attack  our  Fort  at  W.  Creek,  but 
I  will  be  properly  on  their  Guard,  and  rem'n 

<  A  our  Troops  arrive.     Inclosed  I  send  \'ou  the 

Draft  of  the  Fort  and  Barracks,  w'ch  is  named  Cumberl'd  Fort.*** 
St  I  no.  .St.  Clair,  who  is  an  indefatigable  Gent,  in  his  Duty,  pro- 
l"-<<^  the  hav'g  a  No.  of  Croats  to  be  sent  here,  the  Reasons  he 
assigns,  and  the  Character  he  gives  of  those  People  are  very 
strong,  but  I  beg  to  be  referred  to  his  own  Let'r  w'ch  he  writes 
You  by  this  Opp'ty,  on  y't  Subject.  As  I  have  nothing  further 
to  trouble  Y'r  Ex'y  with,  but  y't  I  rcin'n.  with  great  deference 
and  due  respects, 

R  t  Hon.,  &c. 

P.  S. — Sir:  I  Omitted  to  acquaint  \'ou  that  I  wrote  Mr.  Glen, 
Gov't  of  So.  Car.,  the  Necessity  and  usefulness  of  suppori'g  a 


■  i  Richard  Corbin,  of  "I-aneville."  KinR  and  yueen 

in,  and  grandson  of  Henry  Corbin,  of  "  Hall  End," 

i.ind.   who  emigrated    to   Middlesex   county,   Va., 

■'    ro  January  8,  1675.  i  \nn\\  in  1708;  County-Lieu- 

'  nt  of  the  Council,  and  it  was  through  his  in- 

|Hiinted   I.ieutenant-Coioncl   in   1754; 

hn  Tayloe,  of  "  Mt.  Air>',"  Richmond 

1  'like  of  Cuinl»erlan(l. 


1 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  495 

good  Understand'g  and  F'dship  with  the  different  Tribes  of 
Ind's  in  our  Int't,  particularly  the  Catawbas  and  Cherokees,  and 
the  building  a  Fort  in  the  upper  Cherokee  Co' try,  for  w'ch  Ser- 
vice I  am  ordered  from  Home  to  advise  with  and  assist  him. 
He  answer' d  my  Let'r  and  sent  me  a  Calculat'n  for  building  s'd 
Fort,  amo'g  to  ^6,484  15s.  St'g  and  desired  me  to  remit  him 
7,000^  in  Bills  of  Excha.  out  of  the  10,001^  Credit  I  have  leave 
to  draw  for;  in  the  above  Calculat'n  he  charg'd  the  expence  of 
300  Men  to  be  employ' d  in  y't  Service.  S'r  Jno.  St.  Clair  being 
here  as  O'r  M'r  Gen'l  to  the  Expedit'n,  I  showed  him  his 
Let'r  and  he  s'd  he  did  not  know  w't  he  meant  by  employing 
300  Men,  as  it  was  to  be  built  among  our  f'dly  Ind's,  and  he 
believed  by  proper  Oeconomy  it  might  be  built  for  j^d  of  the 
Money.  I  call'd  the  Council  to  advise  on  this  Affair,  and  they 
tho't  his  Dem'd  was  very  extravagant  and  unreasonable,  as  he 
must  know  the  great  Dem'ds  there  is  on  me  for  Money  for  the 
Expedit'n,  but  y't  he  may  see  my  Readiness  to  obey  Orders 
from  Home,  they  advised  me  to  send  1,000^  5t'g,  w'ch  I  did 
by  Bill  on  Mr.  J.  Hanbury,  and  I  think  the  Colony  of  So.  Car. 
sh'd  furnish  the  rest,  as  they  have  not  contributed  one  Farth'g 
for   the   Expedit'n,  and  I   hope  this  Step  will    be  approved  at 

Home. 

I  am,  &c., 

P.  S. — Mr,  Abercrombie  is  appointed  by  the  Council,  Agent 
for  this  Dom'n,  and  I  hope  his  Conduct  will  meet  with  Y'r 
Approbat'n. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  THE  EARL  OF  HALIFAX. 

Feb'y  12th,  1755. 
R't  Hon.: 

Hav'g  the  Opp'ty  of  His  Maj'y  Ship  Gibraltar,  C't 

Spray,  I  c'd  not  shun  pay'g  my  dutiful  Respects  to  You.  We 
are  in  daily  Expectat'n  of  the  Arrival  of  the  two  Regim'ts  from 
Ireland  His  M'y  was  graciously  pleased  to  order  to  our 
Assist' ce  ag'st  the  Fr.  on  the  Ohio,  and  I  have  been  greatly  en- 
gag' d  in  provid'g  Provis's  and  other  Requisites  for  their  Re- 
cept'n,  and  have  continued  in  enlisting  Recruits  for  the  Service, 


496  DINWIDPIE    PAPERS. 

Our  No.  now  is  800  Men  or  upwards,  but  we  arc  very  ill  assisted 
by  •Hir  ;  '  '  I'jj  Ctilonies,  none  ol  them  have  as  yet  {i^ranted 
j»r..|Kf  N«>.   Car.    Assfinbly   luis    voted   /^5,ooo.  and 

Mr  I»«>bl»  writes  me  he  will  send  here  a  Co'y  and  a  ^u'ty  of 
rrovi"*  s.  .M  yld  has  voiwi  6,000/^.  antl  the  Gov'r  proposes  2 
Comfta's.  Pinsylvania  Assembly,  by  an  unhappy  Difference 
with  their  (iov'r.  is  broke  up  with't  do'j^  any  Thinjj.  and  indeed 
witht  a  Supply  of  Moy  from  Home  I  dread  the  Conseq'ce  of 
Paying  and  maintain');  the  Forces,  or  can  I  now  think  we  can 
h.ivc  any  I)e|K-ndence  on  the  Asseml)lics  ol  the  different  Colonies 
with't  a  B.  Act  ol  Parliam't  to  raise  a  jjenl  Tax  on  all  his  M'y's 
Subjects  on  this  Contt.  I  enclose  Vou  a  Copy  of  an  Informal' n 
from  a  Fr.  Deserter,  wch  is  here  esteem"  d  j;<nuine  and  true,  by 
w'ch  You  will  please  to  observe  the  No.  of  Men  and  Forts  from 
Canada  to  Mononjjahela,  but  the  Fr.  say  y't  they  expect  great 
Reinff>rcem'Ls  from  Fr..  and  y't  they  are  collect'jj  all  the  Ind's 
ihey  can.  even  to  the  Westw'd  of  Mississippi,  and  learning 
them  the  Art  of  War.  However,  if  they  sh'd  see  our  Regulars 
ap)>car  with  some  Coehorns  in  the  Aid,  I  dare  say  many  of 
the  Ind's  will  leave  them  ;  but  the  Delay  of  our  Troops  gives 
me  much  L'neasiness,  as  I  wish  they  c'd  be  the  other  Side 
of  the  Allej^any  Mount's  the  latter  Knd  of  Mar.  or  Begin- 
ing  of  Apr.  If  we  sh'd  be  so  happy  as  to  destroy  Fort 
at  the  Ohio,  proceed  up  y't  River  to  Lake  Erie,  de- 
stroy'g  the  Forts  in  the  Way.  get  to  our  Fort  Oswego,  and 
to  be  joined  by  the  two  Re^^im'is.  rais'g  in  N.  Kng..  attack 
their  Strong  Fort  at  Crown  Point,  w'd  be  doing  Business,  and 
no  more  than  tak'g  Pos.sess'n  of  the  Lands  ceded  to  us  by 
the  Treaty  of  Utrich.  But  w'n  Gen'l  Braddock  arrives,  I 
•t  but  th«-  Operat's  for  the  Sumer's  Campaign  will  be 
;  ,  :  .  consulted,  and  our  Military  Operat's  in  belter  Order 
than  has  been  hitherto  conducietl  here  from  the  want  of  Per- 
sons of  Knowledvje  and  Inderslandg  in  these  Affairs.  I  much 
want  to  know  if  any  Thing  is  done  in  regard  to  the  Union 
of  the  Colonies.  The  Scheme  from  Albany  on  y't  head  is  by 
il>le  to  our  People,  and  I  dare  not  give  my 
as  I  hear  it  lies  with  his  M'y  in  Council; 
but  It  will  be  very  agreeable  if  any  Thing  can  be  done  to 
bring  the  wr  '  ,.led  People  in  this  Part  of  the  World 
to  a  pro(>cr  >ad'gof  their  prest  Danger,  and  to  rouse 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  497 

an  Emulat'n  among  them  for  their  Safety  in  rais'g  proper 
Supplies  for  defeat'g  the  Designs  of  the  Com'n  Enemy.  I 
hope  Y'r  L'ds.  will  excuse  this  Long  Let'r,  but  cann't  leave 
off  vvith't  assur'g  You  y't  I  am  With  great  Deference  and 
due    Respect, 

R't  Hon.,  Y'r  L'd's  most  obed't  humble  Servant. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  LORD  ALBEMARLE. 

Feb'y  12th,   1755. 
R't  Hon.: 

I  have  the  Hon'r  of  Y'r  Let'r  from  Paris  of  the  i6th 
Sept'r.  The  Skermish  between  the  English  Forces  and  those  of 
Fr.  is  very  unjustly  reported  with  You,  The  State  of  y't  Affair 
is  this :  Our  Second  Detachment,  y't  went  over  the  Allegany 
Mount's  to  support  those  y't  were  ordered  by  me  to  build  a  Fort 
by  H.  M'y's  Com'ds  on  the  River  Ohio,  had  notice  on  y'r  March 
y't  a  No.  of  the  Fr.  came  down  the  River  Ohio,  surpriz'd  our 
People  y't  were  building  y't  Fort,  and  from  the  Superiority  of 
their  Numb's,  they  oblig'd  them  to  give  up  the  Fort,  and  March 
off.  This  may  justly  be  deem'd  the  first  Breach.  Colo.  Wash- 
ington, on  hear'g  this,  encamp'd  his  Men  in  the  Meadows,  about 
fifty  Miles  distant  from  the  above  Fort.     One  of  our  f'dly  Ind's 

sent  him  Notice  y't  a  No.  of  F h  had  been  seen  two  or  three 

Days  reconoit'g  their  Camp,  and  if  he,  with  a  Detachm't,  w'd 
come  to  him,  he  w'd  let  them  know  where  the  Party  of  Fr.  were 
encamp'd.  He  accordingly  march'd  with  35  Men,  march'g  all 
Night,  and  about  9  o'Clock  in  the  Morn'g  they  came  within  200 
y'ds  of  the  Fr,  w'n  the  Fr.,  on  Sight  of  our  Men,  imediately  flew 
to  their  Arms.  The  Ind's  y't  were  with  us  began  the  Act'n,  and 
after  two  or  3  Fires  the  Fr.  were  worsted,  ab't  12  killed,  and  the 
others  taken  Prisoners.  Among  the  killed  was  Mons'r  Jumon- 
ville.  It's  true  the  Prisoners  s'd  they  were  come  on  an  Embassy 
from  their  Fort,  but  Y'r  L'ds.  knows  y't  Ambassadors  do  not 
come  with  such  an  arm'd  Force,  with't  a  Trumpet  or  any  other 
Sign  of  Friendship,  or  can  it  be  tho't  they  were  on  an  Embassy, 
by   stay'g  so   long   reconoitreing  our   Small    Camp,  but   more 


496  DINWIUIME    PAPERS. 

probable  y't  ihcy  cx|>cctcd  a  RcinforcciDt  from  the  Fort  to  cut 
ihcin  all  off  It's  true  in  the  Capilulat'n.  after  they  niake  use  of 
the  A-vvuttinat'n.  but  Wajihinj^ttin  not  know'^  [tl)ej  Fr.  was  de- 
ccivcil  by  the  Interpreter.***  If  he  had  not,  he  declares  y't  he 
w'd  not  have  ajjreed  to  it.  tho'  then  in  grcii  .Straits.  The  Inter- 
preter was  a  Poltroon,  and  tho'  an  Officer  with  us,  they  say  he 
has  joined  with  the  Fr.  This  is  the  Truth,  reported  by  two  of 
irrd  on  their  Mon'r.  \Vc  are  in  daily  F,x- 
;  .  rin't  from    H,  w'n   I   hope  our  AfTairs  will 

be  conducted  with  more  Military  Knowledj^e  than  hitherto.  We 
have  S'r  Jno.  St  Clair  now  here,  who  is  an  indifati^aljje  ^ood 
Officer  V'r  Lds.  interceed'^  in  behalf  of  Mr.  Randolph's 
being  reinstated  in  his  former  C^fhce,  has  had  a  proper  influence 
on  me.  and  accordin^j  to  Y'r  Desire,  w'ch  I  can  by  no  means 
withstand.  I  have  replacetl  him  in  his  Ortice.  I  |)resume  S'r  Jno. 
St.  Clair  writes  You,  to  whom  I  desire  You  to  be  referred,  and 
?■'-.-  •  --sure  You,  I  am,  with  j^'reat  Deference  and  due  Respects, 
Y'r  L'ds  most  ob'd'l  humble  Servant. 


.■1  .WW,  I.     iw  .^i:CRi:T.\in    HKNRV  FOX. 

Fcby   1 2th,   1755. 
R'T  Hon.: 

1  reed  Y'rs  of  the  27th  of  Sept'r.  and  w't  is  therein 
Rank  of  the  Ofticers,  it  shall  be  duly  observed 
1  to  all  the  ofticers  concern'd.     The  N.  ^'ork 
Comp')*»  were  extremely  bad,  but  I  l>eg  to  refer  you  to  S'r  John 
St  Gair,  who  writes  You  now  thereon.     The  Orders  I  had   re- 
lat'g  to  the  In't  Companies,  were  Irom  the  Sec'ry  of  Slate,  and  I 
am  sorry  it  was  not  communicated  to  You;  and  if  they  under- 
'  •'••    ^'"'try  was  to  ^ive  them  the  necessary  Supplies,  they 
11.  for  on  my  Applicai'n  to  our  A.sscmbly,  they  abso- 
lutely reiused.     Copy  of  my  Applicat'n  and  their  Resolve  I  have 
transmitted  home.     They  c'd   not   proceed  on   Act'n  or  rem'n 
here  with't  these  necessjiry  Supplies  and  Provis's,  w'ch  they  had 

'  »  liii.i.i  :;nte  an/r  p.  $1. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  499 

from  me.  And  as  H.  M'y  was  graciously  pleased  to  send  out 
Money  for  the  Service,  I  hope  my  charg'g  the  Supplies  given 
them  will  be  allow' d  in  my  Acc't  on  disburs'g  y't  Money.  We 
are  in  daily  Expectat'n  of  the  two  Regim'ts  from  Irel'd,  and  the 
Ordnance  Stores  w'ch  w'n  here  gives  me  Sanguine  Hopes  y't  we 
shall  be  able  to  drive  the  Fr.  from  His  M'y's  Lands. 

I  rem'n  with  great  Deference  and  due  respects, 
R't  Hon.,  Y'r  most  humble  servant. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  CAPTAIN  LEWIS. 

Feb'y  12th,  1755. 
Sir: 

I  rec'd  Y'r  Let'r  of  the  i6th  Jan'y  from  Y'r  Ensign, 
Mr.  Wright.  I  did  send  up  to  Capt.  Stephens  near  i,20o[^], 
to  pay  the  different  Compa's,  and  I  had  no  doubt  but  You 
was  included ;  however,  I  cannot  pay  You  up  to  the  Time 
You  mention,  till  Mr.  Stephens  settles  his  Acc't.  I  have 
sent  by  Mr.  Wright  250^,  [^'jisg  13s.  for  the  Provis's,  and 
the  Remainder  tow'ds  Y'r  Compa's  Pay;  and  the  Balla.  y't  may 
be  due,  w'n  you  send  a  proper  Muster  Roll  Sign'd  by  Y'r 
Officers,  must  be  paid.  I  now  order  You  to  leave  the  En- 
sign, a  Serj't,  or  Corporal,  and  18  private  Men  at  the  Fort 
You  have  built,  and  with  the  rest  of  Y'r  Compa.  You  are 
to  march  imediately  for  Winchester,  and  there  rem'n  till  You 
have  further  Orders.  Mr.  Long  is  to  march  with  You  to 
Winch' r,  and  he  will  be  p'd  for  his  Service.  I  desire  [you] 
in  Y'r  Acc'ts  to  Charge  5^^  for  Mr.  Wright's  Exp's  in 
Coming  here  for  the  Money.  If  you  can  'hst  Some  Stout 
young  Men  y't  will  march  with  You  to  Winchester,  they 
shall,  after  Review,  be  rec'd  into  the  Service,  and  be  p'd 
their  enlisting  Money.     I   am, 

Sir,  Y'r  Friend,  &c. 


500  DINWIDUIE    PAPERS. 

KNOR  niNWIDDIE  TO  ENSIGN  WILLIAM  URICiHT. 

Ftby   I2lh.   1755. 

Sir 

I    have   (•rtlcreti   Capt.    Lewis    lo    leave   You    a    Corporal 

or  Serjeant  and  i«  private  Men  at  the  Fort  You  lately 
built  You  are  to  keep  a  good  Look  out.  if  You  see  any 
Numl)cr  of  Fr.  or  Iiuis  u|K)n  our  Frontiers,  and  endeavour 
to  l>e  exact  in  Y'r  Duty  in  makg  short  Marches  from  Y'r 
Fort  to  make  Discoveries,  and  apply  to  Colo.  Patton  to  have 
■  his  Militia  ready  at  an  Hour's  warning,  in  Case  You 
;  any  large  Parties  Comg  to  disturb  our  Frontiers. 
I  herewith  give  you  £20  to  buy  Provis's  for  Y'r  People, 
and  You  are  to  rem'n  there  till  further  Orders  from  mc  or  some 
other  Comd'g  Orticer. 

I  am,  Sr,  Y'r  Friend,  &c. 


GOVER.NOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  GOVERNOR  SH,\RPE. 

14th  Feb'y,  1755. 
Sir: 

The  D.4,  ...u.  . .  vi  left  this  I  rec'd  a  Lel'r  from  Capt. 
Stephens,  acquaint'g  mc  y't  next  Day  he  was  to  march  for  W. 
Creek  with  the  Men  at  Winchr,  w'ch  gives  S'r  Jno.  St.  Clair 
much  Concern  for  the  Reasons  assigned  when  you  was  here. 
This  Meiisenger  is  sent  by  S'r  Jno.  to  the  Gov'r  of  Pensylva.  for 
a    I  '•  ■    his   Colony,    and    to   desire   a  Road    may  be 

ope:  I.  to  the  Allegany  Mo'ts.     The  Messenger  has 

my  Orders  to  call  on  You  in   his  Return,  w'n  1  hope  You  will  be 
able  to  write  me  \  of  the  Supplies  from  Y'r  Assembly 

and  Y'r  Review  .  n  at  Fr'ksbg  and  Alexa'a.     S'r  Jno. 

went  this  Morn'g  to  Hampt'n  with  his  Dispatches  for  England. 
■  S   W..  I  w'd  gladly  expect  y't   he  will,  on  his 
'A  thr  .Arrival  of  t)ic  Men  of  War  and  Trans- 
ports. 

I  rem'n  with  very  >;MMt  Ki^prc  t  and  in  Truth. 

Y'r  Ex's  most  ob'dl  humble  scrv'L 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  501 

GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  GOVERNOR  MORRIS. 

Feb'y   15th,  1755. 
Sir  : 

Inclosed  I  send  You  a   Let'r  from  S'r  Jno.  St.  Clair  to 

w'ch  I  desire  to  be  referred,  he  is  a  very  diligent,  good  Officer, 
and  has  been  very  much  engaged  ever  since  the  Arrival  in  view- 
ing our  Colony,  and  preparing  every  Thing  for  the  Recept'n 
of  the  Troops  (w'ch  we  daily  expect)  and  for  their  March  to 
the  Camp  at  W.  Creek.  I  wrote  You  the  14th  Ulto.  to  w'ch  I 
expected  your  Answer  before  this,  but  Mr.  Peters'®*^  wrote  me 
y't  You  was  so  hurried  You  c'd  not  write  by  Mr.  Pitcher.'*"  I 
am  heartily  sorry  for  the  Conduct  of  Y'r  Ho.  of  Assembly,  they 
appear  to  me  to  catch  at  any  Thing  rather  than  comply  with  his 
M'y's  Com'ds  or  the  pres't  Situat'n  of  our  Affairs  in  grant' g  a 
Supply  for  conduct' g  y's  necessary  Expedition,  on  the  Success 
thereof,  their  Lives,  Fortunes  and  Liberties  depend.  My  former 
Let'r  was  to  desire  the  Purchase  of  600,000  w't  of  Flour  to  be 
d — d  at  the  Magazine  at  W.  Creek;  as  I  have  the  Expedit'n 
much  at  Heart  I  have  a  thorow  Dependence  on  that  Supply 
from  y'r  Province,  and  as  Y'r  People  have  not  granted  You  any 
Money,  I  propose  pay'g  for  the  above  in  Bills  of  Excha.  rather 
y'n  any  Disappointm't  sh'd  happen.  I  wrote  Mr.  Allen  on  the 
same  Subject  and  I  hope  for  an  agreeable  Answer  by  return  of 
this  Express,  w'ch  S'r  Jno.  St.  Clair  sends  on  purpose  to  know 
the  Situat'n  of  Y'r  Province  and  y't  a  Road  may  be  opened  to 
the  Allegany  Mount's  thro'  Y'r  City,  but  I  refer  You  to  his  Let- 
ter, and  desire  to  assure  You  y't  I  am,  with  great  Respect, 
Y'r  Hon'r's  most  h'ble  Serv't. 


265  Richard  Peters,  D.  D.,  born  at  Liverpool,  England,  in  1704;  died 
at  Philadelphia,  July  10,  1776 ;  came  to  America  in  1735  ;  pastor  of  Christ 
Church,  Pliiladelphia,  1735-7;  appointed  Secretary  to  the  Proprietary, 
October  26,  1737;  provincial  Secretary  February,  1743,  and  clerk  of 
the  Council,  May,  1749;  a  member  of  tlie  Council,  January,  1762.  Re- 
signed his  civil  offices  December,  1762,  and  was  rector  of  St.  Peter's 
Church  until  September,  1775.  He  published  a  "Sermon  on  Flduca- 
tion,"  1751. 

**®In  Pennsylva7iia  Archives^  ii,  pp  249-50,  there  is  a  letter  from  Gov- 
ernor Morris  to  Sir  Thomas  Robinson,  dated  January  30,  1755,  which 
was  "  Sent  by  Mr.  Pitcher  to  be  put  on  board  the  Gibraltar,  Captain 
Spry,  at  Virginia,  January  31." 


W2  DINWIDUIE   PAPERS. 

GUVKKNOK   I)IN\\n»l>Il.    lU  WILLIAM   ALLL.N.  Lby  K. 

Fcb'y  15th.  1755. 
Sir 

vioic  You  ihc  14th  rito.,  to  desire  Yr  favo.  to  purchase 
,...,.  . .  w'l  ul  Flour  to  Ixr  del  at  our  Ma)(azinc,  at  \V.  Creek,  to 
w'ch  I  am  not  favo'd  with  \'r  Answer.  As  the  Supply  of  the 
Trtx>ps  now  there  and  th«»sc  c'Xpccte<I  from  IreI'd  greatly  de- 
pcnib  on  yt  Supfily,  I  therefore  pray  Yr  Care  to  make  the 
Purchase,  the  Amo.  thereof  shall  be  p'd  by  Bills  of  Excha.,  as 
You  may  direct.  As  I  find  Y'r  .Assembly  will  not  jjrant  any 
Supply,  S'r  J  no.  St.  Clair.  (J'r  .Mr  (ien'l  of  the  Forces  now 
here,  »a>'9  y't  he  orderctl  Mr.  Walker,  one  of  our  Comissaries, 
from  W.  Creek  to  Yr  City  to  purchase  200,000  w't  of  Flour. 
Pray  send  for  him  and  consult  the  (Ju'ty  y't  can  be  imedialely 
carried  there,  as  we  daily  exj>ect  the  Forces.  I  w'd  ho|>e  they 
will  be  on  their  March  over  the  Ajlej^any  Mount's  the  end  of 
next  Mo..  Mi  You  may  observe  no  Time  is  to  [be]  lost  in  pro- 
viding the  necessary  .Supplies  of  Provis's.  I  have  laid  in  a  large 
Ou'ty  of  Pork  and  Heel.  I  am  heartily  sorry  to  observe  the 
lethargic  Indolence  of  Y'r  People,  and  their  Supinencss  in  not 
granting  suitable  Aid  in  the  Time  of  so  much  apparent  Danger, 
when  the  Knemy  is  at  our  Doors  threat'g  us  with  Destruct'n.  I 
have  been  greatly  fatigued  from  the  Heginn'g  of  this  Expedit'n, 
but  the  prospect  we  now  have  of  defcat'g  the  malicious  machina- 
tions of  the  Com'n  Knemy  rai.ses  my  Spirits,  yet  with't  a  mutual 
Assist'ce  of  all  the  Colonies,  I  dread  M.  M'y's  fraternal  Care  and 
jice  for  our  I'rescrval'n  will  prove  abortive,  if 
,  liie   ditfercnt    Colonies   cannot  be   roused    with 

Kmulat'n  and  .Spirit  to  their  own  Prcscrvat'n.  Pray  tender  my 
kin"  Mr.  Mamilton,  and   I  wish  N'oii  w'd  freely  com - 

un.  ,       on  of  the  (Jperal's   now  in   Hand.     Excuse  my 

Freedom  and  Ixriieve  me  to  be,  with  very  great  Respect, 
Worthy  Sir. 

^"r  mnst  ob'tl't  humble  servant. 

Since  writ'g  th^    :    1   rccd.  this  Minute,  Y'rs  of  the  4lh  of 

Feb'ry.  and  I  am  obliged  for  the  Trouble  of  writ'g  to  the  back 
Co'try,  and  if  Flour  can  be  purchased  there  and  carried  to  W. 
Creek,  v'l  will  be  tlir  most  iliv,'ii«lr   Mithod,  for   we  can  send 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  503 

none  by  Water  above  Falls  of  Poto.;  the  Falls  of  Shannando, 
are  in  our  way  y't  we  cannot  possibly  send  any  y't  way,  and  as 
the  Urgency  of  Affairs  is  such  we  must  not  trust  to  uncertainties, 
and  therefore  must  submit  to  the  Farmer's  and  Miller's  Prices. 
Every  bl.  of  Pork  from  Alexa'a  to  the  Camp,  stands  near  20s. 
for  the  Carriage  thereof,  by  w'ch  You  may  observe  y't  Y'r  Pro- 
posal from  Y'r  Town,  or  the  head  of  the  Bay  w'd  be  attended 
with  monstrous  Exp's.  As  Mr.  Walker,  one  of  the  Comiss's, 
will  be  with  You,  pray  direct  the  Advertisem'ts  You  propose, 
w'ch  may  be  of  great  Service,  and  he  can  do  it  on  his  Ret'n  to 
the  Camp.  And  as  I  am  an  entire  Stranger  to  Y'r  back  Co" try, 
I  earnestly  desire  Y'r  Direction  therein.  I  have  not  rec'd  any 
Let'r  from  Y'r  Gov'r.  Cash  is  so  scarce  here  y't  I  have  been 
obliged  to  send  2,ooo[;^]  Bills  to  Y'r  Place  to  change  into  Cash, 
to  answer  the  pres't  Calls;  but  if  it  suits  you,  and  You  give  me 
Direct' s  by  return  of  this  Express,  I  will  send  You  Bills  of 
Excha.  or  remit  them  from  this  to  Y'r  Fr'd  in  Londo.,  and 
shall  accordingly  wait  Y'r  direct' n.  I  shall  answer  y't  Part  of 
Y'r  Let'r  in  regard  to  Beef  after  the  Forces  arrive  here.  I  shall 
be  glad  of  Y'r  earnest  Endeavours  to  procure  the  Supply  of 
Flour  in  the  most  certain  and  quickest  Method  to  be  d'd  at  W. 
Creek,  and  I  am  with  very  great  Respect, 

Sir,  Y'r  most  obed't  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  THOMAS  WALKER. 

Feb'y  15th,  1755. 
Sir: 

Gov'r  Sharpe  and  S'r  J.  St.  Clair  inform'g  me  y't  You  was 
directed  to  Phila'a  to  purchase  Flour,  I  hope  this  will  meet  You 
there,  and  it's  to  desire  You  to  consult  with  Wm.  Allen,  Esq'r, 
in  regard  to  the  Purchase  and  the  Qu'ty.  I  have  wrote  to  y't 
Gent,  to  the  same  Purpose,  and  let  me  hear  from  You  on  the 
Return  of  the  Express.  I  wish  You  Health,  &c.,  and  am, 
Sir,  Y'r  humble  serv't. 

[P.  S.] — You  know  Dispatch  is  absolutely  necessary. 


604  l>INWIDOIE    PAPERS. 

UU\hK>«»K   iMNWIDDIK  '!«'  i  «  m.oNKL  INNES. 

Feb'y  iSth,  1755. 
Sir: 

To  Oualify  You  to  stale  Your  Acc't  witli  No.  Car.,  I  here- 
with Mrnd  You  Colo.  Hunter's  Acc'ts.  .Sales,  and  Do.  Current, 
ami  Yr  Acc't  with  me  in  w'ch  I  ^ivc  You  Cr.  for  the  Balla.  of 
Hunter's  Acc't  amo'g  to  [/]456  9s.  2d.,  w'ch,  w'n  the  Things 
cliarjictl  on  the  Debit  side  is  accounted  for,  I  will  pay.  S'r  J  no. 
St.  Clair  comes  up  to  review  the  Recruits  and  to  discharge  such 
(as)  he  may  think  not  t'n  for  .Service.  As  he  is  a  Gent,  greatly 
known  in  miliury  Art;iirs,  I  desire  You  will  do  w't  he  may  direct. 
He  was  sorry  for  the  Step  You  took  in  send'g  for  the  Men  from 
Winchi-^icr.  He  will  jjive  ^'ou  his  Reasons  for  it.  In  stating 
Yr  Acct  with  \"t  Province,  I  think  \'o\i  may  justly  charge 
108.  1^  Day  for  the  Time  You  have  been  in  Service,  and  I  have 
gcxxl  RrjLson  to  l)elieve  it  will  l)e  allowed,  and  y't  will  not  hinder 
me  from  jiaying  \ou  properly  from  this  Dom'n.  The  Forces 
arc  daily  ex|)ected.  and  S'r  Jno.  is  very  earnest  in  hav'g  Provis's 
IikIj^mhI  at  Winchester,  w'ch  I  have  ordered  accordingly.  What 
You  proposrd  rclal'g  to  Y'r.self  is  tho't  not  eligible,  but  You 
will  Ixr  properly  taken  Care  of.  and  You  may  speak  freely  to  S'r 
'  on  y't  or  any  Thing  else,  and  on  the  Gent's  Arrival  be 
.:td  I  shall  do  any  Thing  in  my  Power  for  Y'r  Service,  and 
am,  with  great  Regard, 

.Sir,  \"r  atTcct'e  Friend,  tSrc. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  COLONEL  STEPHEN. 

Feb'y  i8th,  1755. 
Sir: 

This  will  be  d'd  You  by  S'r  Jno.  St.  Clair.  I  am  told  many 
of  our  Recruits  are  sickly,  distempered  and  unfit  for  Service. 
Sir  Jno.  is  to  review  them,  and  those  y't  are  unfit  he  is  to  dis- 
charge, and  to  particularly  notice  the  officers  y't  enlisted  them. 
After  w'ch.  the  Remainder  are  to  be  distinguish'd  by  their 
pro{>cr  Names  in  a  Miisicr  Roll  sign'd  by  the  Capt.  and  Subaltern 


J 


DINVVIDDIE    PAPERS.  505 

Officers;  With't  y't,  I  cannot  pay  them.  You  had  Money 
enough  w'n  here  to  pay  them  all  till  the  End  of  Oct'r,  and  I 
tho't  I  sent  You  sufficient  to  pay  them  till  the  End  of  Dec'r. 
Yet  I  p'd  ICO  and  odd  Pounds  to  Capt.  Lewis.  The  Muster 
Rolls  must  be  compleated  Weekly  and  p'd  every  two  Mos.  I 
rem'n  with  Respect, 

Y'r  Friend,  &c. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  CHARLES  DICK. 

Feb'y  iSth,   1755. 
Sir  : 

This  comes  by  S'r  Jno.  St.  Clair,  who  is  to  review  our  Re- 
cruits. I  have  had  a  bad  Report  of  them.  Those  not  fit  for 
Service,  he  will  discharge,  as  they  will  otherwise  be  an  Expense, 
and  consume  the  Provis's.  I  shall  soon  make  the  Pork  sent  You 
up,  400  bis,  I  desire  You  will  get  it  lodged  at  Winchest'  r  with 
the  Flour  You  have,  with  all  possible  Dispatch,  and  if  You  can- 
not hire  Waggons  for  carry 'g  it  up,  You  are  to  press  them, 
agreeable  to  Act  of  Assembly,  for  I  c'd  wish  all  the  Provis's 
were  at  Winchester  with  all  possible  Dispatch.  Pray  let  S'r  Jno. 
know  what  Provis's  You  have  engaged,  y't  he  may  know  w't 
further  to  purchase,  y't  we  may  not  be  deficient  by  the  Tmie  the 
Forces  arrive  from  Irel'd.  Write  me  if  You  want  Money,  and 
how  much.  W'n  a  good  Opp'ty  Offers  I  shall  send  it  [to]  You. 
I  am, 

Sir,  Y'r  Fr'd  and  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  JAMES  ABERCROMBY. 

Feb'y  iSth,   1755. 
Sir: 

Y'r  several  Let's,  Oct'r  12,  14,  15  and  28,  I  duly  rec'd.  As 
to  w't  you  write  in  regard  to  the  Augmentat'n  of  Y'r  Salary, 
wants  no  Answer,  as  y't  was  done  before  Y'r  letter  was  wrote, 
and  as  I  had  Int't  sufficient  to  prevail  with  the  Council  to  do 


506  DINWlDlilE    PAPERS. 

properly.  1  think  Vou  may  be  easy.  I  sent  You  a  Bill  of  icio[jQ] 
H.  H.  I'.ir  fip*i  six  .Mo's;  the  next  will  be  in  May.  You 
v  be  tender  in  \  r  extra  Cha's,  and  no  Coach  hire,  w'ch 
I  proniiflcd  lo  write  You  on  y't  Subject.  \o\i  were  too  prema- 
ture in  en^avj'jj  to  pay  Mr.  Leheup  lotj;/^  lor  icsij^nat'n  [of]  his 
Agency,  anil  I  blame  Wni  lor  not  consult'jj  nie  thereon,  by  w'ch 
You  loose  loO;^.  I  omitted  mention'^  You  to  the  Secr'y  of 
^  \      :il  of  this  Dom'n.  conceiv'^  it  sufficient  to  do  it  to 

t  li.tde.  and  the  luirl  of   Albemarle.     As  to  the  Stile 

ol  my  Let's  to  the  different  Offices,  as  they  are  chiefly  on  the 
main  Subject  of  the  Expeditn.  my  demd  of  .Supplies  were  more 
fully  to  the  Secr'y  of  State,  and  to  the  others  repealed  my 
Solicitat'ns  to  y't  Office,  and  entreat  their  different  Interests  in 
procuring  the  Supplies  pray'd  for.  It's  true  some  of  my  Letters 
to  the  Board  of  Trade  'as  Secr'y  for  the  Plantains)  were  for- 
merly much  the  same  as  to  S'r  Thos.  Robinson,  but  for  the 
Future  I  shall  alter  y't  by  only  hint').j  w't  I  have  pray'd  for. 
The  Warr't  for  rcplac'jj  the  20,ooO;{^  from  the  2s.  ~^  Hhd. 
Revenue,  by  my  W'arr'ts  for  Balla.  of  y't  Revenue  in  the  Rec'r- 
Genls  Hands,  was  enclosd  mc  by  S'r  T.  Robinson.  Ajjrecable 
thereto  I  sent  for  the  Rec'r-Gcn'l,  and  call'd  the  Council  Yester- 
day, wn  I  demanded  of  him  the  Balla.  of  y't  Revenue  in  his 
Mands.  his  Answer  in  Council  was  y't  he  c'd  not  ascertain  the 
Balla.  as  there  was  several  of  my  Warr'ts  to  be  bro't  to  Acc't, 
'h\  many  Necessaries  from  Mr.  H's,  w'ch  he  was  to  pay 
t  Fund,  and  therefore  prayd  lo  be  excused  till  Apr.,  the 
Time  he  b  lo  iviss  his  Accl's,  wn  the  Balla.  will  be  considerably 
':  and  the  Council  as  well  as  myself  tho't  this  rea.son- 
arcordinj^ly  acfjuiesced  therein,  and  shall  by  this  Ship 
transmit  the  .Minute  of  Council  thereon  to  Sr  T.  R.,  and  hope 
my  act'K  •"  this  Man'r  will  not  be  judvjed  any  Disobedience  to 
His  .M'y's  Comds.  or  with  any  View  to  prevent  his  Order  tak'g 
projxr  riace,  lor  it  was  imf>ossible  for  me  to  give  a  Warr't  on 
ihc  Rcc'r  for  an  uncertain  Sum,  but  be  assur'd  in  Apr.  my 
Warr't  on  him  < agreeable  to  H.  M'y's  Com  ds)  shall  be  ime- 
diatrly  ijisucd  after  his  Acc'ts  are  pass'd.  Pray  write  how  this 
short  Delay  «»f  two  Mo's  is  reed.  As  to  Mr.  Randolph,  from 
the  many  Let's  he  brot  me.  and  his  acknowledgm't  under  hand 
\  g  acted  inconsist't  with  his  Duly,  and  clear'g  himself 
tiriinst  Reflects  ag'st  me  in  the  News  Papers  at  Home, 


DINWIDDIE   PAPERS.  507 

and  his  sincere  Promise  to  conduct  himself  more  regularly  for 
the  Future,  and  with  more  Regard  to  H.  M'y's  Service  and  pro- 
per Respect  to  me,  I  have  re-instated  him  in  his  Office  of  Att'y 
Gen' I,  and  have  agreeable  thereto,  wrote  to  the  L'ds  of  Trade, 
and  I  believe  he  writes  You  to  get  his  Com'n  pass  the  Seals,  for 
Y'r  trouble  herein,  I  advise  You  to  charge  Nothing. 

There  are  two  Persons  with  You  y't  have  made  Int't  to  be 
agent  for  this  Dom'n,  but  I  think  You  may  rem'n  easy  dur'g  the 
Time  I  preside,  and  I  fancy  I  have  secur'd  Y'r  Int't  with  the 
Council  and  am  perswaded  none  can  be  appointed  with't  my 
Approbat'n.  I  think  a  Let' r  of  Thanks  from  You  to  the  Board 
for  Y'r  Appointm't  and  Augmentat'n  of  Y'r  Salary  will  be 
very  proper.  Inclosed  You  have  the  printed  Proceedings  of 
the  last  Assembly  and  the  Acts  y'n  passed.  One  is  to  invest  700 
Acres  of  Land  on  Cherrystone  Creek  in  No'hampton  Co'ty  in 
Littleton  Eyre,'^''^  w'ch  I  desire  You  to  use  Y'r  Int't  to  get  As- 
sent thereto,  and  I  here  send  You  a  Let'r  to  Mr.  Jas.  Buchanan  to 
Supply  You  with  Money  to  pay  the  necessary  Exp's  thereof  As 
to  our  warlike  Dispositions,  we  now  rem'n  in  great  Expectat'n 
of  the  Forces  from  Irel'd,  and  I  continue  still  recruit' g  all  the 
Men  I  can  ;  our  numbers  are  upwards  of  800,  but  no  Assist' ce 
from  our  neighbouring  Colonies.  M'yl'd  and  Pensylva'a  As- 
semblies are  adjourned  with't  vot'g  any  Aid.  No.  Car.  has  voted 
8,000 ;i^  Proc.  Mo'y,  5,000  thereof  for  the  Expedit'n,  but  these 
Sums  are  very  trifling  for  Conduct' g  it  with  proper  Spirit,  the 
indolent  Supineness  of  the  different  Colonies  appears  to  me  a 
gen'l  Infatuat'n  w'n  our  Enemies  are  at  our  Doors;  however, 
w'n  the  Regulars  arrive  I  am  in  Hopes  we  shall  be  able  to  do 
some  thing  essential  y's  next  Sumer.  The  Gov'r  and  Assembly 
of  Pensylva'a,  I  think,  differed  ab't  Trifles,  w'ch  sh'd  subside  at 
this  Time  of  Danger ;  no  doubt  You  will  have  their  Proceedings 
at  Home,  w'ch  ended  without  any  Mo'y  or  Men.  I  think  the 
Proprietary  Gov'ts  are  highly  blameable  in  not  giving  due  obe- 
dience to  H.  M'y's  Com'ds  after  so  generous  and  large  Supplies 
he  has  been  pleased  to  grant  for  their  Protect' n.     I  was  ordered 

^*' Lands  entailed  to  John,  eldest  son  of  John  Armistead.  See  Hen- 
in£-  vi,  pp.  405-7.  The  MS.  confirmation  of  the  act,  by  the  Privy 
Council,  is  in  the  cabinet  of  the  Virginia  Historical  Society — a  sift  from 
Severn  Eyre,  Esq. 


506  UlNWUiDIE    PAPERS. 

(rom  Hume  to  advise  and  assist  Gov'r  Glen  in  building  a  Fort 
in  the  L*|>|kt  Cherokee  C«)'iry.  I  wrote  him  agreeable  thereto 
and  in  Answer  he  sent  nie  an  Mstimate  amount'^  to  /6480  St'g 
ami  had  the  Muilciity  to  desire  me  to  send  him  Bills  of  Excha. 
for  the  Cr.   I   had  to  draw  (or  /io/kwo.     I  cannot 

say  ■ J  surpriz'd  me  much,  as  he  very  well  knows  the 

great  Gdl  on  me  on  Acc't  of  this  Expedit'n ;  however,  to  show  my 
Re  I  comply  with  my  Orders  from   Home.  I   sent   him 

my  I  \lr.  H.  lor  i.ooo[^],  and   I  think  Car.  sh'd  l>e  at  the 

rest  of  the  Charge,  but  every  Person  here  thinks  it  may  be  done 
•  his  Calculation.  He  is  altogether  the  strangest  possitive 
Man  I  ever  corresponded  with,  ami  there  I  leave  him. 
You  may  easily  conceive  the  Trouble  and  Hurry  I  am  engaged 
in.  and  in  course  excuse  my  writ'^  any  more  than  to  assure  You 
1  am  with  true  Regard, 

Sir,  Yrafl'ect  h'ble  Serv't. 

Pray  prcs't  my  kind  Complim'ts  to  Mr.  Turie  and 
Lnidy.  I  can't  tell  hftw  to  acc't  for  Mr.  H's  omiss'n  of  this 
Thing  needful,  or  do  1  know  w't  Advantage  he  may  have  there- 
from, for  I  rec'd  the  whole  Mo'y.  and  I  think  you  are  sufliciendy 
him  of  his  Omiss'n  therein.  My  Dem'd  on 
i:r  was  not  duly  attended  to  by  the  Person  y't 
made  the  Calculat'n  or  probably  he  was  not  told  y't  I  had  no 
more  than  four  Pistreens  for  Ps's  J  [j/V]."*  w'ch  was  little  more 
than  ^■u  .St'v: 


GOYERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  GOYERNOR  DOBBS. 

Feby  i8th,  1755. 
biK. 

Y'ra  of  the  nth  Curr't  I  rec'd  last  Night.  Y'r  Serv't,  by 
Advice  of  Mr.  \Yat.son.  carried  Y'r  Dispatches  on  b'd  the  Gibral- 
ter.  I  much  approve  of  Y'r  .Son's  coni'g  with  a  Compa.  of  100 
Men.  and  the  sfwner  the  better,  as  the  Transports  from  Irel'd  are 
daily  expected.  I  am  convinced  the  pernicious  .Scheme  of  last 
Year  will  make  Y'r  Sons  Recruil'g  very  troublesome,  but  hope 


'The  Sn.inish  doll.ir,  or  p'wco  of  pivjht  r'*nl<». 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  509 

y't  will  be  surmounted,  as  Y'r  People  will  have  the  same  Pay 
with  ours.  I  cannot  tell  whether  the  Traders  in  Suffolk  will  take 
Y'r  Paper  Bills,  as  they  are  in  Debt  to  Y'r  Province,  w'ch  can  be 
no  Inconvenience  to  them  ;  but  they  will  not  pass  Curr't  thorow 
the  Province,  as  they  are  so  adverse  of  issueing  Paper  for  their 
own  Service  and  on  proper  Security.  I  wrote  You  in  my  last 
the  Price  of  Pork  and  Beef  here.  S'r  J.  St.  Clair  answers  \"r 
Let'r  by  Y'r  Serv't ;  he  sets  out  this  Day  for  the  Camp  ;  he  is  a 
very  capable  and  diligent  Officer.  When  the  Forces  arrive,  I 
shall  take  Care  to  give  Notice  to  the  different  Tribes  of  Ind's, 
but  the  Twightwees  being  at  a  Distance,  and  the  Fr.  between  us 
and  them,  y't  it  will  be  difficult,  but  a  Message  is  sent  to  them 
some  Time  since,  but  as  yet  no  return.  I  expect  some  Catawbas 
and  Cherokees  at  Winchester  the  End  of  ne.xt  Mo.,  to  make 
Peace  between  the  former  and  the  No'ern  Ind's.  The  Fr.  are 
collecting  all  the  Ind's  they  can,  even  to  West  of  the  Mississippi, 
but  if  our  Forces  get  over  the  Mount's  and  shew  them  some  of 
our  Coehorns,  I  doubt  not  but  many  of  them  will  desert.  I  shall 
send  You  Copy  of  the  Operat's  concluded  on  after  the  Gen'l 
arrives.  I  have  sanguine  Hopes  of  Success  after  our  Forces  are 
marched,  but  Pensylva'a  has  behaved  monstrously  bad;  the 
Assembly  broke  up  with't  grant'g  us  any  aid.  I  shall,  at  all 
Times,  take  Pleasure  in  correspond' g  with  You  ;  at  pres't  much 
hurried,  must,  therefore,  take  leave  with  all  our  kind  respects  and 
Wishes.     I  rem'n,  in  great  Sincerely, 

Y'r  Ex's  most  ob'd't  humble  serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  COLONEL  FAIRFAX. 

Feb'y  19th,  1755. 
Sir  : 

I  have  Y'r  favo.  of  the  loth  of  Feb'y,  with  Mr.  Wood's 
Com'o.  ret'd,  w'ch  is  well.  The  Forces  [are]  not  yet  arrived, 
tho'  daily  expected.  Sir  John  is  gone  for  the  Camp.  Mr. 
Carlyle  wrote  me  his  Affairs  w'd  not  admit  him  to  be  at  the 
Camp,  and  the  Money  necessary  c'd  not  be  lodged  there,  but  in 
the  Hands  of  a  Person  of  Character  and  Estate,  and  it's  expected 


510  UINWIDDIE   PAPERS. 

y  t  Mr.  Carlvlc  will  coniinuc  lo  art  in  any  Thing  y  t  maybe 
I  always  had  and  have  a  j^ootJ  Opinion 
y  and  IntcKriiy.  yet  1  did  noi  think  him  a 
proper  Person  to  art  as  Comisjiary  with  the  Forces.     The  Acc'ta 
^  iluc.  Vou  know  must  Ik.-  laid  before  the  Comittee, 
I  .Assembly  has  ve>ietl  iheni  with  Authority  to  ex- 
amine and  pass  them,  so  y't  I  cannot  advance  Money  on  y't 
'      !   lor  listing  Money,  Provis's,  Horses,  VVagRons, 
vc.  I  have  advancd  near  12,000/^,  so  y't  I  must 
now  bej;in  on  my  Cr.  from  Home  to  draw  Bills.     My  Service  to 
Mr.  Carlylc.    I  am  so  hurried  I  cannot  write  to  him  or  Capl.  Mer- 
cer, w  ch  ple.ise  tell  them.    [I]  am  sorry  for  the  difference  between 
C.jsi  and  Crcsap;  the  former  h;is  shown   me  some  unmannerly 
Atfadaviis  swore  to  in  M'yl'd,  and  I  believe  Cresap  is  a  person  of 
hot  Recent mt  and  j^reat  .Acrimony.     I  believe  Mr.  Gist's  Acc'ts 
are  with  .Mr.  Walthoe      I  suppose  they  will  lie  with  him  till  Vou 
come  to  Town.     I  rem'n  with  my  very  kind  respects  to  \'ou,  and 
all  the  Branches  of  V'r  family,  in  Truth,  I  am. 

Sir,  \"r  most  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIK  TO  M.AJOR  CARLVLE. 

Feb'y  20th,  [1755]. 

'.'...  J. it  has  been  here  two  Days  and  produces  several 
Acc'ts  ag'st  the  Public,  but  as  he  is  not  an  officer  appointed  by 
me,  I  have  no  Concerns  with  him,  if  by  \ou.  he  must  settle  with 
Vou.  and  Vou  wiili  the  Public.  He  has  many  Receipts  for  his 
Purchases,  but  none  of  his  delivery  of  the  Provis's  at  the  Fort, 
w'r:  r  they  must  be  produced,  and  the  issuinjf  of  the 

Pr«  :  Weekly,  is  also  to  be  furnished;  for  his  Charge 

for  Beef,  added  to  w't  Vou  was  pd  in  Octr,  will  come  to  4  bis. 
of  Beef  p*  Man  a  Day,  besides  Pork,  so  y't  the  Accl's  cannot  be 
settlctl  with't  the  above  Rcfjuisites,  or  will  any  Acc'ts  from  Mr. 
Gist  be  looked  on  but  throw  N'ou.  However,  as  he  complains 
much  the  want  of  .Money,  I  send  Vou  [/]8o,  4s.,  and  have  taken 
his  Receipt  to  be  d'd  Vou,  and  Vou   may  take  his  Receipt  for 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  511 

the  same,  if  You  see  proper.  General  Braddock'*^  arrived  last 
night  at  Hampton.  Being  in  [a]  hurry,  I  cannot  enlarge,  but  y't 
I  am. 

Sir,  V'r  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  JAMES   ABERCROMBY. 

Feb'y  24th,  [1755-] 
Sir: 

I  rec'd  V'r  Let'rs  29th  Nov'r  and  i6th  Dec'r  by  Gen'l 
Braddock,  who  came  to  my  House  last  night,  and  the  Gibraltar, 
by  w'ch  Ship  I  wrote  You,  being  to  sail  To  morrow,  straitens  me 
in  Time.     I  am  much  surpriz'd  the  Pistole  Fee  sh'd   still  rem'n 

^*' Edward  Braddock,  son  of  Major-General  Edward  Braddock,  en- 
tered the  army  as  ensign  in  the  Coldstream  Guards,  October  14,  1710  ; 
fought  a  duel  with  Colonel  Waller,  with  sword  and  pistols,  May  26, 
1718;  Captain,  February  10,  1736;  served  in  Flanders;  became  Second 
Major  to  his  regiment  in  1743;  present  at  Fontenoy,  May  11,  1745; 
Lieutenant-Colonel,  November  21,  1745 ;  Brigadier-General,  April  23, 
1746;  served  again  in  Flanders  in  1747-8;  Colonel  Fourteenth  Foot, 
1753;  Major-General,  March,  1754,  and  September  24,  Commander-in- 
chief  of  His  Majesty's  forces  in  America;  sailed  from  England,  Decem- 
ber 21,  and  arrived  in  Virginia,  February  19,  1755.  He  was  fatally 
wounded  at  the  hapless  engagement  on  the  Monongahela,  July  9 ;  was 
borne  from  the  field  in  his  officer's  sash,  improvised  as  a  stretcher,  and 
died  on  the  13th  inst.  following.  His  arrogance  made  him  obnoxious  to 
both  the  native  soldiery  and  the  Indian  allies,  and  the  generally  accepted 
tradition  is  that  he  was  murdered  by  one  of  the  former — Thomas 
Fausett,  a  subsequent  resident  of  Fayette  county,  Pa.,  who,  in  later  yea'rs, 
avowed  the  fact.  Braddock 's  private  character  appears  to  have  been 
that  of  a  heartless,  broken-down  gambler  and  spendthrift.  Vet  those 
who  most  bitterly  censured  him  allow  him  certain  merits.  "  Desperate 
in  his  fortune,  brutal  in  his  behaviour,  obstinate  in  his  sentiments,"  says 
Walpole,  "  he  was  still  intrepid  and  capable." 

A  sister,  Miss  Fanny  Braddock,  singularly  gifted  with  attractions  of 
person  and  mind,  having  impoverished  herself  to  relieve  the  necessities 
of  a  man  whom  she  loved,  and  being  deserted  by  him,  in  her  despair 
sought  the  excitement  of  the  gaming  table.  Soon  dissipating  the 
scanty  remains  of  her  patrimony,  and  wearied  of  life,  she  committed 
suicide  at  Bath,  September  8,  1731. 


k 


o\'2  DINWIUDIE    PAPERS. 

in   Rrmembrancc  and  iho't  y'l  prcvcnis  our  Assembly  f^iving 
r   lo  the  prcst   !-x|KHlii'n.  if  il  hail  not  been   in  sup- 

j ;;ic  I-oriU  of  Trade  Approbal'n  thereof,  y'l  Affair  ah'd 

have  been  qua»h'd  here,  and  how  can  it  be  the' I  y't  hindered  the 

H  (i«»v't  w'n.  in  fact,  ihcy  have  voietl  almost  cl'blc 

i  the  other  Colonies  put  tofjether.    The  iVopIe  here 

are  very  easy  on  y't  Fee  and  I  acknowledge  to  You  if  I  tho't  il 

..iss'd  anti   consitlered    I   w'd   rather  have 

^  .       ■'  it  produces  a  mere  TriMe.     Iain   mighty 

glad  Gen' I  Braddock  is  arrived,  w'ch   I   hope  will  give  me  some 

Ease,  for  these    12  mos   p:u>t  1  have  been  a  perfect  Slave,  and 

nothing  but   His   M  y's  Com'cLs,  National  Service  and  the  Good 

of  these  Colonies  c'd   have  prevailed   on  me  to  undergo  such 

Fatigue,  but  the  Prospect  w'n  the  Troops  from  Irel'd  arrive  will 

raise  my  Spirits  and  hope  for  Success,  w'ch    I  shall  esteem  an 

agreeable  Issue  to  all  my  Troubles :   being  very  much  in  haste, 

I  am  \'t    •    h'blc  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWinniE  TO  LORD  HALIFAX. 

Feb'y  24lh,  1755. 
k  T   liON  IJLE: 

I  have  the  Hon'r  of  \"r  Lct'r  of  the  26th  Nov'r 

by  Gen  "I  Braddock.  and  this  Day  Y'r  L'ds.  of  the  19th  Dec'r, 

'     '         'i  1  have  very  seriously  read  and  considered.     His  M'y's 

!«-of  His  Coh^nics  on  y's  Conl't  are  of  so  remarkable 

and  distinguish' d  paternal   Affect' n,  y't  it  ought  to  rouse  ihe 

r      *  '     !'       ''    to  a  dutiful  Compliance  with  his  Hircct's 

.    nl  Supply.     Hut  my  Heart  is  grieved,  and 

I  want  Words  to  express  the  obdurate  and  inconsist't  Behaviour 

of  our   neighbour' g   Colonies,  not   as    yet   awaken' d    from   y'r 

Lnharvjv   No.  Car.  only  excepted,  who  have  voted  [/]5,ooo  for 

M'yld   Assembly  now  siting.     Pcnsylva'a  As- 

...   .,    ..  .,   .irn'd  with't  vot'g  one  Farth'g,  and  by  pretence  of 

a  Misunderstand' g  between  the  Gov'r  and  them,  they  reject  ihe 

truct's.  and   I   fear  arc  not  well  inclined  to  their  own 

•  II   for  no  sin.ill  Punctilios  '•''M  rT<-^ide  w'n  so  imminent 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  513 

Danger  appears.  I  am  affraid  it  is  down  right  obstinacy,  as  I 
flattered  myself  y't  the  Vote  of  our  Assembly  for  ^20,000  w'd 
have  raised  an  Emulat'n  among  our  neighbour'g  Colonies.  If 
the  People  in  these  Colonies  had  only  a  Spirit  of  Gratitude  and 
proper  Reflect' n,  w't  w'd  they  not  do  after  so  great  Care  taken 
of  them  from  their  Mother  Co' try,  and  the  very  great  Indul- 
gence from  H.  M'y;  but  truly  I  think,  in  gen'l,  they  have 
given  their  Senses  a  long  HoUiday.  I  wish  I  c'd  see  them 
ret'n  and  seriously  consider  their  Lives,  Fortunes  and  Religion 
at  Stake,  and  I  must  join  with  Y'r  L'dship,  y't  if  they  do 
not  very  quickly  exert  themselves  with  Spirit,  Ruin  must 
be  the  Consequence.  I  am  very  glad  I  was  able  to  prevail 
with  our  Assembly  to  grant  the  ^20,000,  but  was  in  hopes 
they  w'd  have  doubled  y't  Sum,  and  if  the  other  Colonies 
w'd  only  e.xert  themselves,  I  doubt  not  but  our  Assembly 
w'd  Vote  a  further  Sum,  but  indeed  I  am  Still  of  Opinion  y't 
with't  a  B.  Act  of  Parliam't  to  oblige  all  the  Colonies  to  a  mutual 
Supply,  y't  nothing  of  Conseq'ce  will  be  done  here.  The  Forces 
from  Irel'd  not  yet  arrived,  but  Gen'l  Braddock  thinks  they  may 
be  here  in  a  Fortnight,  w'ch  will  be  full  late;  yet  I  have  great 
Hopes  of  their  doing  Business  essential  on  the  Ohio,  under  the 
Direct' n  of  so  good  an  Officer.  I  have  'listed  near  1,000  Men, 
and  from  the  Opperat's  and  Dispositions  proposed,  I  conceive 
there  will  be  no  Occas'n  of  'listing  more,  as  they  are  not  so  ex- 
pert as  the  officers  c'd  wish  them;  but  I  shall  advise  with  the 
Gen'l,  and  if  more  are  wanted,  I  think  they  may  be  soon  raised, 
and  am  of  Opinion  if  they  get  over  the  Allegany  Mount's  next 
Mo.  with  the  Regulars  and  those  at  W.  Creek,  we  shall  be  strong 
enough  for  the  Enemy.  I  have  and  shall  do  all  in  my  Power 
for  the  service.  The  Fort  and  Magazine  at  W.  Creek  is  tho'  t  by 
S'r  Jno.  St.  Clair  not  to  be  in  a  proper  Situat'n,  yet  of  much  Use 
as  a  Magazine. 

From  the  best  Informat's  there  are  not  above  1,200  Fr.  at  the 
Fort  on  the  Ohio,  besides  Ind's,  who  are  a  very  uncertain 
Auxiliary,  and  I  have  no  doubt,  but  on  the  Appearance  of  our 
Regulars,  there  will  be  many  deserters.  In  my  Opinion,  the  Fr. 
cannot  support  many  Forces  on  the  Ohio  with't  the  Assistance 
of  the  B.  Colonies  on  this  Cont't,  w'ch  to  me,  appears  obvious, 
it  has  been  a  constant  Trade  to  Lewisburg.  Mr.  Braddock  de- 
signs to  be  in  Act'n  as  soon  as  possible,  but  the  Carriage  of  the 


614  DtNWlUDlE    PAPERS. 

Ordiuincc  Stores.  c\c  .  over  ihc  Mount's  appears  to  mc  to  be  dif- 
ficult, ami  I  !car  atiiiuU-<l  with  unai  Delays,  iho'  S'r  Jno.  St  Clair 
think*  othcrways.  I  am  sorry  it>  inform  \'ou  y't  I  think  New 
York  has  bircn  very  nejjlectful  of  the  Six  Nat's,  and  I  fear  the  Fr. 
haN-  ;ot  some  <»f  them  over  and  oiliers  wavering,  for  not 

buh  „  le  Forts  in  their  Co" try  and  payK  ^o*"  some  Lands 
they  claim  and  possessed  by  the  N.  York  People.  A  Trifle  w'd 
ha\'  '  them.     New    Hnvjl-  appears  sani^uine  and  in  earnest 

lo  (1  Ir,  Measures.     I   wish    1   c'd  write  Y'r  L'dsliip  the 

same  of  the  other  Colonies,  but  I  now  hope  Gen'l  Hraddock  will 
form  thinjjs  on  a  better  foundation  y'n  formerly.  The  cutinjj  the 
Fr.  Ci»munical'n  from  Canada  to  Mississippi  is  the  only  Thing 
they  must  have  in  View,  ami  1  do  not  see  any  impracticability  in 
doing  of  it,  and  y't  done  will  ensure  all  our  Colonies  and  distress 
the  Fr.  in  the  m<ist  sensible  Manner,  ami  all  these  Things  might 
easily  be  effected  if  the  obdurate  Hearts  of  the  English  Subjects 
on  this  Cont't  c'd  l>e  softened,  or  they  properly  awakened  to  their 
own  Freser\at'n.  With't  vs.  I  fear  their  Uestruct'n,  but  now 
is  the  Time,  and  1  much  hope  they  will  be  convinced  of  the 
absolute  Necessity  of  behav'g  as  B.  Subjects.  I  have  good 
Reason  to  expect  a  considerable  Number  of  Catawbas  and 
Cherokees  to  meet  our  Forces  on  the  Ohio,  unless  prevented 
by  ill-natured  Insinuations.  To  be  sure,  the  Gov'r  of  So.  Car. 
h;is  acted  with  much  Imprudence.  I  am  mighty  glad  Mr. 
Littleton  is  to  Ik;  (iov'r  of  So.  Car.;  it  gives  me  much  Joy;  he 
is  from  a  good  Stock,  and  I  have  no  doubt  will  make  the  Peo- 
ple happy,  and  discharge  his  Duty  to  King  and  Country  with 
Integrity  and  shall  have  much  Pleasure  in  correspond'g  wth 
him.  Y'r  L'dship  may  guess  the  great  Joy  1  have  in  hav'g 
Y'r  Approbat'n  of  my  C«>nducl  and  Zeal  for  the  pres't  Expe- 
dit'n,  and  I  always  had  a  Depend'ce  on  Y'r  L'd's  Countenance 
and  Sup|K>rt.  and  the  Honr  of  y't  made  me  ever  Cautious  in 
my  Conduct,  and  I  know  my  own  Heart,  I  cannot  deviate 
from  the  Rules  of  Ilon'r  antl  Integrity,  unless  by  a  mistaken 
Judgm't.  wch  I  shall  always  endeavour  to  bring  right.  And 
I  hbly  desire  to  assure  Your  Lordship,  with  the  greatest  Grat- 
itutle  and  true  Sense  of  Y'r  Favours  and  Patronage, 
I  rcm'n,  Rt.  Hon.,  Y'r  L'ds 

much  obliged  and  most  ob'd't  humble  serv't. 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  515 

GOVERNOR  DLWVIDDIE  TO  GOVERNOR  I)OB15S. 

Feb'y  27th,  1755. 
Sir  : 

I  have  the  Pleasure  to  acquaint  You  y't  Gen'l  Braddock 

came  to  my  Ho.  last  Sunday  Night,  and  he  expects  the  forces 

from  Irel'd  in  a  Fortnight.     He  has  formed  the  Virg'a  Forces 

as  follows:  Two  Compa's  of  Carpenters,  chose  from  the  whole; 

four  Compa's  of  Rangers,  and  one  Compa.  of  light  Horse,  and 

w't  may  rem'n  and  are  suitable,  are  to  Augm't  the  two  Regim'ts 

from  Irel'd.     He  has  been  so  busy  since  he  came  here  that  he 

has  not  fully  fix'd  the  Gen'l  Plan  of  Operat's,  but  in  Discourse 

with  him  I  find  it  will  be  very  proper,  and  pretty  much  on  the 

Scheme  we  talk'd  of  when  [you  were]  here.     He  is  (I  think)  a 

very  fine  Officer,  and  a  sencible,  considerate  Gent.     I  wish  Y'r 

Son  with  his  Co'y  was  arrived.     I  send  You  a  Packet  from  Mr. 

Abercrombie,  to  w'ch  please  be  referred  for  News.     Pray  send 

the  Express  immediately  forward  for  So.  Carolina,  and  he  may 

call  on   You  in  his  Return.     Being  very  much  hurried,  I  cannot 

enlarge,  but  y't  I  rem'n,  with  very  great  Respect, 

Y'r  Ex's  most  obed't  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  GOVERNOR  GLEN. 

Feb'y  27th,  1755. 
Sir: 

I  refer  You  to  my  last  Let'r  of  the  8th  Curr't.  Y's  is  to 
advise  You  of  the  Arrival  of  Gen'l  Braddock,  Com'd'r  in  Chief 
of  all  His  M'y's  Forces  on  y's  Cont't,  and  y't  the  two  Regi- 
m'ts from  Irel'd  are  expected  in  a  Fortnight,  so  y't  I  hope  the 
Gen'l  will  take  the  Field  and  begin  his  March  some  Time  next 
Mo.  Pray  God  [to]  give  the  desired  Success.  The  Gen'l 
Writes  You  by  this  Express,  and  he  Says  there  is  an  Officer  in 
one  of  Y'r  Compa's,  the  name  of  Shaw,  who  he  wants  to  come 
here.  It  will  be  service  to  y't  Gent'n,  and  very  agreeable  to  the 
Gen'l  if  he  is  sent  hither  with  all  possible  Expedition.  The 
Operations  the  Gen'l  proposes  are  very  just,  tho'  not  yet  fully 
concluded  on.     The  Forces  of  this  Dom'n  are  formed  into  Co's, 


k 


516  IMNWIDDIE   PAPERS. 

ami  ihr*  nrct>ss.»ry  Cha's  and  Subsisi'cc  will   soon  exhaust  the 
Sup  let!  by  our  Assembly,  and  am  sorry  our  ncijjhbour- 

ing  t -  are   so  backw'd  in  an   Atlair  ol    so  >jreal  Conse- 

qu'ce  to  (he  Nat'n  and  the  British  Dom'ns  on  this  Cont't.     I  am 
greatly  hurried,  so  y't  I  cannot  mlarvje.  but  y't  I  am 
\'r  Ex's  mo^t  hmnblc  Serv't. 


<.M\i.K\«»K  DiNWinnir-:  to  (iovkknur  morris. 

Feb'y  28th,  1755. 

Sir 

1  ins  Minuti-  i   rtc  li  \"r   Let'r  of  the  loth  Feb'y,  as  I  did 

Y'r  former  last  Week.  I  reed  Mr.  Norris's'"  Let'r  to  You, 
w'ch  appears  to  me  very  evasive.  The  Supply  of  Flour  I  wrote 
Y«»u  ab't.  is  for  His  M'y's  Forces  daily  expected  from  Irel'd, 
Gcn'l  Braddock  iK-in^  now  with  me,  and  I  presume  their  first 
Attempt  will  b<>  to  rout  the  Fr.  from  that  Fort  they  built  on  the 
Ohio,  w'ch  Mr.  Hamilton.  \"r  predecessor,  believed  to  be  on  the 
Lands  Ix'lonjj'g  to  ^'our  Proprietors.  If  y't  is  so,  pray  w't  ob- 
icction  can  there  be  to  supply  the  Forces  with  Flour,  who  are 
cnjja^ed  to  drive  the  Enemy  from  Y'r  frontiers,  unless  intended 
to  perplex;  in  short,  to  refuse  any  Supplies?  Surely  their  Con- 
duct, w'n  properly  represented,  will  appear  y't  they  are  bad  Sub- 
jects, and  disobedient  to  M.  M'y's  Com'ds ;  the  Consequence 
thereof  they  may  easily  conceive;  but  the  Flour,  if  possible, 
must  l)e  had.  and  if  sent  from  \" r  Place  to  Winchester,  w'ch 
is  a  Wajjj*""  Koad,  will  answer.  I  write  a  short  Let'r  to  Mr. 
Allen  on  the  Head,  but  impatiently  expect  the  Return  of  my 
I  have  not  Time  to  add.  but  to  desire  You  to  send 
■  -.s  to  N.  \'ork  with  the  Let's  he  will  deliver  You, 
and  Mr.  Delancey  must  forward  them  with  a  fresh  Express  for 
Boston.     I  am  with  very  ^reat  Respect. 

S'r,  \"r  most  h'ble  Serv't. 


i<    Norris,  who  emigrated  to  Pluladelphia 

.  'laitKhtcr  of  Governor  I-loyd.  Chief  Justice  of 

\,  1735-     The  son.  a  niember  of  the  Assembly, 

lather   as   Chief  Justice;   Speaker  of  tlie  Asseiul)ly  in 

.  <.>r  he.  Evan  Morgan,  Joseph   Fox,  Jnmes  Pcmberton 

ippohited   commissioners  to  borrow  and   disburse 

■  Miicd  revlection  to  the  Assembly  in  .September,  1759. 


DimVIDDIE    PAPERS.  517 

GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  GENERAL  BRADDOCK. 

Feb'y  27th,  [1755]. 
Sir: 

I  desire  You  will  please  to  appoint  an  Officer  to  form   the 
Virg'a  Forces  into  Companies  agreeable  to  Y'r  Plan.     From 
Y'r  Ex's  most  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  WILLIAM  ALLEN,  ESQ. 

Feb'y  28th,  [1755.] 
Sir: 

I  just  now  rec'd  Y'r  Let'r  of  the  loth.     Gen'l  Braddock  is 

now  here,  and  he  daily  expects  the  Forces  from  Irel'd,  and  great 
Dependence  for  their  Supply  is  on  the  600,000  w't  of  Flour  I 
formerly  wrote  about.  The  Express  I  sent  to  You  the  15th,  not 
being  ret'd,  leaves  me  in  doubt  whether  You  c'd  comply  with  my 
Proposal  therein,  of  remitting  You  Bills  of  Excha.  for  to  re-im- 
burse  Y'r  Advance.  Winchester  is  now  proposed  for  the  Maga- 
zine of  Pro  vis's,  &c.  There  is  a  Waggon  Road  from  Y'r  Place 
to  it.  Can  You  engage  Quantities  of  Flour  to  be  delivered 
there,  and  the  Price?  If  You  have  engag'd  any  Quantities  from 
Cumberl'd  Co'ty,  it  will  so  far  reduce  the  Qu'ty  to  be  sent  to 
Winchester.  The  Comissary  at  the  Camp  had  2,000;,^  in  Specie 
to  pay  w't  Quantities  of  Provis's  might  be  bro't  there.  I  sent 
You  my  object'n  to  the  Purchase  at  the  Head  of  the  Bay,  and  I 
now  hope  You  will  be  able  to  purchase  with  You  a  Qu'ty  to  be 
d'd  as  above.  I  am  greatly  hurried,  but  on  return  of  my  former 
Express  shall  write  You  more  fully ;  in  the  mean  Time,  I  hope 
You  will  excuse  the  Freedom  I  take,  and  the  Trouble  I  give  You. 
I  am,  most  Sincerely, 

S'r,  Y'r  most  humble  serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  GOVERNOR  DeLANCEV. 

Feb'y  28th,   1755. 
Sir: 

This  will  acqu't  You  of  the  Arrival  of  Gen'l  Braddock,  and 

the  Forces  from  Irel'd  are  daily  expected  and   I   hope  the)'  will 


518  D1NWID1>IB   PAPKRS. 

lake  the  Field  wnne  Time  next  M<»..  w'ch  I  ho|)e  will  raise  the 
Spirits  of  the  Six  Nat's  to  take  u|)  the  Hatchet  in  earn- 
est. The  Treaty  of  Neutrality  between  the  Comiss'rs  of  Ind'n 
AlTaini  at  Albany  with  the  Coj^nawajja  Ind's,  is  look'd  on 
here  as  done  with  a  Lucrative  \'iew  to  the  Conj'rs,  and  probably 
may  extend  to  other  Tribes  of  Ind's  and  produce  Consequences 
on  the  pres'l  Kxpedil'n.  and  therefore  judge  y't  no  Neutrality 
•  at  this  Time.     I  thank  Vou   for  the  enclosed   In- 

i  ac  Ir..  as  usual,  have  siufletl  their  Speech  to  the  Ind's 

will)  Inconsistant  Falsehoods;  however,  I  hope  the  Campaign  of 
y's  Summer  will  open  the  Kyes  of  the  Ind's  and  convince  the 
Enemy  y't  wc  are  not  always  to  rem  n  inactive  after  their  unjust 
Insults  and  Invasions.  The  two  Hostages  the  Fr.  had  at  the 
Mea«low  -  '  tu  to  nuel)eC(|ue,  vizt.,  Capts.  Robt.  Stobo  and 

Jacob   \  •  I   reed  a    Letr  from   them   this   Week  de- 

siring a  Cr  to  furnish  them  with   Necessaries  on  Mr.  Cornelius 
Ceculcr,  Merch't  at  Albany.     If  Vou  will   please  lo  direct  that 
Gent,  to  supply  them  with  50/,'.  V'r  Curr'cy,  that,  with   the    /^5, 
IS.  for  the  Belt  of  Wampum,  shall  be  paid  by  — Hon'ble  Sir, 
\'r  very  hblc  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIK  TO  GOVKKNOR  SU.XRPE. 

•Mar.  ist.  1755. 
Sir  : 

Last  Sunday  Gen' I  Hraddock  came  to  my  House  and  says 
.  soon  expect  the  Forces  from   Irel'tl.     I  sh'd  have 
nt  Vou  an  ICxpress  on  his   Arrival,  but  was  willing 
to  delay  till  I  had  some  Conversat'n  with  him.     After  the  Trans- 
ports arrive,  he  proposes  going  for  Alcxa.  from  thence  shall  send 
Vou  an  Fxpress.     I  sent  one  this  Morng  to  the   Now'd.     The 
Gen'l  has  desir'd  Gov'r  .Shirley  to   meet  him  at  Annapolis  to 
concert  the  Plan  for  the  Operat's.     S'r  Jno.  is  gone  to  W.  Creek 
lo  review   the   Independents    and   the    Recruits    raised    for    this 
Province,  and  to  form  them  into  Companies.     I   considered  Vou 
w'd  be  much  engag'd  with  V'r  Assembly,  and  I   hope  they  have 
voted  You  a  handsome  .Supply,  as  I  f)ropose  wait'g  on  the  Gen'l 
in  Alexa'a,  w'n  I  shall  be  glad  in  Person  to  assure  y't  I  am 
Vr  Lxs  most  obe'd't  hble  ^••'■y'r 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  519 

GOVERNOR   DINWIDDIE   TO  LORD  FAIRFAX. 

Mar.  7th,  [1755]- 
My  Lord: 

I  rec'd  Y'r  Let'r  of  the  21st  Ult'o.  I  am  sorry  the 
People  in  Frederick  and  Hampshire  are  not  armed  according  to 
Law.  Y'r  L'ds.  knows  they  are  subject  to  Fines  in  not  comply'g 
with  the  Law,  and  y't  those  Fines  w'd  in  one  Year  provide  them 
with  Arms,  If  they  enhst  I  shall  provide  them,  but  as  they  are 
Y'r  Tenants,  You  must  be  sensible  it's  not  eligible  for  me  to  pro- 
vide them  with  Arms  to  defend  Y'r  Property.  I  am  sorry  the 
Clerks  do  not  reside  in  their  Counties,  or  the  Lawyers,  w'ch  I 
cannot  remedy,  unless  You  recomend  Persons  resid'g  in  them. 
If  You  can  point  out  a  Method  to  bring  Your  Courts  to  more 
Regularity,  it  shall  be  comply'd  with  ;  and  as  they  are  hon'd 
with  Y'r  being  their  Lieut't,  I  think  it  is  with  You  to  bring  them 
into  better  Order,  w'ch  will  meet  with  my  hearty  Concurrence. 
Only  two  of  the  Transports  are  yet  arrived.  Gen'l  Braddock  is 
now  at  Hampton,  and  will  very  soon  go  from  this  [place]  for 
Alex'a.  My  kind  Complim'ts  to  Mr.  Martin,  and  I  am,  with 
great  Respect, 

Y'r  L'd's  most  ob'd't  humble  serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  COLONEL  INNES. 

Mar.  7th,  [1755]- 
Sir: 

I  rec'd  Y'rs  of  the  21st  Ult'o,  and  as  S'r  Jno.  St.  Clair  will 

probably  be  With  You  before  y's,  I  must  refer  You  to  him.  I 
sent  Y'r  former  Let's  to  Carolina  forw'd  some  Time  since,  and 
shall  soon  write  the  Gov'r  the  Reasons  for  Y'r  Remaining  at 
the  Camp.  My  Money  is  exhausted,  hav'g  p'd  to  Mr.  Dick 
2,000;^  last  Week.  Calender  was  to  deliver  the  Horses  at  the 
Camp,  and  on  produc'g  a  Receipt  he  has  my  Obligat'n  to  pay 
him,  and  if  he  does  not  Comply  I  must  order  a  Prosecut'n,  and 
the  same  for  Perkins.  The  Flour  from  Phila'a  will  come  dear; 
but  as  there  is  a  Waggon  Road  from  thence  to  Winchester,  it's 
tho't  Proper  to  make  y't  Place  the  Magazine,  and  I  have  wrote 


5;i0  DINWIDDIE   rAPKRS, 

Mr.  Allen  accordinj^ly,  but  have  not  rec'd  his  Answer.     I   am 
much   hurried,  antl   must   therefore  leave  off.  assur'g   ^'ou   I  am 

with  Respect, 

V'r  affect.  Friend,  tSiC. 

'  ien'l  Hraddock  I  exj)cct  y's  Night  from  Hampton,  two 
ol  iljc  rran»|>orla  Ijcing  arrived. 


v..  .\  r.KNOk   DINWIDDIK  TU  CULO.NKL  .STKI'HIIN 

Mar.  7,  1755. 

Sir: 

I  rec  d  \  I  i-ci  r  ot  ihc  27th  L  li  <j.     :5ir  J.  St.  Clair  is  gone 

to  re\iew  the  Men,  and  Irom  wt  I  hear,  I  am  sorry  to  think  there 
will  be  many  rejected,  w'ch  will  greatly  reduce  their  Numb'r.  I 
r  :>cr  Care  to  have  \'ou  the  eldest  Capt'n,  so  y't  You  will 

I  .    no  Trouble  but  with  \"r  own  Compa.     The  Cloth'g 

for  the  Men  I  daily  expect  from  Kngl'd,  and  [it]  shall  be  ime- 
di.itcly  sent  up  after  arrival.  As  for  their  Pay,  they  must  rem'n 
«.isv  till  Ap'l,  w'n  no  doubt  they  will  be  p'd  up  to  y't  Time.  Mr. 
Dick  had  all  the  Money,  and  some  to  spare.  You  may  argue 
with  them,  "If  hired  by  any  Gent,  in  the  Co'try  they  w'd  be 
p'd  but  once  a  ^'ear.  and  not  so  well  fed,"  therefore  they  must 
rem'n  satisfied  till  .Ap'l,  when  I  hope  the  Treasurer  will  have  suf- 
ficient to  j>ay  them  to  y't  Time.  .S'r  J  no.  will  give  orders  about 
Val.  Sevier's  Men,  and  Painter  must  be  prosecuted  for  harbour'g 
them  in  his  House.  \"t  Accts  are  with  the  Clerk  of  the  Comit- 
ii ,       p.i  Mu^.  in  \.\'  Hurry. 

1   am,  .Sir.  \'  r  I-'.,  &c. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  DK    AI.KXANDER  COLHOUN. 

.Mar.  7th,  [1755]- 
Sir; 

I  rec'd  Y'r  Let'r  of  the  21st  llt'o.  The  Scc'ry  of  War 
wrote  me  he  intended  to  send  You  a  Chest  of  Medicines,  but  did 
not  f!i •■••■'  ttw"  •->  ""•  r.r^..  1.,,,  there  were  two  Chests  went  from 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  521 

y's  [place]  with  the  Cloth'g,  one  whereof  I  believe  belongs  to  Y'r 
Compa.  I  p'd  the  Freight  of  the  whole  from  y's  to  Alexa'a, 
w'ch  Capt.  Demore  and  You  must  repay  me.  The  Freight  from 
Engl'd  is  usually  p'd  at  Home.  I  suppose  these  two  Chests  are 
at  Conegochege,  and  hope  You  will  receive  them  w'n  the  Cloth' g 
comes  to  the  Camp,  and  I  desire  to  know  if  You  have,  agreeable 
to  the  above,  rec'd  them;  if  not,  I  shall  make  further  Enquiry. 
I  am,  with  Respect, 

Sir,  Y'r  most  humble  serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  GOVERNOR  SHARPE. 

Mar.   loth,    1755. 
Sir  : 

Y'r  Favo.  of  the  27th  Ult'o  I  rec'd.  I  wrote  You  by  Mr. 
Wolstonholm,  but  I  observe  You  had  not  rec'd  it.  I  sh'd  have 
wrote  you  on  the  Gen'l's  Arrival,  but  was  desirous  to  know  his 
Intentions  of  going  for  Alex' a,  w'ch  he  now  proposes  to  be  early 
next  Week,  where  I  hope  to  see  You.  I  congratulate  You  on 
Y'r  Assembly's  voting  _;^io,ooo,  w'ch  will  be  of  great  Service.  I 
have  ordered  our  Assembly  to  meet  the  ist  of  May,  for  much 
more  Money  will  be  wanted  to  conduct  the  Expedit'n  with  a  pro- 
per Spirit.  Three  more  of  the  Transports  are  arrived  at  Hamp- 
ton, and  I  expect  they  will  all  be  there  this  Week.  I  have  con- 
firmed Mr.  Dick's  Contract  for  Beeves  and  given  him  Money  to 
make  good  the  Purchase.  Pensylvania  has  ordered  the  purchase 
of  14,000  Bush's  of  Wheat,  to  be  bolted  into  Flour  and  d — d  at 
Conegocheek,  w'ch,  with  the  Ou'ty  already  engag'd,  [I]  am  in 
hopes  will  be  sufficient  for  Bread.  I  have  sent  to  Alex' a  and 
Fredericksb'g,  800  bis.  Pork  and  1,000  bis.  Beef  on  board  the 
Transports.  I  conceive,  with  Bacon  and  Butter  in  the  back 
Counties,  will  answer  for  Provis's;  the  greatest  strait  we  shall  be 
under  will  be  the  want  of  Horses  and  Carriages,  this  is  an  Aftair 
of  the  greatest  Consequence,  but  must  suspend  saying  any  more 
till  I  have  the  Pleasure  of  see'g  You,  only  to  assure  You  y't  I 
am  with  great  Respect, 

Y'r  Ex's  most  humble  and  ob't  Serv't. 


J.'  DINWIUDIE    PAPERS. 

N« 'K    DINWII  M  Ml,    I '  »  <  .<  >\  i.KN"  »K    >i»»i\i\i'> 

Mar.  loth,  1755. 
Sir: 

Y*r  &VO.  of  ihc  j<Sih  t'lt'o  I  rec'd  Veslcrclay.     I  am  very 
i;lnf!  You  prcvail'd  with  Vr  Commiiicc  for  the  Flour  of  14,000 
K.ivh  N  III  Wheat.  l«»  be  tl'tl  at  Concj^i>cheek.    Y't  is  a  very  season- 
ply,  as  y"t  <iu'ty,   with   w'l   1  have  purchase*!,  I   hope 
.*..,.  ...... nT  the   Bread   kind,  and  I   ho|)c  I  have  salt  Provis's  suf- 

ficitnt.  but  must  entreat  N'ou  to  direct  the  delivery  of  the  Flour 

with    .ill    imaj^inable    Kxpedit'n.  as   the   Trans[)orts   are  mostly 

•jrnvcd.     I   hope  the  (ien'l  will   take  the   Field  soon,  and   w'd 

kj'.i'lly  hope  y't  no  Delay  sh'd  be  on  Acc't  of  Provis's,     I  hope 

!   see  it  necessary  to  call   Y'r  Assembly  imediately,   to 

ir  with    thcin.  now  the   Forces  from   Hn  are  arrivetl,  to 

raise  a  considerable  Sum  of  Money ;  for  if  it  please  God  to  f^ve 

^   in  lakinj^  the   Fort   on   the  Ohio,  it  will  be 

.  irris<jn  of  250  Men  be  left  in  it  at  the  Charge 

of  the  different  Colonies,  not  to  prevent  his  further  Designs,  and 

.;c.  I  think,  sh'd  be  bore  by  the  Colonies,  othcrways  his 

c  Fort  and  leaving  it  with't  a  Garrison,  will  encourage 

the  hr.  next  Year  to  retake  it  and  in  course  keep  the  Colonies  in 

continual  War;  whereas,  strengthen'g  ourselves  on  the  Ohio,  as 

alxjve,  1  am   in   ho|)es   may  prevent  any  further   Attempts  from 

the   Fr..  and  protect  our    Frontiers.      And  as  a  great  deal  of 

Money  will  be  wanted  f<ir  y't  Service.  I  have  called  our  Assem- 

blv  t<»  m«*ei  the  ist  of  May,  in  hopes  to  prevail  with  them  for  a 

ipply — for  100,000/^  now,  will  be  of  more  service  than 

.*    '■'. ;i  some  Years  hence.     The  Gen'l  goes  for  Ale.xa'a  the 

Beginning  of  next   Week,  and  expects  Gov'r  Shirley  to  meet 
him  at  Anna{K»li?«.  and  I  propose  waiting  on  him  to  y't  Place. 
I  r«  inn,  with  very  great  Respect, 

Sir,  Y'r  most  obed't  h'ble  Serv't. 


DINWIDDIE   PAPERS.  523 


GOVERNOR    DlNWIDDli-:    TO    WILLIAM    A1,LEX.    KSg'R,    OF 
PHILADELPHL\. 

Mar.  loth,  1755. 
Sir: 

Your  P^avo.  of  the  25th  Ult'o  I  rec'd  Yesterday,  and  am  re- 
joic'd  y't  Y'r  Committee  have  at  last  ordered  14,000  Bush's  of 
Wheat  to  be  bolted  into  Flour  and  d'd  at  Conegocheek.  Y's  is 
a  very  seasonable  Supply,  and  I  expect  with  \v"t  is  already  pur- 
chas'd,  will  serve  our  Forces  for  Six  Mo's.  I  have  sent  up  to 
Alexa'a  and  Fredericksb'g  near  1,000  bis.  Pork  and  1,000  bis. 
Beef  on  board  the  Transports,  with  the  Bacon,  Butter,  &c.,  in 
our  frontier  Counties,  will  make  a  pretty  good  Supply,  and  I 
have  engaged  800  Beeves  to  be  d'd  at  our  Camp  the  other  Side 
the  Allegany  Mount's,  in  the  Mo's  of  June  and  July.  I  hope 
Y'r  Gov'r  will  press  the  delivery  of  the  Flour,  as  above,  with  all 
Expedition.  As  the  Transports  are  most  of  them  arrived,  I  be- 
lieve the  Gen'l  will  take  the  Field  soon,  but  the  want  of  Carriages 
for  Ordnance  Stores  is  w't  I  have  much  in  Tho'ts.  I  have 
ordered  16  Waggons  to  be  built,  but  we  shall  want  100.  Can 
we  be  supplied  from  Y'r  Colony?  Much  Money  will  still  be 
wanted.  Suppose  the  Gen'l  succeed  in  taking  the  Fort,  it  will 
be  proper  to  have  a  sufficient  Garrison  left  in  it  (to  prevent  his 
being  retarded  in  proceeding  to  Niagara,  &c.) ;  that  Garrison 
must  be  at  the  Charge  of  the  different  Colonies.  I  therefore 
hope  Y'r  Gov'r  will  imediately  call  Y'r  Assembly,  and  y't  they 
will  vote  a  considerable  Sum.  I  have  ordered  our  Assembly  to 
meet  the  ist  of  May  on  the  same  Subject,  for  there  is  nothing 
more  necessary  y'n  acting  now  with  Spirit,  and  the  tenth  Part  of 
the  Money  will  do  more  now  y'n  a  large  Sum  next  Year.  The 
Behaviour  of  Y'r  Quakers  and  Germans  is  intolerable,'"'  and 
am  sorry  they  give  me  the  Opp'ty  of  represent' g  them  to 
the    Ministry    in    their    proper    Colours,    and    I    suppose    may 

"•  A  MS.  pamphlet,  supposed  to  have  been  written  by  Sanuiel  Whar- 
ton in  1755,  says  that  the  party  on  the  side  of  the  P'riends  derive  much 
of  their  influence  over  the  Germans,  through  Christian  Sower,  who 
published  a  German  paper  in  Germantown.  Through  this  man,  says 
he,  they  have  persuaded  them  there  was  a  design  to  enslave — to  enforce 
their  young  men  [by  a  contemplated  militia  law]  to  become  soldiers, 
and  to  load  them  with  taxes,  etc. —  IValson's  Annals  ii,  pp.  255-6. 


524  DINWIDUIK    rAl>KKS. 

he  aticndctl  with  some  Alterations  in  Y'r  Constitut'n,  but  wd 
.  ho|>e  at  y's  l*eri(Kl  they  may  Jxr  prevailed  on  to  vote 
..  ..iikic  Sum.  I  am  in  hoiK-s  w'n  our  Forces  >»et  the  other  Side 
ol  the  Allegany  yt  many  of  the  Ind's*  will  desert  from  the  Fr., 
and  I  exjKrct  a  j»tHxl  Numln-r  ol  Chc-rukees  and  Catawb.is  will 
join  us.  What  may  be  exi>ecicd  from  the  Six  Nat's?  I  fear  the 
N.  York  Colony  has  not  mana^jed  well  with  these  People.  N'ou 
know  W.ishinj'ton's  Conduct  was  in  many  Steps  wronj;,  and  did 
not  o»nlorm  to  his  Orders  from  me.  <ir  he  had  not  cnjjaj>ed  till 
the  other  Forces  had  joined  him.  However,  now  I  am  in  jjreat 
•  methin^  essential  may  l>e  done  if  the  Colonies  join 
t  in  strenjjtheninj;  the  (ien'l's  Hands,  and  not  to  be 
parcimonious.  The  Money  raised  by  N.  York  sh'd  be  put  into 
a  CrtrnI  Fund  for  driving  the  Fr.  from  H.  M'y's  Lands;  after  y't, 
to  repair  Y'r  Forts,  etc.  I  shall  wait  on  the  (lenl  to  Annapolis, 
where  he  expects  to  meet  Govr  Shirley,  to  consult  the  General 
'"  nf  OfKTations,  and  I  doubt  not  Niajjara  will  be  greatly  the 
t  t)f  their  Consultat's.  as  I  think  yt  Fort  to  be  of  the 
greatest  Consetju'ce.  If  I  live  to  see  the  Fr.  drove  off  the  B — h 
Lands  and  confined  to  their  Hounds  in  Canada,  it  will  fully 
answer  any  Trouble  I  have  had  about  them.  I  thank  you  for 
the  Trouble  I  have  given  You,  and  for  \"r  Offer  of  Service  here- 
after, w'ch  is  very  kind,  l^ray  favo.  me  with  a  Letter  to  An- 
napolis, describ'g  the  Wensh  Ferry  Carriage  for  convey' g  Pro- 
vis  s,  \'c..  over  the  Mount's.  The  heavy  Guns  of  4,000  lbs.  will 
require  great  Care  and  Lalxjur  to  get  them  over,  tho'  the  Num- 
ber of  Ingineers  now  here  may  be  supposed  well  qualified  for 
such  Work.  Kxcusc  the  length  of  this  Letter,  and  be  assur'd  I 
rcm'n  with  t:rrat  Lsteem  and  Regard, 

.Sir.  \"r  most  ob'd't  h'ble  Serv't. 


'l\\VII>I)n:  TO  SIR  TM().\I.\S  ROBINSON. 

Mar.    17th.   1755. 


My  last  was  by  His   M  y  s  .Ship  Gibralter;  since  y't, 

Gen'l  Rraddock  arrived  here,  and  last  Week,  all  the  Transports. 

•it  one.     The  Forces  on  b'd  are  in  good   Health  and  high 

•,    iv.f   f.n.    p.rvon   sick..     The   Transports   with   them   are 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  525 

ordered  imediately  for  Alexa'a,  for  w'ch  Place  I  set  out  with  the 
Gen'l  To-morrow.  He  inclines  to  have  an  Interview  with  Gov'r 
Shirley  at  Annapolis  in  M'yl'd.  An  Express  was  accordingly 
sent  to  him  the  ist  of  y's  Month.  I  presume  at  this  Meet'g  a 
Plan  of  Operat's  will  be  agreed  on,  as  I  shall  attend  the  Gen'l 
there;  on  my  return  I  shall  write  You  fully.  I  have  been  closely 
employ'd  in  providing  Provisions  for  the  Forces,  and  I  think 
there  is  sufficient  for  six  or  eight  Mo's  for  the  whole.  The  only 
Difficulty  is  providing  Carriages  for  the  Ordnance  Stores,  &c., 
but  as  I  hope  by  Diligence  we  shall  be  able  to  surmount  y't,  tho' 
the  passing  the  Allegany  Mount's  will  be  troublesome,  but  those 
better  acquaint'd  with  these  Things  y'n  I  am,  seem  to  make  light 
of  it.  If  our  neighbouring  Colonies  had  been  equally  obed't  to 
His  M'y's  Com'ds  as  y's  Dom'n,  how  soon  c'd  we  have  drove 
the  Fr.  from  the  Ohio;  but  they  continue  obstinate  and  blind  to 
their  own  Preservat'n.  Money  is  wanted,  I  therefore  have  or- 
dered the  Assembly  of  y's  Colony  to  meet  the  ist  Day  of  May, 
to  endeavour  to  get  a  further  Aid,  but  I  much  fear  the  Supine- 
ness  of  the  other  Colonies  will  be  a  great  Hindrance  to  me, 
our  People  declaring  their  Backwardness  to  grant  any  further 
Supplies,  as  the  other  Colonies  will  look  on  them  as  Dupes  to 
the  whole,  by  assisting  the  Expedit'n  with  Chearfulness,  while 
the  others  rem'n  Indolent  and  passive,  tho'  in  equal  Danger 
with  Us,  but  I  shall  endeavour  all  in  my  Power  to  paliate 
y's  objection.  I  inclose  You  a  Copy  of  a  Let'r  sent  me  by 
the  Gov'r  of  N.  York,  contain'g  a  Speech  of  the  Gov'r  of 
Quebec  to  the  Six  Nat's,  by  w'ch  You'll  please  observe  w't 
false  Insinuat's  he  Uses  to  delude  the  poor  Ignorant  People 
to  their  Int't.  I  wish  the  N.  York  Gov't  had  been  more  as- 
siduous in  retain'g  these  People.  If  properly  informed,  a  little 
Money  applied  for  the  Payment  of  some  Lands  settled  by  the 
Subjects  of  N.  York,  w'ch  they  claim,  w'd  have  fixed  them  to 
our  Int't,  and  now  I  do  not  despair  of  their  declaring  themselves, 
w'n  they  see  our  regular  Troops,  in  our  P'avo.  And  I  have 
strong  hopes  w'n  Gen'l  Braddock  gets  other  Side  of  the  Alle- 
gany y't  he  will  be  able  to  do  w't  is  expected  from  him.  The 
Forces  I  raised  in  y's  Dom'n,  the  Gen'l  has  formed  as  follows  : 
Two  Compa's  of  Carpenters;  Six  Co's  of  Rangers,  and  a  Comp'y 
of  Light  Horse,  w'ch  Disposition  I  think  very  prudent,  and  will 
be  of  great  Use.  I  shall  with  greaj:  assiduity  do  every  Thing  in 
my  Power  for  His  M'y's  Service  and  his  Dom's  on  y's  Cont't. 


626  OINWIDDIE    PAPERS. 

I    beu  leave   to   assure    Vou   yl  1   rcin'n    with    Deference    and 
Rc9|)ecl, 

R't  Hon..  Vr  most  obedl  and  faithful  hble  Serv't. 
y  Capt.  Randolph. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIK  Ti)  THK  LORDS  OF  TRADE. 

Mar.  17th.  1755. 
RtHoS.: 

Inclosed  Vou  have  Copy  ol  my  last  by  His  M'y's  Ship 

Cfibralier.  to  wch  1  pray  t«»  lie  referred.     Since  y't,  Genl  Brad- 
dock  arrived  here  the  latter  end  of  Fcb'y,  and  last  Week  all  the 
Tranri|>orts.  e.xceplinj;   «»nc,  arrived    at   Hampton   in  Ja's  River. 
The  Forces  on  lx)ard  arc  all  in  >;ood  Health,  and  not  one  Person 
sick,  w'ch  I  observe  as  an  ajjrecable  Presajje  to  our  Success  in 
'ic    French    frcjm    the    Ohio.     The    Gen'l    ordered   the 
^  imediately  to  Alcxa'a,  and  To-morrow  I  set  out  with 
him  to  y't  Place;  he  thinks  proper  of  having  an  Interview  with 
(iov'r  Shirley.     I  accordingly  sent  an  K.x press  to  him  the  1st  of 
y  >  Mo.;  he  is  to  meet  us  at   Annapolis,  in   M'yl'd,  where  I  pre- 
sume the  Plan  of  Operations  will  be  established,  and  on  my  re- 
turn to  ys,  I  shall  write  ^"r  Lordships.     If  the  Northern  Col- 
onies had  been  as  earnest  and  ready  to  grant  Supplies  as  Y's 
iJomn,  1  anj  convinced  the  Fxpeditn  wd   have  been  conduct'd 
with  great   Spirit.     Hut   Pensylva'a,  the  most   populous,  and    I 
think,    the    richest    Province    on  y's  Cont't.    have  not    granted 
any  Aid  of  either  .Men.  Money  or  Provis's  till  lately.     By  my 
rc|>ealed  Let's,  they  have  at  last  Order' d  us  some  Flour.     The 
other  Colonies  have  also  been  very  backward  y't  I  am  greatly  in 
want   of  .Mt)ney.     I    have,  therefore,  ordered   our   A.ssembly   to 
mtet  the  hrst  f»l  May,  to  endeavour  to  get  them  to  vote  a  further 
Supply,  but  I  fear  the  Remissness  of  the  other  Colonies  will  [be] 
;<-al   Bar   to  me  in   prevailing  with   our   Legislature  to 
her  Aid.     I   have  l>een  very  much  engaged   in  provid- 
ing  Provis's,  and  have  a  proper  Qu'ty  ready,  yi   I   have  great 
■  ''■'-  Summer's  Campaign  will  fully  answer  the  Fnd  of 
.   ck's   coming   here.     The   want    of   Carriages  and 
Horses  ap|xrars  to  be  the  greatest  Obstacle,  as  a  great  No.  will 
' '-  r.cccjisary.     I  have  secured   pretty  many,  and  hope  by  Dili- 
^'  :    '•  to  provide  more,  and  every  Thing   in  my  Power  shall  be 
done  with  Chearfulness  and  Assiduity.     I  have  laid  an  Embargo 


DINWIDDIE    PAPERS.  527 

on  Provis's  as  a  Precedent  for  the  other  Colonies,  to  prevent  the 
Fr.  being-  suppHed  therewith,  tho'  I  verily  believe  there  is  none 
carried  from  y's  Colony.  The  Gen'l  has  wrote  to  the  different 
Colonies  to  lay  an  Embargo  on  Provis's.  I  have  the  Hon'r  to 
assure  You  y't  I  am,  with  h'ble  Respects, 

Y'r  L'd's  most  obed't  faithful  h'ble  Serv't. 


GOVERNOR  DINWIDDIE  TO  LORD  HALIFAX. 

Mar.  17th,  1755. 
R't  Hon.: 

My  last  to  You  was  the  24th  Ult'o  by  His  M'y's 
Ship  Gibralter,  to  w'ch  I  beg  leave  to  be  referred.  Since  y't  I 
have  the  Pleasure  to  acquaint  You  y't  the  Transports,  except'g 
one,  arrived  here  last  Week.  The  Forces  are  all  in  good  Health, 
and  they  are  ordered  to  proceed  in  the  Transports  for  Alexa'a, 
to  w'ch  Place  I  set  out  To-morrow  to  accompany  Gen'l  Brad- 
dock.  He  tho't  it  necessary  to  have  an  Interview  with  Gov'r 
Shirley,  and  has  sent  an  Express  for  him  to  meet  him  at  An- 
napolis, in  M'yl'd,  where  I  shall  accompany  him,  and  I  expect 
they  will  fully  settle  the  Plan  of  Operat's.  I  gave  my  Opinion 
freely  to  the  Gen'l  y't  one  of  the  Regim'ts  raised  in  N.  Eng'd 
sh'd  march  and  attack  the  Fort  at  Niagara,  and  the  Gen'l  to 
attack  y't  on  the  Ohio,  w'ch,  if  he  succeeded,  may  march  his 
Men  to  Lake  Erie  (after  leaving  a  proper  Garison  in  the  Fort 
at  Ohio),  and  his  Forces  may  join  those  raised  to  the  No'w'd, 
and  attack  their  strong  Garison  at  Crown  Point.  I  am  further 
of  Opinion  y't  N.  York  sh'd  reinforce  ye  Fort  at  Oswego  with 
at  least  400  Men,  for  undoubtedly  if  the  Fr.  find  we  are  de- 
termin'd  to  attack  them  at  Niagara  and  the  Ohio  they  will 
endeavor  to  get  Oswego  into  their  Hands.  These  are  my 
Sentim'ts,  w'ch  I  communicate  to  You  only.  Probably  Mr. 
Shirley  may  have  something  better  to  offer,  but  on  my  return 
shall  write  You  their  Determinat'n.  How  easy  is  it  to  drive  the 
Fr.  from  His  M'y's  Lands  if  the  Colonies  w'd  join  as  one  Man 
to  grant  Supplies  of  Men  and  Provis's;  but  unhappy  it  is  y't  our 
Neighbours  continue  still  indolent  and  unactive  for  their  own 
Preservat'n  and  disob'd't  to  H.  M'y's  Com'ds,  as  Y'rL'ds.  no 
doubt  will  be  informed  from  the  different  Gov'rs  of  their  Con- 


528  OINWIDUIK    I'APERS. 

dud.  1  shall  not  now  irouble  Vou  with  my  Obscrvat's  on  them. 
it  Caff  antl  intmitc  Trouble  provided  Provis's 
N  I  lor  the  wh»>le  Forces  lor  near  8  Mos;  but  my 
Cash  IS  almost  all  exhausted.  I  therefore  have  called  our  Assem 
■  ihe  iHt  Day  of  May,  w'n  I  shall  with  all  my  Int't 
'  ^et  a  further  Supply,  but  the  relractoriness  of  our 
Neighbours  will  be  a  very  jjreat  Bar  to  my  Kndcavours,  .is  the 
F*eople  here  think  the  other  Colonies  want  to  make  Dupes  of 
them  by  loading  y's  Dom'n  with  all  the  ex{>ence  of  Supplies, 
while  they  remain  unactive  in  not  supplying  cither  Men.  Money 
or  I'roviss.  By  my  Let's  to  I'ensylvaa  they  have  at  last  con- 
descendetl  to  supply  us  with  some  I'lOur,  y't  Colony  I  esteem  the 
richest  and  most  populous  Province  on  y's  Con'l  and  the  most 
liackward  on  y's  I"-X|H'dit'n  tho'  etjually  concerned  in  the  Danger 
with  ys  Dom'n  ;  however,  I  shall  not  desist  doing  all  in  my 
Power  with  our  Assem'y.  I  communicate  my  Acts  and  Tho'ts 
to  Yr  L'ds.  in  a  very  free  Manner,  hoping  w't  You  may  think 
amiss,  y't  You  will  pass  it  over,  as  the  whole  is  from  a  real  Zeal 
for  His  My's  .Service  and  the  (iood  of  these  Colonies,  and  I  have 
sanguine  no|)cs  y't  y's  Summer's  Campaign  will  effect  w't 
Cicn'l  Braddock  is  sent  to  perform.  His  M'y  has  been  pleased 
ID  send  me  his  W'arr't  to  remit  the  Ballance  y't  may  hereafter 
be  due  on  the  2s.  "p*  Hhd.  Revenue  reed  here,  to  replace  the 
^20,000  sent  me,  w'ch  I  shall  do  ;  the  Rec'r  Gen'l  settles  y't 
Acc't  next  Month.  That  Revenue  was  the  only  Fund  I  had  to 
call  on  in  an  Fmergency  of  (iov't  and  c'd  have  wished  it  had 
been  su.spended  the  touching  it  during  y's  Expcdit'n  ;  however, 
the  Rfiyal  Mandat  shall  be  duly  coniplyd  with. 

I  iK-g  leave  to  assure  \" r  I.'ds.  y't    1  am  with  L'lcat  Deference 
and  due  Respects, 

R't  Hon..  Y"r  most  obliged  and  taithlul  h  bic  :3erv  t. 


^^ 


k 


AA    000  887  327    5 


